Definition: And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts [also].

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Numbers 20:11. It’s a really important story about God’s power and a shift in how He works with people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: God was giving the Israelites time to travel across the Red Sea, and they were facing a massive rock blocking their path. Moses, leading the people, used his rod to strike the rock twice. This second strike caused a huge amount of water to flow out, and the Israelites were able to drink from it. Here’s a breakdown of what's happening: “And Moses lifted up his hand…” : This shows that Moses was actively requesting God’s help. He wasn’t just passively waiting; he was reaching out for divine guidance. “…and with his rod he smote the rock twice…” : The “rod” is a symbol of authority and power from God. Smote means to strike or break something. He struck the rock twice . This suggests a significant, forceful action. “And the water came out abundantly…” : This is the key part – a massive outpouring of water! It wasn’t just a little trickle; it was a huge, abundant flow. “…and the congregation drank, and their beasts [also].” : This means that many people drank from the water, and also, some of the animals (particularly the cattle) were able to drink as well. It shows God’s provision for everyone. What it's about: This story is a powerful demonstration of God’s power over obstacles and provides evidence of His faithfulness. It highlights: God’s Authority: The verse emphasizes that God has the right to overcome anything, even seemingly insurmountable challenges. His Provision: It shows that He can provide for everyone, even in difficult situations. The Importance of Faith & Obedience: Moses' action demonstrates the importance of trusting in God and following His commands. In essence, it’s a story about God’s strength, His provision, and how He responds to our requests. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that I can answer for you? For example: Would you like me to explain the symbolism behind the rod? Are you curious about its significance in the larger story of the Exodus?