Topical Bible: Israel: Tables Renewed

◄ Israel: Tables Renewed ►

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The renewal of the tables of the covenant is a significant event in the history of Israel, marking a moment of divine grace and restoration following a period of rebellion and idolatry. This event is recorded in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 34, and it underscores the enduring covenantal relationship between God and the nation of Israel.

Context and Background

The renewal of the tables occurs after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their encampment at Mount Sinai. Moses, the leader chosen by God, ascends the mountain to receive the Law, including the Ten Commandments, inscribed by the finger of God on two stone tablets. However, during Moses' prolonged absence, the Israelites fall into idolatry, fashioning a golden calf and worshiping it, as described in Exodus 32. This act of rebellion provokes God's wrath, and Moses, upon descending the mountain and witnessing the idolatry, shatters the original tablets in anger.

Divine Mercy and Renewal

Despite the grave sin of the people, God, in His mercy, offers a path to restoration. In Exodus 34:1 , the Lord instructs Moses: "Chisel out two stone tablets like the originals, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke." This command signifies God's willingness to renew the covenant with Israel, emphasizing His steadfast love and forgiveness.

Moses ascends Mount Sinai once more, carrying the new stone tablets he has prepared. The Lord descends in a cloud, proclaiming His name and attributes, as recorded in Exodus 34:6-7 : "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth, maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin." This declaration highlights the character of God as both just and merciful.

The Covenant Reaffirmed

During this encounter, God reaffirms His covenant with Israel, reiterating the commandments and statutes that the people are to follow. The renewal of the tables is not merely a replacement of the physical tablets but a reaffirmation of the spiritual and moral obligations of the Israelites. In Exodus 34:10 , God declares, "Behold, I am making a covenant. Before all your people I will perform wonders never before done in any nation in all the world. All the people among whom you live will see the LORD’s work, for it is an awesome thing that I am doing with you."

Significance for Israel

The renewal of the tables serves as a pivotal moment in Israel's history, symbolizing God's unyielding commitment to His chosen people despite their failures. It underscores the importance of repentance and the possibility of restoration through divine grace. The event also reinforces the centrality of the Law in the life of Israel, guiding them in their relationship with God and with one another.

The renewed tables are placed in the Ark of the Covenant, becoming a perpetual reminder of God's covenant and His enduring presence among His people. This event foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises through the coming of the Messiah, who would establish a new covenant, written not on tablets of stone but on the hearts of believers.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 34:1
And the LORD said to Moses, Hew you two tables of stone like to the first: and I will write on these tables the words that were in the first tables, which you brake.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The King 'Blessing' his People
... Solomon's judgment of Israel's checkered history will be our ... asks that the ancient
experiences may be renewed. ... or written, and recalls the tables inscribed by ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the king blessing his people.htm

Separating the Precious from the Vile
... How soon, however, were the tables turned ... were digged, the Lord had made a difference
between Israel and Egypt ... so must you remain, unless you are renewed by grace ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/separating the precious from the.htm

The Perfect Heart.
... Hast thou forgotten who the God of Israel was? ... You must get your heart renewed, and
then kept right ... while it served himself; but, suppose the tables were turned ...
//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter viii the perfect heart.htm

General Service for the Festivals of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
... Thou hast filled everything with joy and renewed afresh the ... and be there; and I will
give thee tables of stone ... the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel. ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter i general service for.htm

The Temple and Its Dedication
... Here God had renewed with Abraham the covenant of ... earlier experiences of the children
of Israel during their ... the sacred ark containing the two tables of stone ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 2 the temple and.htm

Appendix 1 Massecheth Middoth
... All the gates which were there, were renewed to be with ... west 187: the place for the
tread of Israel 11 cubits ... 24 cubits; from the rings to the tables 4; from ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/appendix 1 massecheth middoth.htm

The Pentateuch.
... made with Abraham, and afterwards renewed to Isaac ... train of providences by which
Israel was brought ... relation to the patriarchs, genealogical tables are devoted ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xix the pentateuch.htm

Manasseh and Josiah
... questioning whether God's promises to ancient Israel could ever ... the vision, and make
it plain upon tables, that he ... in God, his hope and courage may be renewed. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 32 manasseh and josiah.htm

Concluding Reflections. Faith and Criticism.
... when he saw that the people of Israel worshipped the ... They might have turned those
tables into idols ... inquiry and eminently deserving of ever-renewed investigation ...
/.../section 102 concluding reflections faith.htm

The New Covenant.
... breaking up of the nation into Judah and Israel helped to ... It was written on the two
tables in the weakness of ... Renewed in the spirit of their mind, they put on ...
/.../chapter viii the new covenant.htm