The Two Tablets of the Testimony, often referred to as the Tablets of Stone, are central to the biblical narrative of the covenant between God and the people of Israel. These tablets are inscribed with the Ten Commandments, which serve as a foundational ethical code in Judeo-Christian tradition. 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 Mount Sinai. God calls Moses to ascend the mountain, where He intends to establish a covenant with His people. 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."

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, tablets of stone 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, worshiping a golden calf. Upon descending and witnessing their sin, Moses, in his 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 disobedience.

God, however, in His mercy, commands Moses to chisel out 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 Mount Sinai once more, and God renews the covenant by inscribing the commandments again (Exodus 34:28).

Significance and Symbolism

The Two Tablets of the Testimony are more than mere legal documents; they represent the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. The tablets are placed in the Ark of the Covenant, as described in Exodus 25:16: "And put into the ark the Testimony, which I will give you." This placement signifies the centrality of God's law in the life and worship of Israel.

The division of the commandments across two tablets is traditionally understood to reflect two categories of laws: duties to God and duties to fellow humans. This dual focus emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's expectations for His people, encompassing both vertical (Godward) and horizontal (manward) relationships.

Theological Implications

The Two Tablets of the Testimony highlight the holiness and justice of God, as well as His desire for a moral and obedient people. They serve as a perpetual reminder of God's standards and the need for human accountability. The renewal of the tablets after the incident of the golden calf also illustrates God's grace and willingness to restore His people despite their failures.

In the New Testament, the moral principles encapsulated in the Ten Commandments continue to hold significance. Jesus affirms their enduring relevance, summarizing them in the two greatest commandments: love for God and love for neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). The tablets thus remain a vital component of Christian ethical teaching, reflecting the unchanging character of God and His eternal law.