THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Israel struggled to respond boldly and bravely against the onslaught of worldly desires, for such strength is not granted to those governed by the law but rather to those who dwell in Christ. Although it would be understandable for the righteous God to withhold water from those who strayed so far from reason, He instead commanded Moses to strike the rock, intending to strengthen the faith of the people through miraculous signs. God was fully aware that even Moses, displaying a degree of fear in the face of the people's turmoil, was uncertain in his own faith.
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Thus, in Exodus, He instructs, “Take some of the elders of Israel with you, and take your rod with which you struck the water in your hand, and go; behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, and the people shall drink” (Exodus 17:5-6). In Numbers, it further states, “Thou shalt take the rod, and gather the company, thou and Aaron thy brother, and shalt say in their eyes to the rock, and it shall give forth water out of itself: and so thou shalt bring forth water out of the rock unto them, and thou shalt make the company and their cattle drunk.”
Notice how, in affirming faith, He recalls the miracle performed in Egypt, saying, “Thy rod, with which thou hast struck the water, take it in thine hand, and go” (Ex. 17:5). It is as though He implies that the stick which transformed the great river into blood through the unspeakable might of God will effortlessly yield water from the rock. He reinforces this further by adding, “I will stand before thee there” (Ex. 17:6). You will not be alone, He assures; you are not the one creating the miracle. I will reveal the rock as the source of many waters, prepare the miracle, and be present as you carry it out. Speak to the stone, and I will be the power behind your words.