1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. (1 Corinthians 10:1-5 KJV)
Commentary
In order to dissuade the Corinthians from communion with idolaters and from carelessly continuing in sin, Paul sets before them the example of the Jews, the church under the Old Testament. They enjoyed great privileges, but because they committed serious offenses, they suffered severe punishments. In these verses, he lists their privileges, which in many ways were the same as ours.
He begins with a solemn introduction: “Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant” (1 Corinthians 10:1). This history is worthy of their knowledge and attention, for it is both instructive and a warning. Judaism was Christianity under a veil, wrapped in types and shadows. The gospel was preached to them through their rites and sacrifices. God’s providence toward them, and what happened despite their privileges, should serve as warnings to us.
Paul then specifies some of their privileges.
First, their deliverance from Egypt: “Our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea” (1 Corinthians 10:1). They were under God’s covering and guidance. The cloud was a pillar that shone on one side to guide them and darkened on the other to shield them from their enemies. It also spread over them as a covering to protect them from the burning sun in the desert (Psalm 105:39). They were miraculously brought through the Red Sea, while the Egyptians were drowned. It was a safe path for them, but a grave for their enemies. This was a type of our redemption by Christ, who saves us by conquering His and our enemies. God worked great miracles for their deliverance and took them under His immediate protection.
Second, they had sacraments similar to ours. “They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea” (1 Corinthians 10:2), meaning they were brought under obligation to Moses’ law and covenant, just as we are by baptism under the Christian covenant. It was a symbolic baptism.
“They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink” (1 Corinthians 10:3–4). The manna they ate was a type of Christ, the bread from heaven that gives eternal life. Their drink came from a stream that flowed from a rock, which followed them through the wilderness, and “that Rock was Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:4). He is the rock on which the church is built, and from Him flow the streams that refresh all believers. The rock is called “spiritual” because it pointed to spiritual realities.
These were great privileges. One might think they would have been preserved by them. Yet “with most of them God was not pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness” (1 Corinthians 10:5). Many who shared in these privileges died without entering the promised land. This is a warning: people may enjoy great spiritual advantages and still fall short of eternal life. Privileges and outward profession alone cannot secure heavenly happiness or protect from judgment unless true faith and obedience are present.