Exodus 34:4
And 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.
Original Language Analysis
לֻחֹ֥ת
tables
H3871
לֻחֹ֥ת
tables
Strong's:
H3871
Word #:
3 of 21
probably meaning to glisten; a tablet (as polished), of stone, wood or metal
כָּרִֽאשֹׁנִ֗ים
like unto the first
H7223
כָּרִֽאשֹׁנִ֗ים
like unto the first
Strong's:
H7223
Word #:
5 of 21
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם
rose up early
H7925
וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם
rose up early
Strong's:
H7925
Word #:
6 of 21
literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning
בַבֹּ֙קֶר֙
in the morning
H1242
בַבֹּ֙קֶר֙
in the morning
Strong's:
H1242
Word #:
8 of 21
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
וַיַּ֙עַל֙
and went up
H5927
וַיַּ֙עַל֙
and went up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
9 of 21
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
הַ֣ר
unto mount
H2022
הַ֣ר
unto mount
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
11 of 21
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
15 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֹת֑וֹ
H853
אֹת֑וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
16 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיִּקַּ֣ח
him and took
H3947
וַיִּקַּ֣ח
him and took
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
17 of 21
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
בְּיָד֔וֹ
in his hand
H3027
בְּיָד֔וֹ
in his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
18 of 21
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
Historical Context
Stone tablets were standard treaty documents in the ancient Near East. Having two copies (one for each party) was typical covenant practice.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses' immediate obedience model proper response to God's commands?
- What spiritual preparations do you make before approaching God in prayer or worship?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses' obedience is immediate and complete—he hews the tablets himself, demonstrating that restoration requires both divine grace and human response. The phrase 'as the LORD had commanded' appears throughout Exodus, marking faithful covenant partnership. Moses rises early, showing eagerness for restored fellowship with God. The two tablets parallel the two parties of covenant: God and His people.