That Rock Was Christ

I

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?

II

In Moses’ rod a type they saw
Of His severe and fiery law;
The smitten rock prefigured Him
From whose pierced side all blessings stream.

III

But ah! the types were all too faint
His sorrows or His worth to paint;
Slight was the stroke of Moses’ rod,
But He endured the wrath of God.

IV

Their outward rock could feel no pain,
But ours was wounded, torn, and slain;
The rock gave but a wat’ry flood,
But Jesus pour’d forth streams of blood.

V

The earth is like their wilderness,
A land of drought and sore distress,
Without one stream from pole to pole
To satify a thirsty soul.

VI

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.