~ One Hundred Words on the Parsha: Chukas

קח את המטה... ודברתם אל הסלע

"Take the stick... and speak to the rock"

What was the purpose of Moshe bringing the stick with him if his instructions were to speak to the rock, not hit it? (In fact, when he did hit the rock, he was severely punished for it.)

A possible answer is to show the nation that it is proper to discuss issues rather than fight over them, even when a stick is available.