Deuteronomy 9:9

When I went up on the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant that the LORD made with you, I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights. I ate no bread and drank no water.

Study Bible

When I went up on the mountain
This phrase refers to Moses ascending Mount Sinai, a pivotal moment in Israelite history. The Hebrew word for "mountain" is "har," which often signifies a place of divine encounter. Mountains in biblical times were seen as sacred spaces where heaven and earth meet. Moses' ascent symbolizes approaching God, seeking His presence and revelation. This act of going up the mountain is a physical and spiritual journey, representing the need for leaders to seek divine guidance and wisdom.

to receive the tablets of stone
The "tablets of stone" are the Ten Commandments, foundational to the covenant between God and Israel. The Hebrew term "luchot ha'even" emphasizes their permanence and divine origin. Stone tablets were used in ancient Near Eastern cultures for important decrees, signifying durability and authority. These tablets represent God's unchanging law and His desire for a covenant relationship with His people, underscoring the importance of divine law in guiding moral and spiritual life.

the tablets of the covenant
This phrase highlights the covenantal nature of the Ten Commandments. The Hebrew word "brit" for "covenant" indicates a binding agreement, often sealed with solemn promises. In biblical context, a covenant is a sacred bond initiated by God, requiring faithfulness and obedience from His people. The tablets are not just legal documents but a testament to the relationship between God and Israel, calling them to live as His chosen people.

that the LORD had made with you
Here, the personal nature of the covenant is emphasized. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) reflects God's personal name, denoting His eternal, self-existent nature. This covenant is not a distant decree but a personal commitment from God to His people. It underscores God's initiative in establishing a relationship with Israel, highlighting His grace and faithfulness despite human shortcomings.

I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights
The period of "forty days and forty nights" is significant in biblical numerology, often symbolizing a time of testing, preparation, and transformation. The Hebrew word "yom" for "day" and "laylah" for "night" together indicate a complete cycle of time. This duration reflects Moses' dedication and the seriousness of receiving God's law. It parallels other biblical events, such as Jesus' fasting in the wilderness, emphasizing the need for spiritual readiness and endurance in fulfilling God's purposes.

I ate no bread and drank no water
Moses' fasting signifies total dependence on God and the seriousness of his mission. In Hebrew culture, fasting is a form of humbling oneself before God, seeking His will above physical needs. This act of self-denial highlights the spiritual nature of Moses' encounter with God, setting an example of prioritizing divine revelation over earthly sustenance. It underscores the importance of spiritual discipline in seeking God's presence and guidance.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The central figure in this passage, Moses is the leader of the Israelites and the mediator between God and His people. He ascends Mount Sinai to receive the Law.

2. Mount Sinai
The mountain where Moses meets with God and receives the tablets of the covenant. It is a place of divine revelation and covenant-making.

3. The Tablets of Stone
These are the physical representation of God's covenant with Israel, containing the Ten Commandments.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-making God of Israel, who gives the Law to Moses for His people.

5. The Israelites
The people of God, who are the recipients of the covenant and the Law given through Moses.

Teaching Points

The Significance of Forty Days
The number forty often symbolizes a period of testing, preparation, and transformation in the Bible. Reflect on how God uses such times in our lives to prepare us for His purposes.

The Importance of Fasting
Moses' fast underscores the importance of spiritual discipline and dependence on God. Consider how fasting can deepen our relationship with God and heighten our spiritual awareness.

The Role of the Mediator
Moses acts as a mediator between God and Israel, prefiguring Christ as the ultimate mediator. Reflect on how Jesus bridges the gap between God and humanity.

The Covenant Relationship
The tablets of stone represent God's covenant with His people. Consider how we are called to live in covenant relationship with God, obeying His commandments and walking in His ways.

Divine Revelation and Obedience
Moses receives God's Law on the mountain, highlighting the importance of receiving and obeying God's Word. Reflect on how we can prioritize God's Word in our daily lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the forty-day period on Mount Sinai teach us about preparation and encountering God in our own lives?

2. How can the practice of fasting, as demonstrated by Moses, enhance our spiritual journey and relationship with God?

3. In what ways does Moses' role as a mediator point to the work of Jesus Christ in the New Testament?

4. How does understanding the covenant relationship between God and Israel help us appreciate our own covenant relationship with God through Christ?

5. What practical steps can we take to ensure that we are receiving and obeying God's Word in our daily lives, similar to how Moses received the Law on behalf of Israel?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 24:18
This passage describes Moses entering the cloud on Mount Sinai and staying there for forty days and nights, providing a parallel account of the event in Deuteronomy 9:9.

Matthew 4:2
Jesus fasts for forty days and nights in the wilderness, drawing a parallel to Moses' fast and highlighting themes of preparation and divine encounter.

1 Kings 19:8
Elijah's forty-day journey to Horeb (another name for Sinai) echoes Moses' experience, emphasizing the significance of forty days in spiritual preparation and revelation.