The Tablets of Stone, often referred to as the Ten Commandments, hold a central place in biblical history and theology. These tablets were inscribed by the finger of God and given to Moses on Mount Sinai, serving as a foundational element of the covenant between God and the people of Israel.

Biblical Account

The narrative of the Tablets of Stone is primarily found in the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy. According to Exodus 24:12 , "The LORD said to Moses, 'Come up to Me on the mountain and stay here, 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 significant event in the history of Israel.

In Exodus 31:18 , it is recorded, "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 human artifacts but were divinely crafted, underscoring their sacred nature and authority.

The Ten Commandments

The content of the Tablets of Stone is detailed in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21. These commandments encompass moral, religious, and social principles that were to guide the Israelites in their covenant relationship with God. They include directives such as the exclusive worship of Yahweh, the prohibition of idolatry, the sanctity of the Sabbath, and ethical mandates like honoring parents and prohibitions against murder, adultery, theft, false testimony, and covetousness.

The Breaking and Renewal of the Tablets

A significant episode in the history of the Tablets of Stone is their initial destruction. In Exodus 32, while Moses was on Mount Sinai, the Israelites constructed a golden calf, engaging in idolatry. Upon descending the mountain and witnessing their sin, Moses shattered the tablets in anger (Exodus 32:19).

However, God's covenant with Israel was not abandoned. In Exodus 34:1 , the LORD instructed 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 act of renewal signifies God's mercy and the restoration of the covenant relationship.

The Ark of the Covenant

The Tablets of Stone were placed in the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest that symbolized God's presence among His people. According to Deuteronomy 10:1-5 , Moses recounts how he placed the tablets in the ark, as commanded by God. The ark, along with the tablets, played a central role in Israel's worship and journey through the wilderness.

Theological Significance

The Tablets of Stone are more than historical artifacts; they represent the divine law and the moral order established by God. They are a testament to God's holiness, justice, and the ethical standards expected of His people. The commandments encapsulated in the tablets are seen as timeless principles that continue to inform Christian ethics and morality.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the Ten Commandments are affirmed and expanded upon by Jesus Christ. In Matthew 5:17-18 , Jesus states, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them." The moral imperatives of the commandments are reiterated and internalized in the teachings of Christ, emphasizing love for God and neighbor as the fulfillment of the law (Matthew 22:37-40).

The Tablets of Stone, therefore, remain a vital component of biblical teaching, reflecting God's unchanging character and His desire for a holy and obedient people.