King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 10:3 Mean?

Deuteronomy 10:3 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Deuteronomy 10:3 · 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.

4

And he wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments, which the LORD spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly: and the LORD gave them unto me. commandments: Heb. words

5

And I turned myself and came down from the mount, and put the tables in the ark which I had made; and there they be, as the LORD commanded me.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Moses' obedient preparation demonstrates the human responsibility in covenant relationship - God commands, man must respond in faithful action. Moses precisely follows divine instruction.

Shittim wood (acacia) was durable hardwood available in the Sinai region, ideal for constructing lasting container for the sacred tablets. This simple wooden ark predated the elaborate gold-covered ark later constructed for the tabernacle. Its simplicity emphasizes the priority of content over container - God's word matters supremely.

That Moses personally hewed two tables of stone shows that while God provides the initiative and content of covenant renewal, humans must participate through obedient action. Moses cannot write the law - that remains God's prerogative - but he can prepare the tablets to receive it.

Ascending the mountain having the two tables in mine hand pictures readiness to receive divine revelation. Moses comes prepared with appropriate receptacles for God's word, demonstrating proper preparation to receive truth.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This simple wooden ark served as initial container for the law tablets. Later, Bezalel constructed the elaborate gold-covered ark (Exodus 37:1-9) that became Israel's most sacred object, representing God's throne and covenant presence.

Acacia wood, overlaid with gold in the final ark, symbolized incorruptibility - both materials resist decay, representing the eternal nature of God's covenant.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Moses' careful obedience teach about proper response to God's commands?
  2. How does the simple wooden ark emphasize that the content matters more than the container?
  3. What is the significance of Moses personally preparing to receive God's word?
  4. How should we prepare our hearts to receive divine revelation?
  5. What does the choice of durable acacia wood symbolize about God's covenant?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וָאַ֤עַשׂ1 of 14

“And I made”

H6213

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

אֲרוֹן֙2 of 14

“an ark”

H727

a box

עֲצֵ֣י3 of 14

“wood”

H6086

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

שִׁטִּ֔ים4 of 14

“of shittim”

H7848

the acacia (from its scourging thorns)

וָֽאֶפְסֹ֛ל5 of 14

“and hewed”

H6458

to carve, whether wood or stone

וּשְׁנֵ֥י6 of 14

“having the two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הַלֻּחֹ֖ת7 of 14

“tables”

H3871

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

אֲבָנִ֖ים8 of 14

“of stone”

H68

a stone

כָּרִֽאשֹׁנִ֑ים9 of 14

“like unto the first”

H7223

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

וָאַ֣עַל10 of 14

“and went up”

H5927

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

הָהָ֔רָה11 of 14

“into the mount”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

וּשְׁנֵ֥י12 of 14

“having the two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הַלֻּחֹ֖ת13 of 14

“tables”

H3871

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

בְּיָדִֽי׃14 of 14

“in mine hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

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 10:3 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 10:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 34:4Exodus 25:5Exodus 37:1-9Exodus 25:10Deuteronomy 10:1

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