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

Biblical Account

The narrative begins in Exodus 19, where the Israelites, having been delivered from Egypt, encamp at the base of Mount Sinai. God calls Moses to ascend the mountain, where He establishes a covenant with the Israelites, promising to make them a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:6). In Exodus 20, God speaks the Ten Commandments directly to the people, establishing the moral and spiritual code that will govern their lives.

In Exodus 24:12, God invites Moses to ascend the mountain again, saying, "Come up to Me on the mountain and stay here, so that I may give you the tablets of stone, with the law and commandments I have written for their instruction" . Moses remains on the mountain for forty days and nights, during which God provides detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and the establishment of worship practices.

The tablets are first mentioned explicitly 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 authorship underscores the sacred and unalterable nature of the commandments.

The Breaking and Renewal of the Tablets

In Exodus 32, while Moses is on the mountain, the Israelites fall into idolatry, creating a golden calf to worship. Upon descending and witnessing their sin, Moses, in righteous 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 unfaithfulness.

God, however, is merciful and instructs Moses to carve two new tablets. 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 the mountain once more, and God renews the covenant, rewriting the commandments on the new tablets (Exodus 34:28).

Significance and Symbolism

The Two Tablets of the Covenant are more than mere legal documents; they represent the heart of the covenant relationship between God and His people. The tablets are placed inside the Ark of the Covenant, which resides in the Most Holy Place of the Tabernacle, signifying God's presence and His law as central to Israel's identity and worship (Exodus 25:16, 21).

The division of the commandments across two tablets is traditionally understood to reflect the dual nature of the law: duties toward God and duties toward fellow humans. The first tablet contains commandments related to the worship and reverence of God, while the second tablet addresses ethical conduct toward others.

Theological Implications

The Two Tablets of the Covenant emphasize the holiness and righteousness of God, who desires a people set apart for Himself. They highlight the necessity of obedience and the consequences of sin, as seen in the breaking of the first set of tablets. Yet, they also reveal God's grace and willingness to restore the covenant relationship, as demonstrated by the provision of the second set of tablets.

In the New Testament, the law written on the tablets is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who embodies perfect obedience and offers a new covenant through His sacrifice. The moral principles of the Ten Commandments continue to guide Christian ethics, reflecting God's unchanging character and His call to holiness.