Hard Rocks

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But on the second occasion, when Moses tried to bring forth water from that rock (Num. xx), it did not turn to “perfection”, because of Israel’s sins; and in reference to this Moses said: “The Rock that begat thee thou hast weakened” (Deut. 32, 15), meaning, “thou hast weakened it from what it was to thee before; it does not now represent ‘perfection’ but ‘judgement’; it is not now what it was when thou wast begotten as a people”.’

Zohar, Beshalach 30:433

But does it not say,’ objected R. Judah, ‘ “Behold, he smote the rock, and the waters gushed out” (Ps. 105, 41)?’ R. Hiya replied: ‘A strong hammer is known by the sparks it produces (i.e. a sharp mind is recognized by the problems it raises), and dost thou ask such a question? Listen. Everywhere “rock” symbolizes “Geburah” (Force), and when the Holy One wishes to wound and to smite, this “Geburah” is awakened and it is this that executes the act. Hence, we read: “The Rock smote, and the waters gushed out.” Without this the waters would not have gushed out.’

Zohar, Beshalach 30:426

THE word ẓur (rock) is a homonym. First, it denotes “rock,” as “And thou shalt smite the rock” (ẓur) (Exod. 17:6). Then, “hard stone,” like the flint, e.g., “Knives of stone” (ẓurim) (Josh. 5:2). It is next employed to signify the quarry from which the stones are hewn; comp. “Look unto the rock (ẓur) whence ye are hewn” (Isa. 51:1). From this latter meaning of the term another figurative notion was subsequently derived, viz., “the root and origin” of all things. It is on this account that after the words “Look to the rock whence ye are hewn,” the Prophet continues…

Guide for the Perplexed, Part 1 16:1-2

(Devarim 32:4) "The rock (hatzur), perfect is His work": "hatzur" — "hatzayar" (the artist). He formed the world and formed the man in it, viz. (Bereshith 2:7) "And the L-rd G-d formed the man." "Perfect is His work": His work is whole with all creatures, and His ways are not to be brought into question. The slightest variation is not to be entertained regarding them — "If I had three eyes," "If I had three hands" "If I had three feet," "If I could walk on my head," "If my face faced backwards" — "how wonderful it would be!" This is the intent of "Perfect is His work."…

Sifrei Devarim 307:1-6

An investigative/astrological approach: When Bileam speaks about the צורים, the “rocks,” he refers to the seven planets which form the “bottom line,” or “bedrock” of the world view held by the philosophers of his time. The “hills”, גבעות refer to the 12 zodiac constellations. Bileam drew a comparison between the signs of the zodiac which are affixed to the planetary system in space and to the fixed stars which were perceived as anchored in the earth (read: ‘matter’). Bileam was able to recognize that whereas the people whose world-view, religious orientation…

Rabbeinu Bahya, Bamidbar 23:9:4

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