Les Feldick Bible Study

What rod did God tell Moses to use when he struck the rock?

God instructed Moses to take the same shepherd's rod he had used to smite the river in Egypt, which turned water to blood, and to strike the rock in Horeb (Mount Sinai) so water would come out for the people to drink.

Les explains that when the Israelites thirsted and murmured against Moses, Moses cried to the Lord. God told him to go before the people, take the elders and his shepherd's rod—the same rod he used to smite the river in Egypt, turning it to blood. God said He would stand before Moses on the rock in Horeb, which is the same as Mount Sinai. Moses struck the rock with the shepherd's rod, and water came out, enough for all the Israelites and their cattle, with enough left over that neighbors fought for it.

Exodus 17:5

And the LORD said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go.