Deuteronomy 9:17

So I took the two tablets and threw them out of my hands, shattering them before your eyes.

Study Bible

So I took hold
The phrase "I took hold" signifies a deliberate and forceful action by Moses. In the Hebrew text, the verb used here is "תָּפַשׂ" (taphas), which means to seize or grasp. This action reflects Moses' intense emotional response to the Israelites' sin of idolatry. It underscores the gravity of the situation and Moses' role as an intercessor and leader who is deeply invested in the spiritual well-being of his people.

the two tablets
The "two tablets" refer to the stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments, which were given to Moses on Mount Sinai. These tablets are central to the covenant between God and Israel, representing God's law and His direct communication with His people. The tablets' destruction symbolizes the breaking of this covenant due to the Israelites' sin. Archaeologically, similar stone inscriptions from the ancient Near East have been discovered, providing context for the use of stone as a medium for important legal and religious texts.

and threw them out of my hands
The act of throwing the tablets "out of my hands" is a dramatic gesture of righteous indignation. The Hebrew verb "שָׁלַךְ" (shalach) conveys a sense of casting away or discarding. This action is not merely impulsive but is a prophetic act symbolizing the rejection of the covenant by the people through their idolatry. It serves as a visual and physical manifestation of the spiritual breach that has occurred.

shattering them
The word "shattering" comes from the Hebrew "שָׁבַר" (shabar), meaning to break or destroy. This breaking of the tablets is symbolic of the broken relationship between God and Israel due to their disobedience. It highlights the seriousness of sin and the consequences it brings. The shattering of the tablets serves as a powerful reminder of the need for repentance and the restoration of the covenant relationship with God.

before your eyes
The phrase "before your eyes" emphasizes that this event was witnessed by the Israelites, making it a public and communal experience. It serves as a direct confrontation with their sin and a call to accountability. The public nature of this act underscores the collective responsibility of the community in maintaining faithfulness to God's commandments. It also serves as a teaching moment, reinforcing the importance of obedience and the consequences of turning away from God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai. He is the central figure in this passage, acting as an intermediary between God and the people.

2. The Israelites
The people of God who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and were journeying to the Promised Land. They are the recipients of the Law and the ones who provoked Moses' action by their idolatry.

3. Mount Sinai
The mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. It is a significant place of divine revelation and covenant.

4. The Golden Calf Incident
The event where the Israelites, in Moses' absence, created and worshiped a golden calf, breaking the covenant with God.

5. The Two Tablets
The stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments, representing God's covenant with His people.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Idolatry
Idolatry is a grave sin that breaks our covenant relationship with God. The Israelites' worship of the golden calf serves as a warning against placing anything above God in our lives.

The Role of Righteous Anger
Moses' action of breaking the tablets was a demonstration of righteous anger against sin. It is important to discern when anger is justified and how it should be expressed in a way that honors God.

The Importance of Covenant Faithfulness
The shattering of the tablets symbolizes the breaking of the covenant. We are called to remain faithful to God’s commandments and to seek His forgiveness when we fall short.

God’s Mercy and Restoration
Despite the Israelites' sin, God provided a second set of tablets, showing His willingness to forgive and restore. This encourages us to repent and trust in God’s mercy.

Leadership and Intercession
Moses' actions highlight the role of a leader in interceding for the people and guiding them back to God. We are called to pray for and lead others towards righteousness.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Moses' reaction to the Israelites' idolatry teach us about the seriousness of sin in our own lives?

2. How can we identify and remove "golden calves" or idols in our modern context?

3. In what ways can righteous anger be expressed constructively in situations where God's commandments are being violated?

4. How does the renewal of the covenant in Deuteronomy 10 encourage us to seek God's forgiveness and restoration today?

5. What lessons can we learn from Moses' leadership and intercession that can be applied to our roles in our families, churches, and communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 32
This chapter provides the detailed account of the Golden Calf incident, explaining why Moses shattered the tablets.

Deuteronomy 10
This chapter describes the renewal of the covenant and the giving of the second set of tablets, highlighting God's mercy and forgiveness.

Hebrews 9
This New Testament passage discusses the old and new covenants, drawing parallels between the law given to Moses and the new covenant through Christ.