Significance of Moshe Striking the Rock
Our sages wrote in Berakhot 34b in the Talmud that from Moshe to the last prophet every word speaks of Mashiach. Mashiach is seen throughout the portion Chukkat (Bamidbar 19:1-22:1) and is referred to in the hitting of the Rock in the Tzin Desert where Moshe lost his privilege of entering into the Promised Land.
In Exodus 17, we see Moshe being asked by G-d to strike the Rock once in order to bring water to our people who were complaining in the desert of Sinai. This first striking represents the striking of Yeshua our Messiah at his first coming, he being struck in order to fulfill his role at the blood atonement, the kapparah (covering) for our sins.
This second time G-d told Moshe to speak to the Rock to once again bring forth the much needed water. This second Rock represents the second coming of our Messiah. He no longer is coming to die but to be Mashiach ben David, the conquering Messiah. In speaking to Him, He brings forth rivers of Mayim Chaim - Living Water in the hearts of His followers. May we all speak to him and not strike him by complaining and rejecting him. May we trust in Him and enter the Promised Land.


