Use the staff of leadership as a focal point of learning NOT smiting. Moshe and Aharon had become accustomed as had B'nei Yisroel to the smiting edge of the staff. They failed to make the necessary transformation in the eyes of the leadership. As a result Moshe and Aharon failed to sanctify Hashem's name in the presence of the leadership and in the presence of the congregation. Speaking is a form of learning.
Living water is the result of Torah learning.
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