THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Israel struggled to respond boldly and courageously to the assaults of their desires, for such valor is not designated for those bound by the law, but rather, it is meant for those who are united with Christ. Although it would be just for the offended God to withhold the provision of water, He chose to perform other miracles to lead those who had fallen into despair back to faith, instructing Moses to strike the rock with his staff. God was aware that even Moses, who hesitated amid the unrest of the people, was faltering in his trust.
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Thus, in Exodus, He commands: “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 is stated: “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 that in strengthening faith, He recalls the miracle accomplished in Egypt, saying: “Thy rod, with which thou hast struck the water, take it in thine hand, and go” (Ex. 17:5). This implies that the rod which turned the mighty river into blood through the incomprehensible power of God will effortlessly cause water to flow from the rock. He reaffirms this promise by adding: “I will stand before thee there” (Ex. 17:6). He assures Moses that he will not be alone and emphasizes that the miracle is not solely upon him; rather, God declares, "I will reveal the rock as the source of abundant waters, I will orchestrate the miracle, and I will be present while you carry it out. You shall speak to the stone, and I will provide the might behind your words."