The Two Stone Tablets, often referred to as the Tablets of the Covenant, are central to the biblical narrative of the giving of the Law to the Israelites. These tablets are most famously associated with the Ten Commandments, which were inscribed by the finger of God and given to Moses on Mount Sinai. The account of the Two Stone Tablets is primarily found in the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy.

Biblical Account

The initial mention of the stone tablets occurs in Exodus 24:12, where the LORD instructs Moses: "Come up to Me on the mountain and stay there, so that I may give you the stone tablets with the law and commandments I have written for their instruction." This divine directive underscores the significance of the tablets as a tangible representation of God's covenant with His people.

In Exodus 31:18, the narrative details the divine origin of the tablets: "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." This emphasizes the direct involvement of God in the creation of the tablets, highlighting their sacred and authoritative nature.

The Breaking and Renewal of the Tablets

The account of the Two Stone Tablets takes a dramatic turn in Exodus 32. Upon descending from Mount Sinai, Moses witnesses the Israelites worshiping a golden calf. In his anger, he throws down the tablets, shattering them at the foot of the mountain (Exodus 32:19). This act symbolizes the breaking of the covenant due to the people's idolatry.

However, God's mercy and willingness to renew the covenant are evident in Exodus 34. The LORD instructs Moses to chisel out two new stone tablets like the first ones, and He promises to inscribe the words again (Exodus 34:1). This renewal signifies God's enduring commitment to His covenant despite human failure.

The Tablets in the Ark of the Covenant

The Two Stone Tablets were eventually placed in the Ark of the Covenant, as described in Deuteronomy 10:1-5. The Ark, a sacred chest, served as the physical and spiritual centerpiece of Israel's worship, symbolizing God's presence among His people. The tablets within the Ark were a constant reminder of the divine law and the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Theological Significance

The Two Stone Tablets hold profound theological significance. They represent God's direct communication and covenant with His chosen people, serving as a foundation for moral and ethical conduct. The tablets underscore the importance of obedience to God's commandments as a response to His grace and as a means of maintaining a right relationship with Him.

Moreover, the tablets foreshadow the New Covenant, as prophesied in Jeremiah 31:33, where God promises to write His law on the hearts of His people. This points to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who embodies the law and offers a new way of relating to God through grace and truth.

Conclusion

The Two Stone Tablets remain a powerful symbol of God's law, covenant, and faithfulness. They remind believers of the importance of adhering to God's commandments and the enduring nature of His promises. Through the narrative of the tablets, the Bible communicates the gravity of sin, the necessity of repentance, and the hope of restoration through divine grace.