Deuteronomy 9:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 9:10
10 And the LORD delivered unto me two tables of stone written with the finger of God; and on them was written according to all the words, which the LORD spake with you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 9 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of covenant, righteousness, prayer. 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 21-29: 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 9:10
10 And the LORD delivered unto me two tables of stone written with the finger of God; and on them was written according to all the words, which the LORD spake with you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly.
Analysis
The tablets 'written with the finger of God' emphasizes divine authorship and authority. This wasn't human wisdom or religious philosophy but direct divine revelation. The phrase 'finger of God' appears only three times in Scripture: here, Exodus 31:18, and Luke 11:20 (Jesus casting out demons 'by the finger of God'). It signifies immediate divine action. The law's content—'according to all the words which the LORD spake with you'—confirms that written and spoken revelation were identical. God's written word perfectly preserves His spoken word. This establishes Scripture's authority: it is God's own word in written form, not merely human testimony about God.
Historical Context
The two tablets likely contained the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 4:13), possibly with both tables containing all ten (ancient treaty format) or divided 1-4 (duties to God) and 5-10 (duties to others). The 'finger of God' indicated supernatural writing, not human engraving. These tablets were placed in the ark of the covenant (Deuteronomy 10:2, 5) as covenant foundation. Jesus referenced these tablets when summarizing the law (Matthew 22:37-40). Paul distinguishes old covenant 'written... in stone' from new covenant 'written... in fleshy tables of the heart' (2 Corinthians 3:3).
Reflection
- How does understanding Scripture as 'written with the finger of God' affect your approach to Bible reading and obedience?
- What difference does it make that God's word is permanently written rather than only orally transmitted?
- How should the law written on stone (external) versus Spirit-written on heart (internal) shape your understanding of new covenant transformation?
Word Studies
- Word: דָּבָר (Davar) H1697 - Word, thing, matter
Cross-References
- References God: Deuteronomy 18:16, Exodus 31:18
- Word: Deuteronomy 10:4, Hebrews 8:10