At that time the Lord said vnto me, Hew thee two Tables of stone, like vnto the first, and come vp vnto mee into the mount, and make thee an Arke of wood. Deuteronomy 10:1 (KJV)
Context: Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible and is part of the Pentateuch, also known as the Torah. It was written by Moses as a series of speeches delivered to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. The book of Deuteronomy serves as a reminder of God’s covenant with His people and provides instructions for living according to His commandments.
Explanation: In Deuteronomy 10 Moses recounts the events that followed the Israelites’ worship of the golden calf. While Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments, the people grew impatient and fashioned a golden calf as an object of worship. Their disobedience provoked God’s anger and He threatened to destroy the nation. Moses interceded on their behalf, pleading for mercy, and God forgave them. As a result of the sin, the original tablets on which the commandments were written were shattered. In verse 1 God commands Moses to hew two new tablets of stone, like the first ones that were broken, to bring up to the mountain, and to fashion an ark of wood to house these tablets. The ark of the covenant would become the sacred container for the stone tablets bearing the Ten Commandments. This command demonstrates God’s willingness to restore the covenant despite Israel’s unfaithfulness and underscores the importance of preserving and honoring His commandments.
Application:
Obedience and Repentance: The incident of the golden calf reminds us that obedience to God’s commandments is essential. We are called to be faithful to God and to repent when we fall short, trusting that He is gracious and merciful, ready to forgive those who turn to Him.
God’s Faithfulness: Even though the Israelites were unfaithful, God remained faithful to His covenant. Likewise, in our own lives, when we stumble or fail, we can rely on God’s steadfast love and His willingness to restore us.
Respect for God’s Word: The ark of the covenant symbolized the reverence the Israelites were to have for God’s commandments. As believers we should hold God’s Word in high esteem, recognizing its authority and seeking to live in accordance with its principles.
Gratitude for God’s Mercy: God’s provision of new tablets shows His mercy and desire to repair broken relationships. We should respond with gratitude, love, devotion, and obedience, acknowledging the mercy He extends to us.
Conclusion: Deuteronomy 10:1 reminds us of God’s willingness to restore and renew His covenant with His people. It emphasizes the importance of obedience, repentance, and reverence for God’s commandments. Ultimately, this verse points to the mercy and faithfulness of God and encourages us to live in a manner that honors and glorifies Him.
