Moses and Aaron, Treatise · Chapter 23
CHAP. XXIII.
Water out of the Rock, a type.
THe second extraordinary Sacrament, sealing up to Israel Water out of the Rock, a type.their nourishment and strength in the Covenant, was the Water out of the Rock. After the Lord had brought Israel through the dangerous Sea, he brings them to Elim, a sweet and fruitful place, where were twelve fountaines of water, and seventy Palm trees, there they camped and breathed, Exod. 15. 27. Not long after they must come into the dry desart of Sin, where they want both bread and patience; for they murmure against God, and exclaim against Moses and Aaron. At this time the Lord feeds their bellies, and fills them with miracles of which Manna was full. Thence at Gods commandement must they come unto Rephidim, Exod. 17. 1. Here have they bread from heaven, but no water. Now contend they as fast with Moses for water as before for bread. And as thirst is the more eager appetite, so it ineagers their affections, that Moses complaines to God they are ready to kill him. God sees their rebellion and puts it up; and instead of revenge of their horrible obstinacy and ingratitude, satisfies their thirst as miraculously, as formerly he had done their famine and hunger. He commands Moses to take his rod and speak to the Rock, and then should issue The fact it self.waters in abundance to satisfie all the Campe, both man and beasts; and so he did, Exod. 17. 6.
Now we may not think that this fact concerned onelyonly Israel in the wildernesse, but even all the Church and Israel of God passing through the wildernesse of this world: and that for these Reasons.
1. The Apostle (1 Cor. 10. 4.) calleth it a spiritual Rock, both for being miraculous in effects, and for being a type of what The thing ours as well as theirs: Reasons. Propter miraculosum effectum, & propter futuri signum. Aquin.was to come. It was both miraculous and significant, and therefore called spiritual.
2. The same water which they drank, we also drink, as in the same Chap. and ver. because in the holy Supper of the Lord, the matter of our spiritual drink is the same with theirs▪ and that is the bloud of Christ, resembled by theirs: The difference is onelyonly in the manner of drinking.
3. Including this water of the Rock, the Apostle saith: they are all types to admonish us, and are written for us, verse 6. and 11.
4. Most plainly he affirmeth, verse 4. and that Rock was Christ; not in substance but in signification, saith Aquinas. Non per substantiam, sed per significantiam.Now▪ we having as much to doe with Christ as they, we must farther enquire into this type. 1. To parellel it with the truth by comparing them. 2. By applying it in some fruitful observations to our selves.
The Rock was a type of Christ three wayes.The Rock a type in three respects.
1. As it was a Rock.
2. As out of it issued water.
3. In the manner of obtaining.
I. As a Rock, it elegantly typed out Jesus Christ, fitly compared to a Rock in five resemblances.1. In nature: five resemblances:
1. For the despicable appearance: The Rock is in appearance dry and barren, the most unlikely thing in all the world to afford water; so as it was incredible to Moses and Aaron themselves to fetch water out of a Rock. If God had commanded them to have beaten fire out of a flinty Rock it had not been so unlikely; but to distil water out of a flint or Rock must be miraculous: Even so Jesus Christ was (for outward form and appearance in the world) most unlikely of all men to afford any such waters of grace and salvation. Isai. 53. 2, 3. He was as a dry root, without form or beauty, as an hard, barren, and despised Rock, the most abject of men, the refuse of the world, a worm and no man; of whom when the Prophets preached, they could fimd none almost that would believe their report.
2. A Rock for exaltation and advancement. A Rock is a promontory lifted up above the earth: Such a Rock was Christ advanced above the earth, yea, and the heavens; advanced above all men and creatures, 1. In holinesse and purity: 2. In power and authority: 3. In place and dignity. So Joh. 3. 31. he that comes from heaven is above all. His person is above all; for God hath exalted him, and given him a Name above all names, Phil. 2. 9. His work is above all that men and Angels can comprehend in power and merit. His place is above all; the head of the Church, eminent above all men and Angels.
