“And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon Mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.”
Context:Exodus is the second book of the Bible and is an essential part of the Pentateuch (the first five books). It narrates the history of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land. In Exodus 31, we find Moses on Mount Sinai, where God is giving him instructions and commandments for the people of Israel.
Key Points:
- Mount Sinai and Divine Revelation:Exodus 31:18 is part of the narrative in which Moses is on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments directly from God. Mount Sinai is a significant location in the Bible, as it is where God’s presence manifested, and He established His covenant with the Israelites.
- Tables of Testimony:In this verse, we see that God gives Moses two “tables of testimony.” These are commonly known as the “Tablets of Stone” or simply the “Ten Commandments.” The tables were a physical representation of the covenant between God and the people of Israel. They contained the moral and ethical principles that God expected His people to follow.
- Written with the Finger of God:The phrase “written with the finger of God” emphasizes the divine authorship of the commandments. This expression highlights the significance and sanctity of the Ten Commandments as they were directly inscribed by God Himself. It underscores the authoritative nature of these laws and their non-negotiable importance for God’s people.
Spiritual Lessons:
- Divine Communication:The encounter on Mount Sinai reminds us of the importance of communication with God. God desires to communicate with His people, and He often does so through His Word, prayer, and moments of divine revelation. As believers, we should seek to engage in prayer and meditate on His Word to hear His voice and receive guidance for our lives.
- The Ten Commandments:The Ten Commandments serve as a timeless moral code that reveals God’s expectations for righteous living. They provide essential guidelines for our relationship with God and with one another. As Christians, we are not under the law for salvation, but the principles contained in the commandments remain crucial for guiding us toward a life of holiness and obedience.
- The Finger of God:The fact that the commandments were written by God’s own finger underscores their divine origin and authority. This should lead us to reverence and obey God’s commands willingly. God’s laws are not burdensome but are designed to lead us into a life of blessing and a deeper relationship with Him.
- The Importance of God’s Word:Just as the stone tablets were precious to the Israelites, God’s Word should hold a special place in our hearts. The Bible is God’s written revelation to humanity, and it is the foundation of our faith. We should treasure it, study it, and apply its teachings in our daily lives.
Application:
- Seek God’s Presence:Take time regularly to seek God’s presence through prayer, worship, and studying His Word. Just as Moses communed with God on Mount Sinai, we can also draw near to God and experience His guidance and love in our lives.
- Obey God’s Word:The Ten Commandments may be summarized in Jesus’ teaching to love God and love others. As we seek to follow Christ, let’s align our lives with the principles found in Scripture, trusting that obedience to God’s Word leads to abundant and meaningful living.
- Treasure God’s Word:Cherish the Bible as the inspired Word of God. Make it a habit to read and meditate on its teachings daily, letting it shape your thoughts, actions, and character.
- Share God’s Word:Just as Moses was entrusted to share God’s commandments with the people of Israel, we, too, should share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others. Let’s be messengers of God’s love and salvation to the world around us.
Remember, studying the Bible is an ongoing and enriching journey. May the study of Exodus 31:18 deepen your understanding of God’s Word and draw you closer to Him.
