“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.”
Context:Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible and serves as a record of Moses’ farewell addresses to the Israelites. It recounts the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land and provides them with instructions for living as a holy nation.
Mount Sinai:The verse refers to a significant event that took place at Mount Sinai, also known as Mount Horeb. It was here that God appeared to Moses in a burning bush and called him to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. After their escape from Egypt, the Israelites reached Mount Sinai, where God established a covenant with them and gave Moses the Ten Commandments.
The Tablets of Stone:In this verse, Moses recalls how God delivered to him two tablets of stone. These tablets were inscribed with the words that God spoke to the Israelites from the midst of the fire on Mount Sinai. These tablets contained the Ten Commandments, which were the foundational laws and moral principles given by God to guide His people.
The Finger of God:The verse specifically mentions that the tablets were written with the finger of God. This phrase emphasises the divine origin and authority of the commandments. It signifies that the Ten Commandments were not man-made laws but directly written by God Himself. It highlights the significance and holiness of these commandments as a moral code for the Israelites and all people.
The Day of Assembly:The verse concludes by mentioning that this event took place on the day of the assembly, referring to the time when the Israelites were gathered together as a community before Mount Sinai to witness the awe-inspiring presence of God. This assembly was a crucial moment in their history, where they received the commandments and entered into a covenant relationship with God.
Key Themes and Lessons:
- Divine Revelation: Deuteronomy 9:10 reminds us of the supernatural nature of God’s revelation to Moses and the Israelites. The fact that God personally wrote the commandments on the tablets signifies the authenticity and authority of His word.
- God’s Faithfulness: The verse also highlights God’s faithfulness in delivering the commandments to the Israelites. Despite their rebelliousness and shortcomings, God remained committed to His covenant with them. This serves as a reminder that God’s faithfulness extends to His promises for us today.
- The Ten Commandments: The reference to the tablets of stone and the finger of God underscores the importance of the Ten Commandments in shaping the moral and ethical foundation for God’s people. These commandments reveal God’s will for righteous living and provide guidance for believers today.
- Covenant Relationship: The mention of the day of assembly emphasises the significance of the covenant between God and the Israelites. It highlights the communal aspect of their relationship and the responsibility of the Israelites to live in obedience to God’s commandments.
Overall, Deuteronomy 9:10 calls us to recognise the divine origin and authority of God’s commandments. It reminds us of God’s faithfulness and the importance of maintaining a covenant relationship with Him. The verse invites us to reflect on our obedience to God’s Word and seek to live in alignment with His righteous standards.
