At that time the LORD said to me, "Chisel out two stone tablets like the originals, come up to Me on the mountain, and make an ark of wood. At that time the LORD said to me,This phrase indicates a specific moment in the narrative of Israel's journey. It refers to the period after the Israelites' idolatry with the golden calf, as described in Exodus 32. The LORD's communication with Moses highlights the ongoing relationship and covenant between God and His chosen leader. This divine instruction underscores God's willingness to renew the covenant despite Israel's previous disobedience. Exo 34:1 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets… “Chisel out two stone tablets like the originals, The original tablets, inscribed by God, were broken by Moses in anger (Exodus 32:19) when he saw the Israelites worshiping the golden calf. The command to chisel new tablets signifies God's grace and the restoration of the covenant. Stone tablets symbolize permanence and the enduring nature of God's law. This act prefigures the new covenant written on the hearts of believers (Jeremiah 31:33). Exo 34:4 So Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the originals.… come up to Me on the mountain, The mountain, likely Mount Sinai, is a place of divine revelation and encounter. It is where Moses previously received the Law (Exodus 19-20). Mountains in biblical literature often represent places of closeness to God and spiritual significance. This ascent signifies Moses' role as mediator between God and Israel, a type of Christ who mediates the new covenant (Hebrews 8:6). Exo 24:12 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain… and make an ark of wood. The ark, later known as the Ark of the Covenant, was to house the stone tablets. Made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold (Exodus 25:10-22), it symbolizes God's presence among His people. The ark's construction from wood points to the humanity of Christ, while its gold overlay signifies His divinity. The ark's role as a container for the Law foreshadows Christ as the fulfillment of the Law (Matthew 5:17). Exo 25:10 And they are to construct an ark of acacia wood,… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His laws and commandments to the people. In this verse, Moses is instructed by God to prepare new tablets. 2. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant God of Israel, who communicates directly with Moses, giving him specific instructions for the renewal of the covenant. 3. Stone Tablets These are the physical representation of God's covenant with Israel, originally inscribed by God Himself. Moses is commanded to chisel out new ones after the first set was broken. 4. The Mountain Refers to Mount Sinai (or Horeb), where Moses meets with God to receive the commandments. 5. The Wooden Ark A sacred chest that would later be known as the Ark of the Covenant, designed to hold the stone tablets and symbolize God's presence among His people. Teaching Points Renewal and RestorationGod is a God of second chances. Despite Israel's rebellion, He renews His covenant, showing His willingness to restore relationships. Obedience to God's Instructions Moses' obedience in chiseling new tablets and making the ark demonstrates the importance of following God's specific instructions in our lives. Symbolism of the Ark The Ark of the Covenant symbolizes God's presence and His faithfulness to His promises. It serves as a reminder of the sacredness of God's law. The Role of the Mediator Moses acts as a mediator between God and Israel, foreshadowing Christ's ultimate role as the mediator of a new and better covenant. The Importance of God's Word The stone tablets represent the enduring nature of God's Word, which remains relevant and authoritative for guiding our lives today. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the renewal of the stone tablets in Deuteronomy 10:1 reflect God's character of mercy and forgiveness?2. In what ways does Moses' role as a mediator in this passage point to the work of Jesus Christ in the New Testament? 3. How can we apply the principle of obedience to God's instructions in our daily lives, as demonstrated by Moses? 4. What does the Ark of the Covenant symbolize in the context of both the Old and New Testaments, and how does it relate to our understanding of God's presence? 5. How can we ensure that God's Word remains central in our lives, similar to the significance of the stone tablets for the Israelites? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 34This chapter provides a parallel account of Moses receiving the second set of tablets, emphasizing God's mercy and the renewal of the covenant. Hebrews 9 Discusses the significance of the Ark of the Covenant in the context of the Old and New Covenants, highlighting the transition from the law to grace through Christ. Jeremiah 31 Prophesies a new covenant where God's law will be written on the hearts of His people, connecting the physical tablets to a spiritual reality.
People Aaron, Eleazar, Jaakanites, Jakan, Levi, MosesPlaces Beeroth Bene-jaakan, Beth-baal-peor, Egypt, Jotbathah, Moserah, SinaiTopics Ark, Chest, Cut, Former, Grave, Hast, Hew, Mount, Mountain, Ones, Onto, Stone, Stones, Tables, Tablets, Thyself, Wood, WoodenDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 10:1Library Election and HolinessNow, this morning it may be that some of you will not approve of what I have to say. You will remember, however, that I do not seek your approbation, that it will be sufficient for me if I have cleared my conscience concerning a grand truth and have preached the gospel faithfully. I am not accountable to you, nor you to me. You are accountable to God, if you reject a truth; I am accountable to Him if I preach an error. I am not afraid to stand before His bar with regard to the great doctrines which … Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 6: 1860 Book iii. The Ascent: from the River Jordan to the Mount of Transfiguration. a survey of the third and closing discourse of the prophet Commerce Sanctification. Parable of the Importunate Widow. Covenanting a Duty. Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;' Covenanting Confers Obligation. Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done. An Appendix to the Beatitudes Jesus Attends the First Passover of his Ministry. Deuteronomy Links Deuteronomy 10:1 NIVDeuteronomy 10:1 NLT Deuteronomy 10:1 ESV Deuteronomy 10:1 NASB Deuteronomy 10:1 KJV Deuteronomy 10:1 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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