Exodus 17:6 Meaning and Explanation
“Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →God will stand by the rock; Moses will strike it and water will come out for the people.
The Context of Exodus 17:6
God's concrete promise: divine presence ensures the provision when obedience is followed.
What Does Exodus 17:6 Mean?
God promises His presence at a specific location and action. He will position Himself at the rock in Horeb, and when Moses strikes it, water will miraculously flow out. The language of God standing before Moses emphasizes that God is not distant but actively engaged in meeting the people's need.
Moses obeys without hesitation or doubt, performing the action in plain sight of the elders. This public miracle serves multiple purposes: it meets the people's physical need, it vindicates Moses before those who were ready to stone him, and it demonstrates that God's power flows through His chosen instruments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 17:6
What does Exodus 17:6 mean?
God will stand by the rock; Moses will strike it and water will come out for the people.
What is the context of Exodus 17:6?
God's concrete promise: divine presence ensures the provision when obedience is followed.