Deuteronomy 10:1
At that time the LORD said unto me, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first, and come up unto me into the mount, and make thee an ark of wood.
Original Language Analysis
בָּעֵ֨ת
At that time
H6256
בָּעֵ֨ת
At that time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
1 of 18
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
הַהִ֜וא
H1931
הַהִ֜וא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
2 of 18
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לוּחֹ֤ת
tables
H3871
לוּחֹ֤ת
tables
Strong's:
H3871
Word #:
9 of 18
probably meaning to glisten; a tablet (as polished), of stone, wood or metal
כָּרִ֣אשֹׁנִ֔ים
like unto the first
H7223
כָּרִ֣אשֹׁנִ֔ים
like unto the first
Strong's:
H7223
Word #:
11 of 18
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
וַֽעֲלֵ֥ה
and come up
H5927
וַֽעֲלֵ֥ה
and come up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
12 of 18
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
הָהָ֑רָה
unto me into the mount
H2022
הָהָ֑רָה
unto me into the mount
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
14 of 18
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
Historical Context
This occurred after Moses' successful intercession following the golden calf incident. God's willingness to renew the covenant demonstrated His commitment to the patriarchal promises and His purpose to preserve a people for Himself despite their rebellion.
The tablets and ark would become central symbols of God's covenant presence with Israel, eventually housed in the Most Holy Place of the tabernacle.
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's initiative in covenant renewal reveal about His character and purposes?
- How does the unchanged content of the law demonstrate God's unchanging standards?
- What is the significance of preparing a container to preserve God's written word?
- How does covenant renewal in the Old Testament preview gospel restoration?
- Why must God provide the means for restoring broken relationship with Him?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
At that time the LORD said unto me, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first, and come up unto me into the mount, and make thee an ark of wood. God's command to prepare new tablets demonstrates covenant renewal after Israel's sin. The initiative comes from God - He provides opportunity for restoration despite Israel's breach.
The phrase like unto the first indicates the renewed covenant maintains the same terms as the original. God does not lower His standards or modify His law to accommodate human weakness. The moral requirements remain unchanged; what changes is provision for renewed relationship despite violation.
The command to make thee an ark of wood introduces the container for the tablets. This ark (not yet the elaborate gold-covered ark of the tabernacle) would preserve God's written word, symbolizing that divine revelation must be protected and honored.
Reformed theology sees covenant renewal after sin as preview of gospel grace. Though the law remains unchanged, God provides means for sinners to be restored to covenant relationship through mediatorial work - Moses in the type, Christ in the antitype.