Deuteronomy 10:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 10:5
5 And I turned myself and came down from the mount, and put the tables in the ark which I had made; and there they be, as the LORD commanded me.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 10 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, wisdom, obedience. 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 foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. 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 10:5
5 And I turned myself and came down from the mount, and put the tables in the ark which I had made; and there they be, as the LORD commanded me.
Analysis
And I turned myself and came down from the mount, and put the tables in the ark which I had made; and there they be, as the LORD commanded me. Moses' careful obedience preserves God's word for future generations. The ark safeguards the tablets, ensuring the law remains accessible to Israel throughout their history.
The phrase there they be indicates the tablets remained in the ark at the time of Moses' speech. This eyewitness testimony confirms the continued presence of God's written covenant among His people. The physical tablets served as tangible evidence of God's covenant commitment.
Moses' statement as the LORD commanded me emphasizes exact compliance with divine instruction. Faithful servants handle God's word with utmost care, neither adding to nor diminishing from what He has spoken. This models proper stewardship of divine revelation.
Reformed theology sees in the ark a type of Christ, who perfectly embodies and preserves God's law. Just as the ark contained the tablets, Christ internalized the law perfectly, fulfilling every requirement on behalf of His people.
Historical Context
The ark remained with Israel throughout their wilderness wandering and conquest of Canaan. It was eventually placed in Solomon's temple, where it resided in the Most Holy Place until the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem.
By the time of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 3:16), the ark had been lost, but God promised a future time when it would not be needed because He would write His law directly on human hearts.
Reflection
- What does Moses' careful preservation of the law tablets teach about stewarding God's word?
- How does the ark serve as type of Christ who perfectly contains and fulfills the law?
- Why was it important that the tablets remained accessible to Israel throughout their history?
- What is the significance of exact obedience in handling divine revelation?
- How does the New Covenant promise of law written on hearts improve upon the tablets in the ark?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Exodus 34:29, 40:20