Exodus 32:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 32:15
15 And Moses turned, and went down from the mount, and the two tables of the testimony were in his hand: the tables were written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other were they written.
Chapter Context
Exodus 32 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of redemption, prayer, salvation. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
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 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 32:15
15 And Moses turned, and went down from the mount, and the two tables of the testimony were in his hand: the tables were written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other were they written.
Analysis
Moses descended (וַיִּפֶן וַיֵּרֶד, vayyifen vayyered, turned and went down) carrying שְׁנֵי לֻחֹת הָעֵדֻת (shnei luchot ha'edut, the two tablets of the testimony). The עֵדוּת (edut, testimony) emphasizes these were witness to God's covenant. Written מִשְּׁנֵי עֶבְרֵיהֶם (mishney evreihem, on both sides), they were completely filled with God's law. The detail מִזֶּה וּמִזֶּה (mizeh umizeh, on one side and on the other) stresses the tablets' comprehensive divine revelation, wholly God's work with no human contribution.
Historical Context
Moses spent 40 days on Sinai receiving the law (Ex 24:18). The tablets were written by God's finger (v16), making them utterly unique in biblical history. Their destruction (v19) would necessitate a second set (Ex 34:1).
Reflection
- How does the care given to preserving God's Word reflect its value?
- What does the complete divine authorship of Scripture mean for its authority today?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 9:15