3. A Rock for firmnesse and stability: He is the strength of Israel; on this Rock (as on a sure and firm foundation) the whole Church is laid, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it, Mat. 16. 18. Hence he is a Rock of defence and safety to his chosen; and everywise man builds his house on this Rock.
4. A Rock of scandall and offence to wicked men, Rom. 9. 32. Not in himself and his nature (for he is a precious corner stone) but accidentally and passively, because men dash themselves against him; as many, at this day bark (like doggs) against the wholesome doctrine of justification by Christ without the works of the Law. Many loose and formal Gospellers scorn the basenesse and meannesse of Preachers and true professours of the Gospel, because their darknesse can abide no light to come near it. To all these, and thousands moe, Christ is a Rock of scandal by their own default.
5. A Rock for weight, and danger, and inavoidable judgement upon his adversaries; which on whomsoever it falls, it crusheth him to pieces, Mat. 21. 44. If any rise against it, they doe but tire and tear themselves: but if this Rock rise against any man, and fall upon him, it breaks him to pouder. Witnesse the greatest enemies of Jesus Christ which the world ever had, Herod, Judas, Julian, Jewes, Pilate; as unable to rise from under his revenge, as a man pasht to pieces unable to rise from under a Rock.2. In respect of the waters issuing forth.
II. It was a type of Christ, as it sent out water in abundance to the people of Israel ready to perish for thirst. For so Jesus Christ is the onelyonly Rock that sends from himself all the sweet waters of life for the salvation of his elect, otherwise ready to perish eternally. For explanation whereof, mark
1. As from that Rock issued waters to wash and cleanse themselves and their garments: so from this Rock stream Three things.waters of ablution or washing; which serve to wash away both the guilt of sin, and stain of sin. For the former; the precious bloud of Christ streaming out of his side is the onelyonly mundifying water in the world, to wash the soul from the guilt of sin, and to scoure away all the execration of sin from the sight of God, 1 Joh. 1. 7. The bloud of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin. For the latter; from the same side of Christ our Rock issueth water as well as bloud, even the waters of regeneration, called (Tit. 3. 5.) the washing of the new birth, by the Spirit of grace and holinesse, which daily cleanse the stain and filthinesse of sin. Of these waters read, John 7. 38. He that believeth in me, out of his belly shall flow rivers of water of life: This he spake of the Spirit which he would give.
2. As from that Rock issued waters to cool and comfort Israel in their wearinesse and wandrings: so from Jesus Christ doe issue the waters of refrigeration and comfort, to cool and refresh the dry and thirsty soul; to allay the heat of a raging and accusing conscience; and to revive with new strength the fainting soul in temptation or persecution. And therefore the tyred traveller and thirsty passenger is called to these waters, Mat. 11. 28. Isai. 55. 1. For nothing but sound grace from Jesus Christ can quench the tormenting thirst of an accusing or distressed conscience.
3. As from that Rock streamed abundance of waters, to make fruitful that barren wildernesse wheresoever they ran: so onelyonly from the true Rock issue plentiful waters of grace, to make our dry and barren hearts fruitful in all works of righteousnesse: Isai. 44. 3, 4. I will pour water upon the thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground; I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thy buds; and they shall grow as among the grasse, and as willowes by the rivers of waters. All this blessing of fruitfulnesse is from the Rock. See Eph. 1. 4.
III. In the manner of attaining this water, are many sweet 3. In the manner of obtaining it. 5. Resemblances.resemblances.
1. The people might ask Moses water, but Moses cannot give it. It is God must give it, and miraculously fetch it out of a Rock, which how it should be, Moses cannot conceive: So men may seek justification, and to drink waters of salvation in themselves, either by nature, as Pelagians, or by merit, as Popish Justiciaries doe, either in the Law of Moses, as the Jewes, or in Evangelical Counsels, as the fond votaries of the Church of Rome: But no Jew can tell how to procure any water to himself, neither can Moses give it. By the Law of Moses no man can be justified, nor by any fond devises beyond the Law. But God of his grace hath devised a way, and pointed to us a Rock of living waters, to supply unto us that which was impossible to Moses Law because of our infirmity, Rom. 8. 3.
