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As soon as they were removed thence, they came to Rephidim, being
distressed to the last degree by thirst; and while in the foregoing days
they had lit on a few small fountains, but now found the earth entirely
destitute of water, they were in an evil case. They again turned their
anger against Moses; but he at first avoided the fury of the multitude,
and then betook himself to prayer to God, beseeching him, that as he had
given them food when they were in the greatest want of it, so he would
give them drink, since the favor of giving them food was of no value to
them while they had nothing to drink. And God did not long delay to give
it them, but promised Moses that he would procure them a fountain, and
plenty of water, from a place they did not expect any. So he commanded
him to smite the rock which they saw lying there,
1
with his rod, and out of it to receive plenty of what they wanted; for
he had taken care that drink should come to them without any labor or pains-taking.
When Moses had received this command from God, he came to the people, who
waited for him, and looked upon him, for they saw already that he was coming
apace from his eminence. As soon as he was come, he told them that God
would deliver them from their present distress, and had granted
them an unexpected favor; and informed them, that a river should run for
their sakes out of the rock. But they were amazed at that hearing, supposing
they were of necessity to cut the rock in pieces, now they were distressed
by their thirst and by their journey; while Moses only smiting the rock
with his rod, opened a passage, and out of it burst water, and that in
great abundance, and very clear. But they were astonished at this wonderful
effect; and, as it were, quenched their thirst by the very sight of it.
So they drank this pleasant, this sweet water; and such it seemed to be,
as might well be expected where God was the donor. They were also in admiration
how Moses was honored by God; and they made grateful returns of sacrifices
to God for his providence towards them. Now that Scripture, which is laid
up in the temple,
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informs us, how God foretold to Moses, that water timid in this manner
be derived out of the rock.'
3