Topical Encyclopedia The engraving of the Ten Commandments upon stone tablets is a significant event in biblical history, symbolizing the permanence and divine authority of God's law. This event is primarily recorded in the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy, where God delivers His commandments to the Israelites through Moses.Biblical Account The narrative begins in Exodus 19, where the Israelites camp at Mount Sinai. God calls Moses to ascend the mountain, where He intends to establish a covenant with His people. In Exodus 24:12, the LORD instructs Moses, "Come up to Me on the mountain and stay there, so that I may give you the stone tablets with the law and commandments I have written for their instruction." The actual engraving of the commandments is described in Exodus 31:18: "When the LORD had finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, stone tablets inscribed by the finger of God." This divine act underscores the sacredness and unchangeable nature of the commandments. The Tablets Broken and Renewed In Exodus 32, while Moses is on the mountain, the Israelites fall into idolatry, worshiping a golden calf. Upon descending and witnessing their sin, Moses, in his anger, throws down the tablets, shattering them at the foot of the mountain (Exodus 32:19). This act symbolizes the breaking of the covenant due to Israel's disobedience. However, God's mercy and willingness to renew the covenant are evident in Exodus 34. The LORD commands Moses to chisel out two new stone tablets like the first ones, and He promises to inscribe the same words upon them. Exodus 34:1 states, "The LORD said to 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.'" Significance in Deuteronomy The book of Deuteronomy reiterates the importance of the stone tablets. In Deuteronomy 5, Moses recounts the giving of the Ten Commandments, emphasizing their role as the foundation of the covenant between God and Israel. Deuteronomy 10:1-4 recounts the renewal of the tablets: "At that time the LORD said to me, 'Chisel out two stone tablets like the originals, and come up to Me on the mountain. Also make a wooden ark. I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke, and you are to place them in the ark.'" Symbolism and Theological Implications The engraving of the commandments on stone signifies their enduring nature and the unchanging moral law of God. The use of stone, a material known for its durability, reflects the eternal relevance of God's commandments. The fact that they were inscribed by the "finger of God" (Exodus 31:18) highlights their divine origin and authority. The breaking and subsequent renewal of the tablets illustrate the themes of sin, judgment, repentance, and restoration. Despite Israel's failure, God's willingness to renew the covenant demonstrates His grace and faithfulness. New Testament Reflection In the New Testament, the law written on stone is contrasted with the new covenant, where God's laws are written on the hearts of believers. 2 Corinthians 3:3 states, "It is clear that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts." This reflects the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, fulfilling the law's righteous requirements through faith in Christ. The stone tablets, therefore, serve as a profound reminder of God's holiness, the seriousness of sin, and the necessity of divine grace for redemption and covenant relationship. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 24:12And the LORD said to Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give you tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that you may teach them. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 31:18 Exodus 34:1-4 Deuteronomy 4:13 Deuteronomy 5:22 Deuteronomy 9:9-11 Deuteronomy 10:1-3 Library Mormonites, or the Church of the Latter-Day Saints. Twelfth Sunday after Trinity Gospel Transcends Law. Limiting God A Compendious view of the Christian Life. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire The Anglican Reform The Old Testament and Comparative Religion The Oration on Holy Baptism. Resources What does the Bible say about stoning? | GotQuestions.orgIs there any spiritual significance to birthstones? | GotQuestions.org What was the purpose of Stonehenge? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Stones of Christ, "A Tested Stone" "A Precious Stone" "A Sure Foundation, " Stones of Christ, the Water of Life Stones of Christ's Rejection, the Rejected Conerstone Stones of Temptation, "Stone of Stumbling" Stones of the Impenitent Heart Stones of the Witness of the Spirit, the White Stone Stones used for Closing Graves Stones used for Weighing (Margin) Stones used in Building Altars Stones: Commandments Engraved Upon Stones: Great, As Landmarks (Some Hebrew Mss Have "Abel") Stones: Great, in Solomon's Temple Stones: Hewers (Stone-Cutters) of Stones: Magnificent, in Herod the Great's Temple Stones: Precious in the Breastplate and Ephod Stones: Precious in the Crowns of Kings Stones: Precious: Exported from Sheba Stones: Precious: Partial Catalogue of Stones: Precious: Seen in the Foundation of the New Jerusalem in John's Apocalyptic Vision Stones: Precious: Voluntary offerings of, by the Israelites for the Breastplate and Ephod Stones: Prepared in the Quarries Stones: Symbolical of the Kingdom of Christ Stones: The Law of Moses Written Upon Stones: Thrown Upon Accursed Ground Related Terms |
    |