The Stone Tablets of the Covenant, often referred to as the Tablets of the Law or the Ten Commandments, hold a central place in biblical history and theology. These tablets were inscribed by the finger of God and given to Moses on Mount Sinai as a divine covenant with the people of Israel. The account of their creation and significance is primarily found in the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy.

Biblical Account

The narrative of the Stone Tablets begins in Exodus 19, where the Israelites encamp at the base of Mount Sinai after their exodus from Egypt. God calls Moses to ascend the mountain, where He establishes a covenant with the Israelites, promising to make them a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:6). In Exodus 24:12, God invites Moses to come up the mountain to receive the tablets: "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Come up to Me on the mountain and stay here, so that I may give you the stone tablets with the law and commandments I have written for their instruction.'"

The tablets are described as being inscribed by God Himself. Exodus 31:18 states, "When the LORD had finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, stone tablets inscribed by the finger of God." These tablets contained the Ten Commandments, which are detailed in Exodus 20:1-17 and reiterated in Deuteronomy 5:6-21.

The Breaking and Renewal of the Tablets

A significant event in the history of the Stone Tablets is their breaking by Moses. In Exodus 32, while Moses is on the mountain, the Israelites construct a golden calf and engage in idolatry. Upon descending and witnessing their sin, Moses shatters the tablets in anger (Exodus 32:19). This act symbolizes the breaking of the covenant due to Israel's unfaithfulness.

God, however, in His mercy, instructs Moses to carve two new stone tablets. In Exodus 34:1, the LORD commands, "Chisel out two stone tablets like the originals, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke." Moses ascends Mount Sinai once more, and God renews the covenant by inscribing the commandments again (Exodus 34:28).

Theological Significance

The Stone Tablets of the Covenant are foundational to the moral and legal framework of Israelite society. They represent God's direct revelation and His desire for a covenantal relationship with His people. The commandments inscribed on the tablets are not merely legal stipulations but are seen as expressions of God's holy character and His expectations for human conduct.

The tablets were housed in the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest that symbolized God's presence among His people. According to Deuteronomy 10:5, Moses placed the tablets in the ark: "Then I went back down the mountain and placed the tablets in the ark I had made, as the LORD had commanded me, and they are there now."

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the Stone Tablets continue to hold significance as they point to the moral law fulfilled in Christ. Jesus affirms the enduring relevance of the commandments, summarizing them in the two greatest commandments: love for God and love for neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). The Apostle Paul also references the law, emphasizing its role in revealing sin and leading people to Christ (Galatians 3:24).

The Stone Tablets of the Covenant remain a powerful symbol of God's law, His covenantal faithfulness, and the call to holiness for His people throughout the ages.