2. The Rock gives water, but not till it be smitten, Exod. 17. 6. so Christ the true Rock must be smitten with passion, he must be smitten with the wrath of his Father, and made a curse for us, before there can issue out of his side that bloudy stream by which the thirst of believers can be quenched And as the Rock was smitten twice, and waters gushed out both times: so Christ was twice smitten, first actually in himself, secondly virtually in the faith of believers of all ages, the faithful before him, believing in the Rock that was to be smitten and suffer death for sinne, the faithful after him, believing in the Rock that was smitten, dead, and raised already.
3. It was the Rod in Moses hand that smites and breakes the Rock: Even so it was the Law given by Moses hand, and our transgression against it that breaks the true Rock, Isai. 53. 5. Gal 3. 13. He was made a curse for us, and our transgression of the Law was laid upon him, that we might be freed from it. And as this was the same Rod that smote the River to bring destruction on the Egyptians and enemies of the Church: so this same Law and Rod of Moses brings the curse and damnation upon all the enemies of God, from whom it is not removed by Jesus Christ.
4. The Rock was smitten, but it was not so much the striking on the Rock, but the Lords standing upon it that gets water for Israel, Exod 17. 6. There was no vertue in the stroak, but all depended on Gods commandement, and precept, and presence: even so, it is not the death of Christ, nor the abundance of price and merit of his bloud, nor the striking on this Rock before mens eyes in the ministery of the Word and Sacraments, that can bring one drop of true water of comfort, but by the presence and word of Gods blessing. The efficacy of grace depends not on any meanes or work wrought, but it is Gods word and presence that doth all in them.
Object. Then we may give up the use of all meanes, and pray at home for grace.
Sol. Not so, for meanes must be used, Moses must speak to the Rock. God appoints no meanes in vain, but we must not insist and dwell in them, but look beyond them to Gods blessing and successe. Moses must use the Rod, though a word without the rod might have done it: so we must use the meanes as being tyed to them (though God be not) but not stick in them, seeing the abuse of them may make them hurtful not helpful. The people of Moses (the Jewes) struck this Rock, pearced him with thornes and speares, saw with their eyes the precious fountain opened in his side (a priviledge in which they were beyond all people of the earth) but partly ignorant what they did, partly malitious, treading this pretious bloud under foot, not attending, not believing the Word; this real striking of this Rock was unprofitable, yea, and damnable unto them.5. How the Rock followed the Jewes. 1 Cor. 13. 7. Petra consequente eos, 1. sequen…e, vel satisfaciente coru… voluntari. Aquin.
5. The waters of the Rock smitten followed the Israelites:
1. Noting the abundance of water, not onelyonly for their present supply, but also for future: so in Christ and his bloud … abundant and plentiful redemption and consolation.
2. The Rock following them, that is, following or satisfying their desires. It followed them every where, where they desired; followed their necessities, followed their desires: So Christ Jesus is to the faithful heart, all it can desire. He followes them with all sweet and needful desires. He is above all that heart can think; alwayes present with us through our wildernesse, especially in most needful times.
3. It followed them, in signifying the truth which was to Veritatem sequentem significante. Aquin.follow. It signified plainly, that Christ was to follow it as the truth the tppe; and so it followed them with instruction and admonition: so Christ the true Rock followes the Church with instruction. His whole life, ministery, miracles, actions, passion, and speeches, was a real instruction. And now by his Ministery he followes us with daily directions.
4. It followed them through the wildernesse even unto Canaan. All the drynesse of that dry and barren wildernesse could not dry it up: So the waters of grace streaming from the Rock Jesus Christ, follow the believing Israel of God through the wildernesse of the world to the heavenly Canaan. All the persecutions and parching heats and droughts in the world can never dry it up. Let all the wildernesse besides want water, in Israels Campe is enough. Where God begins with a man in sound and saving grace here, it will carry him into the land of promise True grace must end in glory.
Hence arise observations twofold.1. Uses in respect of God.
I. In respect of God, to confirme our faith in the assurance of his, 1. Presence. 2. Power. 3. Mercy to the Church.
I. His Presence. He that before was present in the Pillar of the Cloud and Fire for their safety, and in the Manna for Christ ever present with his Church.their sustenance; is now present in the Rock for their satiety in their extreme thirst. The presence of Christ is all in all to the Church; his presence is a present supply of all wants. His eye is alwayes present; for although it goe over all the world, yet it is alwayes fixed on the Church. His ear is present, they cannot call to Moses for bread or water, but he heares and supplies. His hand is ever present with and for his Church, and is not shortned. Himself is ever present with his, in life, in death, and after; for good, for grace, and glory.
OnelyOnly keep thou these conditions. 1. Be with him, 2 Chron. Our duty by vertue thereof.15. 2. that is, walk with him, as Henoch. 2. Keep in thy wayes; for so long he hath promised his comfortable presence.
3. Rejoyce in his presence, in the presence of his spirit, in the signes and meanes of his presence; And then fear not want, sicknesse, nor to walk in the midst of the valley of the shadow of death for God is with thee, Psal. 23. 4. He will also prepare a table for thee in the sight of the adversarie, ver. 5.
II. Here is a testimony of such mighty and miraculous An almighty power in Christ for his Church.power in God for his people▪ that even Moses himself staggered, and could scarce conceive a work of such power from God. Here is a work of omnipotency in cleaving the hard Rock, Psal. 78. 15. To shew, 1. That he is a free worker, not tied to second causes; but at his pleasure can hinder, alter, or change the power of nature, Psal. 115. 3. 2. That he can work by contraries, and out of most unlikely (yea contrary) meanes, effect his own pleasure, Luke 1. 37. Is any thing impossible to God? 3. That we should cast our eyes on this power, Psal. 62. 11. Once have I heard it, yea twice, that power belongeth to God.
And hence learn, 1. Not to limit the holy one that made heaven and earth of nothing. 2. Faithfully to depend on Our duty.this power when we see no meanes of safety or supply, but all the meanes contrary: For the Rock shall yield water rather than thou shalt want what he seeth good for thee. 3. In thy fainting and wearinesse, when thy weaknesse tells thee thou art not able to goe on in this wildernesse for want of water, of comfort and consolation, nay, art hopelesse in thy self or any meanes thou canst make; now hope above hope, Gods power is sufficient in thy weaknesse; Sampson shall get both victory and water by a jaw-bone, the most unlikely thing in the world for either. And though this power now worketh not miracles ordinarily, yet before thou that waitest on him shalt miscarry, he will miraculously sustain thee.
III. Here is a testimony of Gods admirable mercy to his people. Israel deserved to be smitten for their murmuring Gods mercy to his people admirable.and rebellion; but the Rock is smitten for them. The Rock is not smitten for itself, but for Israel. In stead of a revenging power which they might have expected, they find a gracious power which they could not expect: Even so all mankind was to be smitten by the Law; but the Rock must be smitten for us. Our Rock suffered nothing for his own sinnes (who was purer in his nature and actions than all the Angels of God) but all the stroke he suffered was for the Israel of God, that they might draw out of this well-head waters of joy and abundant consolation. The mighty power of God (which we had deserved to be turned all against us) is all turned to the salvation of the Church, where mercy rejoyceth against judgement.
Thus of God.
From this Rock and water we are also to observe some 2. Uses in respect of our selves. See the fountain of grace opened.things concerning our selves.
I. We have here the accomplishment of that Prophecy, Zach. 13. 1. A fountain is opened to the house of David, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleannesse. Here we have Christ himself the true water out of the Rock; who onelyonly refresheth dry and weary soules, and comforteth the fainting heart with the sweet promises flowing from the Gospel. And that we may see the excellency and benefit of this fountain, we will a little compare this Rock with the other, and set the truth above the type, to draw our eyes and desires after it.
