“And he wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments, which the LORD spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly: and the LORD gave them unto me”
Historical Context:Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Pentateuch, traditionally attributed to Moses. It contains a series of speeches given by Moses to the Israelites just before they enter the Promised Land. This verse is part of Moses’ recounting of the events surrounding the giving of the Ten Commandments.
The Tablets of the Law:In this verse, Moses recalls how he received the Ten Commandments from the Lord on Mount Sinai. The phrase he wrote on the tables refers to Moses writing the commandments on two stone tablets. This act of writing on the tablets is a significant part of the narrative.
Divine Revelation:The verse emphasizes that the Ten Commandments were not merely human creations but were given directly by God. It states that the Lord spoke to the Israelites from the midst of the fire on the day of the assembly. This highlights the divine origin and authority of the commandments.
Symbolic Meaning:The tablets of the Law, upon which the commandments were written, have symbolic significance. They represent God’s covenant with His people and serve as a tangible reminder of His expectations for them. The tablets were made of stone, which suggests their enduring and unchanging nature.
Obedience and Relevance:This verse reminds the Israelites, and us today, of the importance of obedience to God’s commandments. The Ten Commandments serve as a guide for righteous living and a foundation for moral and ethical conduct. They highlight our responsibilities toward God and fellow human beings.
Application:As believers, we can apply Deuteronomy 10:4 by recognising the authority of God’s commandments in our lives. We should seek to align our actions and attitudes with the principles laid out in the Ten Commandments. Through obedience to God’s Word, we demonstrate our love for Him and our commitment to live in accordance with His will.
