Exodus 34:1 - Yahweh said to Moses, “Chisel two stone tablets like the first. I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Exodus 34:1" mean?
This verse from Exodus 34:1 is a key moment in the narrative of the Ten Commandments and the relationship between God (Yahweh) and the Israelites. Let's break it down:
"Yahweh said to Moses..." This establishes the speaker as God, the source of divine authority and law in the Israelite tradition.
"...Chisel two stone tablets like the first." This is a direct command to Moses. God is instructing him to prepare two new stone tablets. The specification "like the first" suggests these new tablets should be the same size and shape as the original ones.
"I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke." This is the most important part. God promises to rewrite the words of the covenant – the Ten Commandments – on the new tablets. The mention of "which you broke" refers to the incident in Exodus 32 where Moses, upon descending Mount Sinai and witnessing the Israelites worshiping a golden calf, smashed the original tablets in anger and disappointment.
Significance and Interpretation:
Renewal of the Covenant: This verse demonstrates God's willingness to renew the covenant with Israel despite their transgression. While Moses' act of breaking the tablets symbolized the broken covenant, God's instruction to create new ones signifies a second chance, an opportunity for the Israelites to recommit to the agreement.
Importance of the Law: Despite the Israelites' failure, God does not abandon the law. He insists on its re-inscription, highlighting its enduring importance as the foundation of the relationship between God and Israel. The law is not contingent on human perfectibility, but a guide and standard for how humanity is to strive to live up to God's divine call.
Grace and Mercy: While there are consequences for sin, God also offers grace and mercy. The re-writing of the commandments signifies God's patient, forgiving nature and willingness to restore a broken relationship. It can be interpreted as an offer of forgiveness and a path to restoration for the Israelites after their failure.
Divine Authority: God retains the authority to write the commandments, emphasizing that the law originates from Him and is not a human invention.
Moses' Role: Moses, despite his anger and destruction of the first set of tablets, remains the mediator between God and the people. He is entrusted with preparing the new tablets, illustrating his continued leadership role.
In short, this verse signifies the renewal of the covenant between God and Israel after their transgression, highlighting God's mercy, the enduring importance of the law, and Moses' role as a mediator. It is a demonstration of God's commitment to the relationship despite human fallibility.
Exodus 34:1 - Yahweh said to Moses, “Chisel two stone tablets like the first. I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke.
What does "Exodus 34:1" mean?
This verse from Exodus 34:1 is a key moment in the narrative of the Ten Commandments and the relationship between God (Yahweh) and the Israelites. Let's break it down:
"Yahweh said to Moses..." This establishes the speaker as God, the source of divine authority and law in the Israelite tradition.
"...Chisel two stone tablets like the first." This is a direct command to Moses. God is instructing him to prepare two new stone tablets. The specification "like the first" suggests these new tablets should be the same size and shape as the original ones.
"I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke." This is the most important part. God promises to rewrite the words of the covenant – the Ten Commandments – on the new tablets. The mention of "which you broke" refers to the incident in Exodus 32 where Moses, upon descending Mount Sinai and witnessing the Israelites worshiping a golden calf, smashed the original tablets in anger and disappointment.
Significance and Interpretation:
Renewal of the Covenant: This verse demonstrates God's willingness to renew the covenant with Israel despite their transgression. While Moses' act of breaking the tablets symbolized the broken covenant, God's instruction to create new ones signifies a second chance, an opportunity for the Israelites to recommit to the agreement.
Importance of the Law: Despite the Israelites' failure, God does not abandon the law. He insists on its re-inscription, highlighting its enduring importance as the foundation of the relationship between God and Israel. The law is not contingent on human perfectibility, but a guide and standard for how humanity is to strive to live up to God's divine call.
Grace and Mercy: While there are consequences for sin, God also offers grace and mercy. The re-writing of the commandments signifies God's patient, forgiving nature and willingness to restore a broken relationship. It can be interpreted as an offer of forgiveness and a path to restoration for the Israelites after their failure.
Divine Authority: God retains the authority to write the commandments, emphasizing that the law originates from Him and is not a human invention.
Moses' Role: Moses, despite his anger and destruction of the first set of tablets, remains the mediator between God and the people. He is entrusted with preparing the new tablets, illustrating his continued leadership role.
In short, this verse signifies the renewal of the covenant between God and Israel after their transgression, highlighting God's mercy, the enduring importance of the law, and Moses' role as a mediator. It is a demonstration of God's commitment to the relationship despite human fallibility.