Paul pointed the Corinthians to the experience of ancient Israel, to the blessings that rewarded their obedience, and to the judgments that followed their transgressions. He reminded them of the miraculous way in which the Hebrews were led from Egypt under the protection of the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. Thus they were safely conducted through the Red Sea, while the Egyptians, essaying to cross in like manner, were all drowned. By these acts God had acknowledged Israel as His church. They "did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." The Hebrews, in all their travels, had Christ as a leader. The smitten rock typified Christ, who was to be wounded for men's transgressions, that the stream of salvation might flow to all.

Paulus gjorde korinterne opmærksom på det gamle Israels erfaringer, på de velsignelser, der lønnede deres lydighed og den dom, der fulgte efter deres overtrædelser. Han mindede dem om, på hvilken underfuld måde hebræerne var blevet ført ud af Ægypten, beskyttet af skyen om dagen og ildstøtten om natten. På denne måde var de blevet ført trygt gennem Det røde Hav, mens ægypterne, der prøvede at komme over på samme måde, alle druknede. Gennem disse handlinger havde Gud anerkendt Israel som sin menighed. De "spiste alle den samme åndelige mad og drak alle den samme åndelige drik, thi de drak af en åndelig klippe, som fulgte med; og den klippe var Kristus." Under alle deres rejser havde hebræerne haft Kristus til fører. Den klippe, Moses slog på, var et billede på Kristus, der skulle såres for menneskers overtrædelser, for at frelsens strømme kunne flyde til alle.