Deuteronomy 10:2

And I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke; and you are to place them in the ark."

Study Bible

And I will write
This phrase signifies God's direct involvement and authority in the creation of the covenant. The Hebrew root for "write" is "כָּתַב" (katav), which implies a deliberate and permanent act. In the ancient Near Eastern context, writing was a means of establishing a binding agreement. Here, it underscores the divine origin of the Law, emphasizing that it is not merely human tradition but God's eternal word.

on the tablets
The "tablets" refer to the stone tablets that Moses received on Mount Sinai. In Hebrew, "לֻחֹת" (luchot) is used, indicating not just any writing surface but something durable and significant. Stone tablets were used for important decrees, suggesting the permanence and unchanging nature of God's commandments. Archaeologically, similar stone inscriptions have been found, underscoring the historical practice of inscribing laws on stone.

the words that were on the first tablets
This phrase highlights the continuity and consistency of God's message. The "words" (דְּבָרִים, devarim) are the Ten Commandments, which form the core of the covenant between God and Israel. The repetition of these words on new tablets signifies God's mercy and the renewal of the covenant despite Israel's previous transgressions.

which you broke
This refers to the incident in Exodus 32 when Moses shattered the first set of tablets in response to Israel's idolatry with the golden calf. The breaking of the tablets symbolizes the breaking of the covenant due to sin. It serves as a reminder of human frailty and the need for repentance and restoration.

and you are to place them in the ark
The "ark" is the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest that held the tablets. In Hebrew, "אֲרוֹן" (aron) signifies a container or chest, but in this context, it is a holy vessel. The placement of the tablets in the ark symbolizes God's presence among His people and the centrality of His law in their lives. Historically, the ark was the focal point of Israel's worship, representing God's throne on earth.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the Ten Commandments from God. He is instructed to make new tablets after breaking the first set.

2. God
The divine author of the commandments, who instructs Moses to create new tablets and promises to inscribe them with the same words.

3. The Tablets
Stone tablets on which the Ten Commandments were inscribed. The first set was broken by Moses in anger, and a second set is to be made.

4. The Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest where the tablets of the covenant are to be placed, symbolizing God's presence and covenant with Israel.

5. Mount Sinai
The place where Moses received the original tablets from God.

Teaching Points

The Importance of God's Law
God's law is central to His covenant with His people. The re-inscription of the commandments signifies their enduring importance.

God's Mercy and Restoration
Despite Moses breaking the first tablets, God provides a second chance, demonstrating His mercy and willingness to restore His covenant with His people.

Symbolism of the Ark
The Ark of the Covenant represents God's presence and His faithfulness to His promises. Placing the tablets inside signifies the centrality of God's law in the life of His people.

Obedience and Reverence
The act of placing the tablets in the Ark underscores the need for reverence and obedience to God's commands as foundational to a relationship with Him.

Continuity of God's Word
The same words are inscribed on the new tablets, emphasizing the unchanging nature of God's Word and its relevance across generations.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the act of God rewriting the commandments on new tablets teach us about His character and His relationship with His people?

2. How does the placement of the tablets in the Ark of the Covenant relate to the concept of God's presence among His people?

3. In what ways can we see the principles of God's law written on our hearts today, as prophesied in Jeremiah 31?

4. How does the account of the broken and renewed tablets encourage us in our own experiences of failure and restoration?

5. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate reverence and obedience to God's Word in our daily lives, similar to the Israelites' reverence for the tablets?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 34
This chapter describes the event where God instructs Moses to chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones and come up to Mount Sinai, where God will inscribe the commandments again.

Hebrews 9
This passage discusses the Ark of the Covenant and its contents, including the tablets, highlighting the continuity of God's covenant.

Jeremiah 31
This prophecy speaks of a new covenant where God's law will be written on the hearts of His people, connecting the physical tablets to a spiritual reality.