“When I was gone up into the mount to receive the tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant which the LORD made with you, then I abode in the mount forty days and forty nights, I neither did eat bread nor drink water.”
Deuteronomy 9:9 is part of Moses’ retelling of the events that took place during the Israelites’ journey in the wilderness. In this verse, Moses recounts his experience of ascending Mount Sinai to receive the two tablets of stone containing the Ten Commandments, which symbolize the covenant God made with the Israelites.
Context:The book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible and is part of the Pentateuch, also known as the Torah, which consists of the first five books. Deuteronomy is primarily composed of Moses’ farewell speeches to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. Moses reminds the Israelites of God’s faithfulness, the importance of obeying His commandments, and the consequences of disobedience.
Mount Sinai:Moses mentions going up to Mount Sinai to receive the tablets of stone. Mount Sinai is the mountain where God appeared to Moses in the form of a burning bush (Exodus 3) and where He later revealed Himself to the entire Israelite nation (Exodus 19-20). The giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai is a significant event in biblical history.
Forty Days and Forty Nights:Moses stayed on the mountain for forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. This extended period emphasizes the intensity of Moses’ encounter with God and his total dependence on Him. Forty days and forty nights is a recurring motif in the Bible, symbolizing a time of testing, preparation, and renewal. For example, Noah and his family were in the ark for forty days and nights during the flood (Genesis 7:12), and Jesus fasted for forty days and nights in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2).
Spiritual Discipline:Moses’ abstention from food and water during his time on Mount Sinai highlights his dedication and spiritual discipline. It signifies his total focus on communing with God and receiving His instructions. Moses’ physical deprivation demonstrates his commitment to seeking God’s presence and guidance above all else.
Covenant Reminder:The tablets of stone that Moses received on Mount Sinai contain the covenant between God and the Israelites. This covenant outlined the terms of their relationship, including the Ten Commandments and various laws and statutes. Moses’ mention of the tables of the covenant serves as a reminder to the Israelites of their commitment to obeying God’s laws and their responsibility as His chosen people.
In summary, Deuteronomy 9:9 recounts Moses’ experience of ascending Mount Sinai to receive the tablets of stone, which contained the covenant between God and the Israelites. Moses spent forty days and nights on the mountain without eating or drinking, demonstrating his spiritual discipline and dedication to seeking God’s presence. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the covenant and obeying God’s commandments.
