Deuteronomy 10:2
And I will write on the tables the words that were in the first tables which thou brakest, and thou shalt put them in the ark.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶכְתֹּב֙
And I will write
H3789
וְאֶכְתֹּב֙
And I will write
Strong's:
H3789
Word #:
1 of 14
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַלֻּחֹ֥ת
on the tables
H3871
הַלֻּחֹ֥ת
on the tables
Strong's:
H3871
Word #:
3 of 14
probably meaning to glisten; a tablet (as polished), of stone, wood or metal
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדְּבָרִ֔ים
the words
H1697
הַדְּבָרִ֔ים
the words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
5 of 14
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הָי֛וּ
H1961
הָי֛וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
7 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַלֻּחֹ֥ת
on the tables
H3871
הַלֻּחֹ֥ת
on the tables
Strong's:
H3871
Word #:
9 of 14
probably meaning to glisten; a tablet (as polished), of stone, wood or metal
הָרִֽאשֹׁנִ֖ים
that were in the first
H7223
הָרִֽאשֹׁנִ֖ים
that were in the first
Strong's:
H7223
Word #:
10 of 14
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שִׁבַּ֑רְתָּ
which thou brakest
H7665
שִׁבַּ֑רְתָּ
which thou brakest
Strong's:
H7665
Word #:
12 of 14
to burst (literally or figuratively)
Historical Context
Moses ascended Mount Sinai a second time to receive replacement tablets. This second giving of the law occurred after extended intercession and Israel's repentance. The new tablets were eventually placed in the gold-covered ark within the tabernacle's Most Holy Place.
These tablets remained with Israel throughout their history, symbolizing God's abiding covenant relationship despite the nation's ongoing unfaithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's personal writing of the law reveal about its authority and origin?
- How does the unchanged content of renewed covenant demonstrate God's unchanging standards?
- What is the significance of carefully preserving and honoring God's written word?
- How do the renewed tablets preview the New Covenant promise of law written on hearts?
- Why is it crucial that covenant renewal comes from God's initiative, not human effort?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And I will write on the tables the words that were in the first tables which thou brakest, and thou shalt put them in the ark. God Himself will write the law again - this is pure grace, as Israel deserved no second chance. The LORD takes responsibility for renewing what human sin destroyed.
The phrase the words that were in the first tables emphasizes continuity - covenant renewal does not mean covenant revision. The same unchanging moral law will be inscribed. God accommodates human failure not by lowering standards but by providing renewed access to His covenant.
The command put them in the ark ensures permanent preservation of God's written revelation. The ark serves as throne, footstool, and archive for God's covenant document. This honored placement demonstrates that God's word deserves careful preservation and honored position among His people.
The broken first tablets testified to covenant violation; the renewed tablets testify to covenant grace. That God provides new tablets despite Israel's unworthiness previews the New Covenant, where God writes His law on hearts (Jeremiah 31:33) rather than tablets.