The Tablets, often referred to as the Tablets of the Covenant or the Tablets of Stone, hold a significant place in biblical history and theology. 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 narrative of the Tablets is primarily found in the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy.

Biblical Account

The account of the Tablets begins in Exodus 24:12, where 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." This divine invitation marks the beginning of a pivotal moment in the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites.

In Exodus 31:18, the text 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." These Tablets were not merely a set of laws but represented the very words of God, serving as a tangible sign of His covenant with His people.

The Breaking and Renewal of the Tablets

The narrative takes a dramatic turn in Exodus 32, when Moses descends from the mountain and witnesses the Israelites worshiping a golden calf. In his anger, Moses 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 the people's idolatry.

However, God's mercy and willingness to renew the covenant are evident in Exodus 34. The LORD instructs Moses to chisel out two new stone tablets like the first ones, and He promises to inscribe the same words on them. 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.'"

Theological Significance

The Tablets are central to understanding the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. They encapsulate the moral and ethical demands of the covenant, serving as a guide for righteous living. The fact that they were inscribed by the finger of God underscores their divine origin and authority.

The Tablets also highlight the themes of sin, judgment, and redemption. The breaking of the first set of Tablets illustrates the consequences of disobedience, while the renewal of the Tablets signifies God's grace and the possibility of restoration.

The Tablets in the Ark of the Covenant

The Tablets were eventually placed in the Ark of the Covenant, as described in Deuteronomy 10:1-5. This placement within the Ark, which resided in the Holy of Holies, further emphasizes their sacredness and centrality to Israel's worship and identity.

New Testament Reflections

In the New Testament, the Tablets and the law they represent are often discussed in the context of the new covenant established through Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul, for instance, contrasts the letter of the law with the spirit of the law, emphasizing the transformative power of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:3-6).

The Tablets, therefore, remain a profound symbol of God's law, His covenantal faithfulness, and the moral foundation upon which the relationship between God and His people is built.