What does smiting the rock teach us about God's judgment?

The act of smiting the rock in Exodus 17 serves as a powerful illustration of God's judgment and the atonement achieved through Christ. God commanded Moses to smite the rock so that water would flow forth for the rebellious Israelites, symbolizing the judgment that was laid upon Christ on the cross. ISBN: Isaiah 53:4 highlights that Jesus bore our grief and was stricken by God for our transgressions. This incident underscores that the Lord orchestrated the smiting of Christ to fulfill the demands of justice while also providing salvation, thus revealing both God's holiness and His profound mercy. For believers, it serves as a reminder of the depth of Christ's sacrifice and the joyous privilege of having our sins paid in full.