Why did God instruct Moses to "chisel out two stone tablets" again? Setting the scene: broken covenant, broken tablets “Then it came to pass, as soon as Moses came near the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, Moses’ anger burned, and he threw the tablets out of his hands, shattering them at the base of the mountain.” (Exodus 32:19) • Israel’s idolatry with the golden calf violated the covenant almost as soon as it had been ratified (Exodus 24:3–8). • The smashed tablets were the visible proof that Israel had broken fellowship with the LORD. God’s instruction: “Chisel out two stone tablets again” “The LORD said to Moses, ‘Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke.’” (Exodus 34:1) Reasons behind God’s command • Restoration of covenant terms – The same words would be inscribed again; God’s standard had not changed (Exodus 34:1). • Visible assurance of forgiveness – By replacing the shattered tablets, God signaled that the breach could be healed (Exodus 34:9–10). • Fresh start for the nation – Forty days of intercession (Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 9:18) were followed by a renewed document, marking a new beginning. • Participation required of Moses – Moses was to supply the stone, underscoring human responsibility, while God supplied the writing, stressing divine grace (compare Exodus 32:16 with 34:1). • Teaching the gravity of sin – The cost and effort involved reminded Israel that reconciliation is never casual (Hebrews 9:22). • Foreshadowing the greater renewal – Just as tablets were rewritten, God promised to write His law on hearts in the new covenant (Jeremiah 31:33). What this reveals about God • He remains just—His law stands unchanged. • He is merciful—He provides a way back after rebellion. • He involves His people—He calls for cooperation in the restoration process. • He is faithful—He keeps covenant even when His people fail (2 Timothy 2:13). What this teaches today • Sin shatters fellowship, but God offers restoration. • Repentance and intercession matter; Moses’ mediation prefigures Christ’s (1 Timothy 2:5). • God’s Word endures; we do not negotiate its terms but receive and obey them. • Every renewed work of God invites our active engagement, anchored in His grace. |
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