The Two Tablets of Stone, also known as the Tablets of the Covenant, are central to the biblical narrative of the giving of the Law to the Israelites. These tablets are inscribed with the Ten Commandments, which form the foundation of God's covenant with His people. The account of the tablets is primarily found in the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy.

Biblical Account

The account of the Two Tablets begins in Exodus 19, where the Israelites camp at Mount Sinai after their exodus from Egypt. God calls Moses to ascend the mountain, where He intends to establish a covenant with the people of Israel. 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."

In Exodus 31:18, the narrative describes the divine origin of the tablets: "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 emphasizes the direct involvement of God in the creation of the tablets, underscoring their sacred and authoritative nature.

The Breaking and Renewal of the Tablets

The first set of tablets is famously broken by Moses in Exodus 32. Upon descending from the mountain, Moses witnesses the Israelites worshiping a golden calf, a grave violation of the covenant. In his anger, Moses throws down the tablets, shattering them at the foot of the mountain (Exodus 32:19).

God, in His mercy, commands Moses to carve out two new stone tablets like the first ones. In Exodus 34:1, the Lord says, "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." Moses ascends Mount Sinai once more, and God renews the covenant by inscribing the commandments on the new tablets (Exodus 34:28).

Significance and Symbolism

The Two Tablets of Stone hold profound theological significance. They represent God's direct communication and covenant with His chosen people. The tablets are a tangible symbol of God's law, which is meant to guide the moral and spiritual conduct of the Israelites. The commandments inscribed on the tablets are foundational to Judeo-Christian ethics and continue to influence moral thought and legal systems.

The breaking and renewal of the tablets also symbolize the themes of sin, judgment, repentance, and divine forgiveness. Despite the Israelites' transgression, God provides a means for restoration and renewal of the covenant, highlighting His grace and mercy.

The Ark of the Covenant

The tablets were placed inside the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest that accompanied the Israelites during their wanderings in the desert and into the Promised Land. According to Deuteronomy 10:5, Moses states, "Then I went back down the mountain and placed the tablets in the ark I had made, as the LORD had commanded me, and they are there now." The Ark, along with the tablets, became central to Israelite worship and the presence of God among His people.

Legacy

The Two Tablets of Stone continue to be a powerful symbol of God's law and covenant. They remind believers of the importance of obedience to God's commandments and the enduring nature of His promises. The tablets serve as a testament to the divine origin of the moral law and its relevance throughout the ages.