Deuteronomy 10:1
“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)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
What's striking here is that the command to "hew thee two tables of stone" implies Moses's direct involvement in creating them, unlike the first set which was God's own work. This signifies a new phase where humanity’s participation is integral to receiving God’s renewed covenant.
Fresh off his intense intercession for the rebellious Israelites after the golden calf incident, Moses is immediately commanded by God to prepare new stone tablets and an ark. This isn't a chronological replay of the Exodus events, but rather Moses weaving together related actions to emphasize God's continued grace and faithfulness, even after the people had broken the original covenant. The new tablets and ark represent a renewed covenant, a tangible symbol of God's willingness to forgive and lead His people forward.
The first set of stone tablets, inscribed by God himself, lay shattered on the ground. Yet, even after such a profound failure, God’s grace offers a remarkable second chance. Notice how the command is given to cut new tablets, a task now entrusted to Moses.
The Second Set of Tablets
The breaking of the first tablets was a powerful symbol of Israel's sin and God's immediate judgment. But God didn't abandon them. Instead, He commanded Moses to prepare a new set of stone tablets.
Following the shattering of the Law, God doesn't just hand over new instructions. He calls Moses up to the mountain and directs him to prepare an 'ark of wood.' This isn't just about the Law; it's about preparing a dwelling place for God's presence.
The Ark: A Vessel for God's Word and Presence
The command to make an ark of wood, alongside the new tablets, is significant. While the tablets contained God's law, the ark was designed to house and protect them, symbolizing God's dwelling place among His people.
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 directly parallels Deuteronomy 10:1, recounting God's initial command to Moses to hew new stone tablets after the first were broken, highlighting God's persistent grace.
Exodus 25:10-16This passage describes the original command for the Ark of the Covenant, showing how the ark was meant from the start to house God's law, underscoring the sacred purpose of both the tablets and the ark.
Deuteronomy 5:1-5This passage shows Moses retelling the Ten Commandments, which were inscribed on the tablets. It emphasizes that the law, even after being broken and renewed, remained central to God's covenant with His people.
Hebrews 9:4This New Testament passage mentions the Ark containing the stone tablets, connecting the Old Covenant reality to the symbolic meaning of Christ's work and the heavenly sanctuary.
Deuteronomy 9:25-29This passage describes Moses' intercession for Israel after their sin with the golden calf, which directly precedes the command in Deuteronomy 10:1. It frames the renewal of the tablets as a direct result of God's mercy and Moses' plea.
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 the command to "hew thee two tables of stone" implies Moses's direct involvement in creating them, unlike the first set which was God's own work. This signifies a new phase where humanity’s participation is integral to receiving God’s renewed covenant.
Fresh off his intense intercession for the rebellious Israelites after the golden calf incident, Moses is immediately commanded by God to prepare new stone tablets and an ark. This isn't a chronological replay of the Exodus events, but rather Moses weaving together related actions to emphasize God's continued grace and faithfulness, even after the people had broken the original covenant. The new tablets and ark represent a renewed covenant, a tangible symbol of God's willingness to forgive and lead His people forward.
Fresh off his intense intercession for the rebellious Israelites after the golden calf incident, Moses is immediately commanded by God to prepare new stone tablets and an ark. This isn't a chronological replay of the Exodus events, but rather Moses weaving together related actions to emphasize God's continued grace and faithfulness, even after the people had broken the original covenant. The new tablets and ark represent a renewed covenant, a tangible symbol of God's willingness to forgive and lead His people forward.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Deuteronomy 10:1 is available in the Sola app.
"“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 the command to "hew thee two tables of stone" implies Moses's direct involvement in creating them, unlike the first set which was God's own work. This signifies a new pha…
