The Stone Tablets, often referred to as the Tablets of the Covenant, are central to the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the Mosaic Law. These tablets are most famously associated with the Ten Commandments, which were inscribed by the finger of God and given to Moses on Mount Sinai. The Stone Tablets are a symbol of God's covenant with Israel and His divine law.

Biblical Account

The primary account of the Stone Tablets is found in the Book of Exodus. After leading the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses ascended Mount Sinai, where he received the tablets from God. Exodus 31:18 states, "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."

The tablets were initially given to Moses during his first forty-day stay on the mountain. However, upon descending and witnessing the Israelites' idolatry with the golden calf, Moses shattered the tablets in anger (Exodus 32:19). This act symbolized the breaking of the covenant due to Israel's sin.

God, in His mercy, instructed Moses to chisel out two new stone tablets like the first ones. Exodus 34:1 records, "Then 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

The Stone Tablets are significant for several reasons:

1. Divine Origin: The tablets were inscribed by God Himself, underscoring the divine authority and eternal nature of the commandments. This divine authorship is emphasized in Deuteronomy 9:10 : "And the LORD gave me the two stone tablets inscribed by the finger of God, and on them were all the words that the LORD had spoken to you on the mountain out of the fire on the day of the assembly."

2. Covenant Relationship: The tablets represent the covenant between God and Israel. They are a tangible sign of God's law and His expectations for His chosen people. The covenantal aspect is highlighted in Deuteronomy 4:13 : "He declared to you His covenant, which He commanded you to follow—the Ten Commandments that He wrote on two tablets of stone."

3. Moral and Ethical Foundation: The Ten Commandments inscribed on the tablets form the moral and ethical foundation for Israelite society and have had a profound influence on Western legal systems and moral thought.

4. Symbol of God's Presence: The tablets were housed in the Ark of the Covenant, which was placed in the Holy of Holies within the Tabernacle, and later the Temple. This placement signified God's presence among His people and His guidance through His law.

Theological Implications

The Stone Tablets underscore the holiness and righteousness of God, as well as His desire for His people to live in accordance with His will. They serve as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance and obedience. The breaking and subsequent renewal of the tablets also illustrate God's grace and willingness to restore His covenant with a repentant people.

In the New Testament, the law written on stone is contrasted with the law written on hearts, as seen in 2 Corinthians 3:3 : "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 transition from the old covenant to the new covenant through Christ, emphasizing internal transformation over external adherence.

The Stone Tablets remain a powerful symbol of God's unchanging standards and His enduring relationship with His people.