Deuteronomy 10:1
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
What's striking here is that after God's monumental act of grace in forgiving Israel, the very first command to Moses isn't about celebration, but preparation. It’s a call to personally craft new stone tablets and build an ark of wood, emphasizing that receiving God’s forgiveness and law requires our active participation and effort. This shows that divine mercy always calls us to respond with our own commitment.
“At that time the LORD said to me, ‘Cut for yourself two tablets of stone like the first, and come up to me on the mountain and make an ark of wood.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Fresh off the heels of Moses’ impassioned intercession for the rebellious Israelites, God commands him to prepare new stone tablets and an ark. This isn't a recounting of the original tabernacle construction, but rather God’s gracious renewal of His covenant promises after the people’s grave sin of idolatry. The focus is on God’s willingness to restore His relationship with His people, symbolized by the new law and a place for it, despite their repeated failures.
The golden calf incident was a massive failure, yet God's response here is not condemnation, but a call to prepare for renewal. How does this show God's heart for us, even in our worst moments?
This verse marks a pivotal moment of restoration. After Israel's shocking sin in making the golden calf and Moses's shattering of the first stone tablets (Deuteronomy 9:17), God doesn't give up on them. Instead, He says to Moses, 'Cut for yourself two tablets of stone like the first.' This isn't just a repeat of the original command; it's a profound act of grace. God is demonstrating His steadfast love and willingness to re-establish His covenant with His people, even after they broke it so dramatically. It shows that God's mercy is bigger than our mistakes.
Moses is told to 'cut for yourself' the new tablets, a shift from the first set which were 'written by the finger of God.' What does this change reveal about Moses's role and the nature of this renewed covenant?
The first set of tablets were divinely inscribed by God Himself (Exodus 31:18), a direct, unmediated revelation. However, these second tablets, while containing the same law, are to be 'hewn by Moses.' This signifies a crucial shift. Moses, who had interceded powerfully for the people (Deuteronomy 9:25-29), now plays a more active role in preparing the vessel for God's law. This points forward to a covenant mediated through human instrumentality – ultimately, pointing to Jesus Christ, our great High Priest and Mediator, who not only brings God's word but embodies it and makes its fulfillment possible for us.
Ask a follow-up
God commands Moses to 'make thee an ark of wood' alongside the new tablets. Why is the ark so important in this moment of renewed covenant, and what does it symbolize?
The command to make an ark, or chest, is significant. While the original ark was to be overlaid with gold and made with exquisite care by skilled artisans according to God's detailed instructions (Exodus 25:10-22), here Moses is simply told to make one of wood. Some commentators suggest this was a temporary ark, while others believe it refers to the eventual, glorious Ark of the Covenant that Bezaleel would later construct. Regardless of its immediate form, the ark's purpose is clear: it is the sacred vessel designed to hold and protect the tablets of the Law. This emphasizes that God's law isn't just abstract commands; it's precious, meant to be preserved, honored, and housed within a holy space. It represents God dwelling among His people, with His covenant law at the very center of their community.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The proper name of the God of Israel, the self-existent One who enters into covenant relationship with His people. It signifies His eternal nature, faithfulness, and holiness.
aron · Hebrew Noun
Small portable chests or containers made for specific holy purposes; in this context, the container built to house the testimony of the covenant.
This passage is directly referenced, showing God's command to Moses to prepare new stone tablets after the first set was broken due to the people's sin.
Exodus 25:10This passage describes the initial command to build the Ark of the Covenant, highlighting its significance as a vessel for God's law and presence.
Exodus 40:20This passage details the moment the stone tablets were placed into the Ark within the completed Tabernacle, signifying the restoration of God's presence among His people.
Hebrews 9:4This New Testament passage describes the Ark's contents and its sacredness, emphasizing its role as a tangible representation of the covenant between God and Israel.
clarkeDeuteronomy 10:1: "At that time the LORD said unto me, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first, and come up unto me into the mount, and make thee an ark of wood."
Hew thee two tables of stone - See the notes on Exodus 34:1 .
pooleDeuteronomy 10:1: "At that time the LORD said unto me, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first, and come up unto me into the mount, and make thee an ark of wood."
Moses repeats God’s mercies in restoring the two tables, Deu 10:1-5 . Aaron’s death. Eleazar his son officiates in his stead, Deu 10:6 . The tribe of Levi is separated for the priesthood, Deu 10:8,9 . God hearkening to Moses not to destroy them, Deu 10:10 ; he is commanded to lead them towards Canaan, Deu 10:11 . God requires…
What's striking here is that after God's monumental act of grace in forgiving Israel, the very first command to Moses isn't about celebration, but preparation. It’s a call to personally craft new stone tablets and build an ark of wood, emphasizing that receiving God’s forgiveness and law requires our active participation and effort. This shows that divine mercy always calls us to respond with our own commitment.
Fresh off the heels of Moses’ impassioned intercession for the rebellious Israelites, God commands him to prepare new stone tablets and an ark. This isn't a recounting of the original tabernacle construction, but rather God’s gracious renewal of His covenant promises after the people’s grave sin of idolatry. The focus is on God’s willingness to restore His relationship with His people, symbolized by the new law and a place for it, despite their repeated failures.
Fresh off the heels of Moses’ impassioned intercession for the rebellious Israelites, God commands him to prepare new stone tablets and an ark. This isn't a recounting of the original tabernacle construction, but rather God’s gracious renewal of His covenant promises after the people’s grave sin of idolatry. The focus is on God’s willingness to restore His relationship with His people, symbolized by the new law and a place for it, despite their repeated failures.
"“At that time the LORD said to me, ‘Cut for yourself two tablets of stone like the first, and come up to me on the mountain and make an ark of wood." — What's striking here is that after God's monumental act of grace in forgiving Israel, the very first command to Moses isn't about celebration, but preparation. It’s a call to personally craft new sto…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
