Exodus 17 — Thoughts

Is the Old Testament Obsolete?

Some people claim that the Old Testament is now obsolete because we have the New Covenant. And yet, on the Emmaus Road, Jesus said that all of Scripture was about Himself.

This tells us that the only correct way to read the Old Testament is with Jesus in mind. And when we do, we start to see the cross everywhere.

We see it twice in this chapter.

First, the Israelites needed water, but they were in the desert. So God told Moses to strike a rock. When he did, water flowed from it, providing the people with all they needed.

Like the Israelites dying of thirst, we are helplessly dying in our sin — but Jesus is our rock. Just as the rock was broken by Moses, Jesus’ body was broken on the cross. And it was through His death that we are given new life — just as the Israelites were given water in the desert.

But an even clearer image is provided as the Israelites battle the Amalekites.

Israel won the fight as long as Moses’ arms were held up. Centuries later, Jesus’ arms were held in the same position on the cross. The death Jesus died on the cross won the victory over sin and death for us, just as Moses holding up his arms won the victory for the Israelite forces.

Jesus is our source of life. Jesus is our victory. And God was dropping hints for us even in the Exodus.

Of course, the Old Testament is still relevant.

(Originally written May 5, 2022)