The reason it was an example, an elaborate multidimensional map to help us understand and navigate the spiritual realities of Christ.
46. However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual.
1 Corinthians 15:46
1. Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea,2. all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea,3. all ate the same spiritual food,4. and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.5. But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.6. Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.7. And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.”8. Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell;9. nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents;10. nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.11. Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.
1 Corinthians 10:1-11
10. Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you,11. searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.12. To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.
1 Peter 1:10-12