King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 10:1 Mean?

Deuteronomy 10:1 in the King James Version says “At that time the LORD said unto me, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first, and come up unto me into the mount...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“At that time the LORD said unto me, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first, and come up unto me into the mount, and make thee an ark of wood.”

Deuteronomy 10:1 · KJV

Context

1

At that time the LORD said unto me, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first, and come up unto me into the mount, and make thee an ark of wood.

2

And I will write on the tables the words that were in the first tables which thou brakest, and thou shalt put them in the ark.

3

And I made an ark of shittim wood, and hewed two tables of stone like unto the first, and went up into the mount, having the two tables in mine hand.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
At that time the LORD said unto me, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first, and come up unto me into the mount, and make thee an ark of wood. God's command to prepare new tablets demonstrates covenant renewal after Israel's sin. The initiative comes from God - He provides opportunity for restoration despite Israel's breach.

The phrase like unto the first indicates the renewed covenant maintains the same terms as the original. God does not lower His standards or modify His law to accommodate human weakness. The moral requirements remain unchanged; what changes is provision for renewed relationship despite violation.

The command to make thee an ark of wood introduces the container for the tablets. This ark (not yet the elaborate gold-covered ark of the tabernacle) would preserve God's written word, symbolizing that divine revelation must be protected and honored.

Reformed theology sees covenant renewal after sin as preview of gospel grace. Though the law remains unchanged, God provides means for sinners to be restored to covenant relationship through mediatorial work - Moses in the type, Christ in the antitype.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This occurred after Moses' successful intercession following the golden calf incident. God's willingness to renew the covenant demonstrated His commitment to the patriarchal promises and His purpose to preserve a people for Himself despite their rebellion.

The tablets and ark would become central symbols of God's covenant presence with Israel, eventually housed in the Most Holy Place of the tabernacle.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's initiative in covenant renewal reveal about His character and purposes?
  2. How does the unchanged content of the law demonstrate God's unchanging standards?
  3. What is the significance of preparing a container to preserve God's written word?
  4. How does covenant renewal in the Old Testament preview gospel restoration?
  5. Why must God provide the means for restoring broken relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
בָּעֵ֨ת1 of 18

“At that time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הַהִ֜וא2 of 18
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

אָמַ֧ר3 of 18

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֣ה4 of 18

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֵלַ֗י5 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פְּסָל6 of 18

“unto me Hew”

H6458

to carve, whether wood or stone

לְךָ֞7 of 18
H0
שְׁנֵֽי8 of 18

“thee two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

לוּחֹ֤ת9 of 18

“tables”

H3871

probably meaning to glisten; a tablet (as polished), of stone, wood or metal

אֲבָנִים֙10 of 18

“of stone”

H68

a stone

כָּרִ֣אשֹׁנִ֔ים11 of 18

“like unto the first”

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

וַֽעֲלֵ֥ה12 of 18

“and come up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אֵלַ֖י13 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָהָ֑רָה14 of 18

“unto me into the mount”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ15 of 18

“and make”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לְּךָ֖16 of 18
H0
אֲר֥וֹן17 of 18

“thee an ark”

H727

a box

עֵֽץ׃18 of 18

“of wood”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 10:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 10:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 34:1-2Exodus 25:10-15Deuteronomy 10:3-4Exodus 34:4Hebrews 9:4

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 10 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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