The "Moveable Well" in 1 Cor 10:4: An Extrabiblical Tradition in an Apostolic Text

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the presence and implications of a Jewish exegetical tradition in Paul's appeal to the exodus/wilderness episode in 1 Cor 10:4. The goal is threefold: (1) to establish that 1 Cor 10:4 is in fact an example of a ubiquitous exegetical tradition that understood the rock in the desert (Exodus 17; Numbers 20–21) as being in some sense mobile: it "followed" the Israelites; (2) to explore briefly the exegetical process that gave rise to this tradition; and (3) to explore some of the implications raised by the presence of this tradition in Paul's letter, specifically concerning the nature of inspiration and scriptural authority, and to offer a time-honored suggestion toward a solution.