Deuteronomy 10:3
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 10:3
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.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 10 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, sacrifice, redemption. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 10:3
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.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Exodus 25:5, 25:10, 34:4