Olney Hymns · Chapter
That Rock Was Christ explained
This hymn reflects on the Old Testament account of water from the rock in the wilderness, interpreting it as a type of Christ.
What happens
This hymn reflects on the Old Testament account of water from the rock in the wilderness, interpreting it as a type of Christ. It contrasts the physical rock and Moses' rod with the spiritual reality of Christ's suffering and the streams of blessing that flow from Him. The hymn concludes by emphasizing that in the spiritual wilderness of this world, Christ alone provides the refreshing waters of pardon, strength, and comfort for thirsty sinners.
Themes in this chapter
Grace and Unmerited Favor
The streams of pardon, strength, and comfort are given freely to thirsty sinners, illustrating unmerited favor.
Suffering and Affliction
Christ's suffering is contrasted with the physical rock; He was wounded, torn, and slain, enduring the wrath of God.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
Prefigured by the smitten rock; His pierced side streams blessings; He endured the wrath of God and poured forth streams of blood.
- Moses
His rod struck the rock, a type of the law's severity, contrasting with Christ's suffering.
- The Narrator
The hymn's voice, proclaiming the praise of the Saviour and the refreshing streams found in Him.
Key passages
“When Isr'el's tribes were parch'd with thirst, Forth from the rock the waters burst, And all their future journey through Yielded them drink and gospel too?”
When Israel's tribes were thirsty, water burst from the rock, and throughout their journey it gave them drink and also a gospel message.
The physical event is seen as a type pointing to spiritual truth.
“The smitten rock prefigured Him From whose pierced side all blessings stream.”
The rock that was struck was a foreshadowing of Christ, from whose pierced side all blessings flow.
Typological interpretation of the rock as Christ.
“But let the Saviour's praise resound; In him refreshing streams are found, Which pardon, strength, and comfort give, And thirsty sinners drink and live.”
Let the Saviour be praised, for in Him are found refreshing streams that give pardon, strength, and comfort, and thirsty sinners who drink will live.
The application of the type to the believer's experience.