“And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone.”
Context:The Book of Exodus is the second book in the Bible and is a continuation of the narrative of God’s dealings with the Israelites after their enslavement in Egypt. Moses, who was chosen by God to lead the people of Israel, had previously received the Ten Commandments on two stone tablets from God on Mount Sinai. However, during the Israelites’ time of idolatry and disobedience (worshipping the golden calf), Moses broke the original tablets (Exodus 32:19). Exodus 34:4 takes place after this event.
Obedience and Faithfulness:One of the key aspects we see in this verse is Moses’ obedience and faithfulness to God’s commands. Despite the Israelites’ rebellion and idolatry, Moses still heeds God’s call to come back up to Mount Sinai. This shows us the importance of obeying God’s instructions even in difficult times or when faced with the consequences of sin. God values our obedience and faithfulness, and He can still work through us despite our shortcomings.
God’s Mercy and Second Chances:Exodus 34:4 highlights God’s mercy and willingness to give second chances to His people. After the incident with the golden calf, God could have chosen to abandon the Israelites, but He didn’t. Instead, He commands Moses to come back up to the mountain, indicating that He is still willing to renew His covenant with them. This reflects God’s character throughout the Bible, where He continually shows grace and mercy to His people, offering them opportunities to repent and turn back to Him.
The Symbolism of the Stone Tablets:The stone tablets were a significant symbol in the Old Testament. They represented the covenant between God and His people. By hewing two new stone tablets like the first ones, Moses was symbolically reestablishing the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites. The stone tablets also served as a reminder of the importance of God’s law and His instructions for living a righteous and holy life.
Importance of Early Seeking:Notice that the verse mentions that “Moses rose up early in the morning” to go up to Mount Sinai. This emphasises the significance of seeking God early and diligently. Early morning can symbolise the first fruits of our time and attention. When we prioritise seeking God and spending time with Him at the beginning of our day, it sets the tone for the rest of our day, helping us to be more focused on God’s will and guidance throughout our daily activities.
Conclusion:Exodus 34:4 offers us valuable insights into obedience, God’s mercy, second chances, the symbolism of the stone tablets, and the importance of seeking God early. It reminds us that despite our failures and mistakes, God is willing to restore and renew His covenant with us if we turn back to Him in repentance and faithfulness. As we study this verse, let us remember to be obedient to God’s commands, seek Him diligently, and cherish the covenant relationship we have with Him.
