Deuteronomy 10:3
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.
Original Language Analysis
וָאַ֤עַשׂ
And I made
H6213
וָאַ֤עַשׂ
And I made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
הַלֻּחֹ֖ת
tables
H3871
הַלֻּחֹ֖ת
tables
Strong's:
H3871
Word #:
7 of 14
probably meaning to glisten; a tablet (as polished), of stone, wood or metal
כָּרִֽאשֹׁנִ֑ים
like unto the first
H7223
כָּרִֽאשֹׁנִ֑ים
like unto the first
Strong's:
H7223
Word #:
9 of 14
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
וָאַ֣עַל
and went up
H5927
וָאַ֣עַל
and went up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
10 of 14
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
הָהָ֔רָה
into the mount
H2022
הָהָ֔רָה
into the mount
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
11 of 14
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
Cross References
Exodus 34:4And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone.Exodus 25:10And they shall make an ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.Exodus 25:5And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,
Historical Context
This simple wooden ark served as initial container for the law tablets. Later, Bezalel constructed the elaborate gold-covered ark (Exodus 37:1-9) that became Israel's most sacred object, representing God's throne and covenant presence.
Acacia wood, overlaid with gold in the final ark, symbolized incorruptibility - both materials resist decay, representing the eternal nature of God's covenant.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Moses' careful obedience teach about proper response to God's commands?
- How does the simple wooden ark emphasize that the content matters more than the container?
- What is the significance of Moses personally preparing to receive God's word?
- How should we prepare our hearts to receive divine revelation?
- What does the choice of durable acacia wood symbolize about God's covenant?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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. Moses' obedient preparation demonstrates the human responsibility in covenant relationship - God commands, man must respond in faithful action. Moses precisely follows divine instruction.
Shittim wood (acacia) was durable hardwood available in the Sinai region, ideal for constructing lasting container for the sacred tablets. This simple wooden ark predated the elaborate gold-covered ark later constructed for the tabernacle. Its simplicity emphasizes the priority of content over container - God's word matters supremely.
That Moses personally hewed two tables of stone shows that while God provides the initiative and content of covenant renewal, humans must participate through obedient action. Moses cannot write the law - that remains God's prerogative - but he can prepare the tablets to receive it.
Ascending the mountain having the two tables in mine hand pictures readiness to receive divine revelation. Moses comes prepared with appropriate receptacles for God's word, demonstrating proper preparation to receive truth.