What does the Bible say about the smitten rock in Exodus 17?

Exodus 17 recounts the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, where they faced thirst and complained against Moses. In response, God instructed Moses to strike a rock at Horeb, from which water poured forth to quench the people's thirst. This event foreshadows Christ, who is the spiritual rock providing living water to His people. Just as the physical rock supplied water, Christ, as the 'rock of ages', offers spiritual sustenance and grace to those who believe in Him. This connection is solidified in 1 Corinthians 10:4, where Paul states, 'and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.'