1 Corinthians 10:1-4

Blessings Israel Received

Though Paul was writing primarily to Gentile Christians, Abraham would be considered their father in the spiritual realm (Galatians 3:7-8; Galatians 3:29), as would the other faithful fathers of the past. The Corinthian brethren probably knew the basic facts of the story of Israel's deliverance from Egypt, but Paul wanted them to see its spiritual significance. He first referred to the crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:19-22). The Israelites were buried in the sense of being completely covered from sight. A wall of water was on both sides and the cloud between them and Egyptians. The cloud did also cover them (Psalms 105:38-39). In the sea, they passed from disputed leadership, between Moses and Pharoah, to undisputed leadership by Moses, God's messenger. Thus, like baptism for the Christian, the crossing of the Red Sea saved the Jews from bondage (1 Corinthians 10:1-2; Exodus 14:30; Romans 6:3-4; Romans 6:16-18).

The manna God provided in the wilderness could be said to be spiritual because it came from God. It was also a type of Christ (John 6:31-35; John 6:49-51). Through it, the Jews should have come to recognize God as the giver. Its provision should also have induced them to be thankful, which would have spiritually strengthened them. Rocks were used on two occasions to provide water when needed. The rock is said to have followed them in the sense that it was available when needed (Exodus 17:6; Numbers 20:8). In the Christian age, Jesus provides living water (John 4:14). The apostle's comments on Christ as the rock prove Jesus existed in Old Testament times (1 Corinthians 10:3-4).