1. In that Rock, the Rock was one thing, the Water another: Far better than that in the wildernesse: 7. wayes.here Christ is both the Rock and Water, both the giver, and water given.
2. That Rock refreshed wicked men and beasts: this is bestowed upon, and comforteth onelyonly believers.
3. That Rock refreshed bodies onelyonly: this both soules and bodies. That preserved natural life, but this torrent preserves the supernatural life of grace; so as a leaf withers not, nor falls from a tree of righteousnesse planted by this River of water, Psal. 1. 3.
4. That Rock might preserve and comfort the living; but could not help a dead man: but this quickneth the dead soul with new and heavenly life.
5. The waters of that Rock quenched natural thirst: but this quencheth all unnatural. One drop of it tasted by Zacheus quenched all his unnatural thirst after the world: and in Paul all …he thirst of revenge and fury against the Saints.
6. The Rock gave water twice: this Rock gives waters of comfort alwayes. The water of that Rock followed them a great while, but at length were dryed up: but the waters of this Rock are never dryed up. The bloud of Christ is alwayes running, and a fresh fountain never dry.
7. The Israelites drank of that water, and were contented for a little while; but by and by did thirst again; But he that drinkes of this water shall never thirst again, Joh. 4. 14. that is, miserably as they: however he shall desire it still, yet his very desire is his happinesse and satiety.
II. How we are to carry our selves to this Rock and Fountain, Do as Israel at the Rock.namely, as Israel to that Rock.
1. The Israelites thirst and call for water, they see and feel Thirst for Christ.their need and want: so we must feel our want of Christ, and get a fervent desire after Christ and his graces, because onelyonly the thirsty are called, Isai. 55. 1. and onelyonly they in want see the worth of the thing wanting. Now we may not think that every wish after Christ is this thirst; for the worst can wish a part in Christ: but this thirst and desire must have three conditions.
1. It must be fervent and eager as Sampsons, Give me water, Conditionsor I die, Judg. 15. 18. As the chased Hart panteth after the rivers of water, so doth my soul after thee, Psal. 42. 1.
2. It must be faithful. We must not thirst with repining and diffidence, as the Israelites, but with faith and confidence▪ This drawes vertue from Christ, According to thy faith be it to thee.
3. It must be constant. The Israelites thirst still till they obtain their desire: so we must not content our selves with desire, or to come where this water is and goe without it; but we must never be content with our estate (though it be never so well with us for the world) till we taste the sweet comfort and strength of Christ and his merits. To continue Continue still this thirst: Rules.thy thirst, observe two rules.
1. So long as God hath any grace to give, or is not weary of giving, thou must not be weary of thirsting, begging, asking.
2. So long as thou wantest any grace, or any measure of grace received, thou must thirst still. Ever be desiring one good thing after another, and one measure of grace after another, till thou beest compleat; and then shalt thou never give over this thirst while thou livest here.
2. Israel thirsty runs to the Rock: so in thy thirst run thou Have recourse to Christ.to the Rock. Dost thou thirst for pardon of sin, for grace of sanctification, for sence of Gods love, for assurance of eternal life? come to this Rock for supply. Art thou ready to faint in thy soul for want of grace and comfort, art thou ready to sink in sorrows, feares, faintings, wants, dangers? run to this fountain which God hath opened for thee. To move thee hereto, consider
1. The Rock it self calls thee which art thirsty (which that Motives.Rock could not doe) Joh. 7. 37. If any man thirst, let him come to me and drink
2. That to run any whither else, is to forsake the fountain of living waters, and dig pits that will hold no water. Let Papists run to the puddle waters of their own merits, or seek other Mediators or Intercessors: say thou with the Apostles, Lord thou hast the words of eternall life, and whither should we goe? Let others run to humane helpes and remedies in their sorrowes; to cards, dice, merry company, let them run to devils and witches, and make them their Rock: Let thy heart say, The Lord is my Rock: and if the word were not my comfort, I were sure to sink in my trouble.
3. Israel coming to the Rock, did not onelyonly draw from Quench thy thirst and be satisfied.thence, but drink heartily: so we must not onelyonly come to the place where Christ is preached, but we must believe in him, and specially apply to our selves the merit of his death. For as drinking is a special application of water to the thirsty body, so by believing in Christ we specially apply the waters of grace to the refreshing of the soul. To believe is to drink this water, Joh. 7. 38. with Joh. 4. 14. Nothing could quench Israels thirst (being bodily) but water: and onelyonly faith quencheth our spiritual thirst: And therefore (as they to Moses) we must say to Christ, Lord, give us faith to quench our spiritual thirst.
Let these motives provoke us to drink these waters.Three Motives.
1. As Israel was by drinking that water revived and refreshed, so onelyonly these waters from Christ quicken us with new life, and cool the heat of raging and accusing consciences. Every believer hath true tranquillity of heart, and joyes of the Holy Ghost within him; yea, so plentifully doe these waters of consolation rise from the Rock, that he that drinkes them is said to have the kingdome of God in him, which stands in Rom. 14. 17righteousnesse, peace, joy, &c.
2. What madnesse and folly is it to lay about us so eagerly for this puddle water in comparison, and catching with all greedinesse at the bitter-sweet comforts of this life, which prove poyson to the most; and neglect the sweet and pure streames of saving waters of grace flowing from the true Rock Jesus Christ. We read what strife and contention was among the Jewes for wells of spring water; and now no man will lose a dishful of well water, but he will know to whom: and shall we onelyonly not care for the water of saving grace, which cost Christ so dear before he could open the well of it for us?
3. When the woman of Sumaria heard Christ say, that he that drank of this water should thirst no more: Lord, saith she, give me this water, that I may no more thirst, nor come hither to draw: Joh. 4. 15. So let it stir up our desires after it also, that we may get within the well that springeth up to eternal life.
3. What means may we use for the attaining of water out Meanes to get wat… out of this Rock.of this Rock?
Answ. 1. Be an Israelite. That Rock was smitten onelyonly for them: This Rock is laid in Sion, not in AEgypt. No AEgyptian, no Canaanite, no Romish AEgyptian that drinkes of that Popish puddle, no profane worldlings taste of these waters; swill and draffe is good enough for such swine.
2. Come to the place. Israel must goe out of them houses, as well to fetch water out of the Rock, as to gather Manna. The place whence the Rock sends water is the threshold of the Sanctuary, Ezeck. 47. If we will not stir out of our dores, we may justly starve.
3. Avoid letts and hinderances that dam up these waters:
As, 1. Ignorance of their worth, and of thy own need; HindrancesJoh. 4. 10. If thou knewest the gift of God, thou wouldst have asked. &c. Good reason thou want it, who thinkest it a thing thou mayst best want. Many among us (like Tantalus) in the midst of water die for thirst.
2. Hardnesse of heart, which keeps the soul dry and barren; and abiding in the natural hardnesse of a Rock, all the waters of this spiritual Rock are lost upon it.
3. A quenching and grieving of the spirit; this turns the stream another way, that it finds another chanell. Grieve not the spirit, but grieve rather that thy self art so strait-necked a vessel.
4. Secure neglect of meanes. A man that will be rich follows the meanes: so he that meaneth to be rich in grace; whereas he that meaneth to die a begger, casts up all, and makes holy-day at his pleasure.
4. Provide, 1. The bucket of faith to draw; for the well Helpes.is deep, and without this bucket thou gettest none, John 4. 11. 2. Find a fit vessel to put these waters in: As 1. A clean vessel of a pure heart. Who would put Aqua vitae, or Balm water, in a fusty and stinking bottle? 2. A whole vessell, that it leak not out again. This whole vessell is a whole and sincere heart, but broken all to pieces. No vessell here can hold but a broken and contrite heart. God fills the humble; the haughty and proud are sent away empty.