This week we are reading through 1 Corinthians 10. This chapter opens with the example of the Israelites leaving Egypt during the Exodus, and how they are a typology for the Church. Paul had previously linked Jesus with the Passover lamb in 1 Cor. 5:7. Here, Paul speaks of the cloud (Holy Spirit), the sea (baptism), and the food and drink (Eucharist) that those in the Exodus experienced just as the Church now experiences their fulfillment. Please re-read the story of the Exodus in Exodus 13-14, and of the water from the rock in Exodus 17. Think of the different ways in which the rock of Exodus 17 models Christ. All of the Old Testament speaks of Jesus Christ (Luke 24:27), and Paul uses this way of reading Scripture to set up his major argument in this reading which is that just because we are baptized and take communion doesn’t mean we have made to the Promised Land. The Exodus was only the start of the journey, not the end. If you have time, read about Israel’s idolatry (Numbers 25) and grumbling (Number 14) in the desert and the result thereof. At the end of this chapter, look how Paul describes what occurs during the Eucharist. This teaching is similar and maybe drawn upon Jesus’ teaching in John 6:53-58. Also, think about how to reconcile the teachings of Paul in chapter 10 with those of chapter 8. What are the limitations on eating food sacrificed to idols, and how would these limitations apply today, if at all?
As an aside, in verse 4, Paul speaks of the “rock that followed them” from whence they drank. In Jewish commentaries, the rock is called the “Well of Miriam.” Miriam was the sister of Moses and Aaron. If you read Numbers 20, Miriam dies at the same time the Israelites run out of water. Although the Israelites had been wandering through the desert for a while since the rock gave forth the water in Exodus 17, the bible never says the Israelites ever wanted for water again until Numbers 20. This led the rabbis to conclude that the rock in Exodus 17 must have followed the Israelites though their journey in the desert, and that the gift of the rock was due to God’s favor towards Miriam since when she died, the rock quit producing water. Two good discussions of Miriam’s well (the rock the followed Israel) are HERE and HERE.
Dinner is at 6. The menu is chicken casserole. Please bring a friend. Hope to see you here.
Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.
Luke 24:27