Deuteronomy 10:3

Authorized King James Version

And I made an ark of shittim wood, and hewed two tables of stone like unto the first, and went up into the mount, having the two tables in mine hand.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָאַ֤עַשׂ
And I made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
אֲרוֹן֙
an ark
a box
#3
עֲצֵ֣י
wood
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#4
שִׁטִּ֔ים
of shittim
the acacia (from its scourging thorns)
#5
וָֽאֶפְסֹ֛ל
and hewed
to carve, whether wood or stone
#6
וּשְׁנֵ֥י
having the two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#7
הַלֻּחֹ֖ת
tables
probably meaning to glisten; a tablet (as polished), of stone, wood or metal
#8
אֲבָנִ֖ים
H68
of stone
a stone
#9
כָּרִֽאשֹׁנִ֑ים
like unto the first
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
#10
וָאַ֣עַל
and went up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#11
הָהָ֔רָה
into the mount
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#12
וּשְׁנֵ֥י
having the two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#13
הַלֻּחֹ֖ת
tables
probably meaning to glisten; a tablet (as polished), of stone, wood or metal
#14
בְּיָדִֽי׃
in mine hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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