Topical Encyclopedia Biblical Context: The New Tablets of Stone refer to the second set of stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments, given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. This event is recorded in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 34. The first set of tablets was broken by Moses in response to Israel's idolatry with the golden calf (Exodus 32:19). Scriptural Account: After the incident with the golden calf, God commanded Moses to chisel out two new stone tablets like the first ones. In Exodus 34:1 , the Lord said to Moses, "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 ascended Mount Sinai early in the morning as the Lord had commanded, carrying the two stone tablets in his hands (Exodus 34:4). Divine Revelation and Covenant Renewal: The giving of the new tablets was not merely a replacement of the broken ones but also a renewal of the covenant between God and Israel. In Exodus 34:10 , God declares, "Behold, I am making a covenant. Before all your people I will do wonders never before done in any nation in all the world. The people you live among will see how awesome is the work that I, the LORD, will do for you." Theophany and God's Character: During this encounter, God revealed His character to Moses, proclaiming His name and attributes. Exodus 34:6-7 states, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth, maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generations." Moses' Role and Intercession: Moses' role as mediator is emphasized in this narrative. He interceded for the people, asking God to forgive their sin and to take them as His inheritance (Exodus 34:9). Moses' intercession highlights the importance of a mediator in the relationship between God and His people. Significance of the New Tablets: The new tablets symbolize God's mercy and willingness to restore His covenant with Israel despite their transgressions. They serve as a tangible reminder of God's laws and His enduring commitment to His people. The renewal of the covenant underscores the importance of obedience and the centrality of God's commandments in the life of the Israelite community. The Tablets' Preservation: The new tablets were placed in the Ark of the Covenant, as instructed by God. This is noted in Deuteronomy 10:1-5, where Moses recounts the event, emphasizing the tablets' sacredness and their role in the covenant relationship. Theological Implications: The narrative of the new tablets of stone reflects key theological themes such as repentance, forgiveness, and covenant faithfulness. It illustrates God's justice and mercy, His readiness to forgive, and the necessity of human response in maintaining a covenant relationship with the Divine. The new tablets also foreshadow the ultimate fulfillment of the law in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who embodies the perfect mediator between God and humanity. Subtopics Neophytes: General Scriptures Concerning New Moon: Traffic at Time of, Suspended Select Readings: The New Heaven and the New Earth The New Birth is for the Glory of God The New Birth is of the Mercy of God The New Birth is of the Will of God The New Birth: A Spiritual Resurrection The New Birth: All Saints Partake of The New Birth: Circumcision of the Heart The New Birth: Connected With Adoption The New Birth: Effected by Christ The New Birth: Effected by God The New Birth: Effected by The Holy Spirit The New Birth: Evidenced by Brotherly Love The New Birth: Evidenced by Faith in Christ The New Birth: Evidenced by Righteousness The New Birth: Manner of Effecting--Illustrated The New Birth: Newness of Life The New Birth: None Can Enter Heaven Without The New Birth: Partaking of the Divine Nature The New Birth: Preserves from Satan's Devices The New Birth: Produces Delight in God's Law The New Birth: Produces Hatred of Sin The New Birth: Produces Knowledge of God The New Birth: Produces Likeness to Christ The New Birth: Produces Likeness to God The New Birth: Produces Victory Over the World The New Birth: Putting on the New Man The New Birth: The Corruption of Human Nature Requires The New Birth: The Ignorant Cavil At The New Birth: The Washing of Regeneration The New Birth: Through the Instrumentality of The Ministry of the Gospel The New Birth: Through the Instrumentality of The Resurrection of Christ The New Birth: Through the Instrumentality of The Word of God Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |