(The Lord speaking is red text)
And it came to pass at the end of forty days and forty nights, [that] the LORD gave me the two tables of stone, [even] the tables of the covenant.
Yes, after forty days and nights ADONAI gave me the two stone tablets, the tablets of the covenant.
And at the end of forty days and forty nights, the LORD gave me the two stone tablets, the tablets of the covenant.
And it came to pass at the end of forty days and forty nights, that Jehovah gave me the two tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant.
And it came to pass at the end{H7093} of forty{H705} days{H3117} and forty{H705} nights{H3915}, that the LORD{H3068} gave{H5414} me the two{H8147} tables{H3871} of stone{H68}, even the tables{H3871} of the covenant{H1285}.
Deuteronomy 9:11 is part of a speech given by Moses to the Israelites as they are encamped on the plains of Moab, preparing to enter the Promised Land. This speech is a retrospective look at the journey from Egypt to the threshold of Canaan, emphasizing God's guidance and the importance of obeying His laws.
**Themes:**
1. **Covenant Relationship:** The "two tables of stone" represent the formalization of the covenant between God and Israel, with the Ten Commandments inscribed on them. This covenant established the terms of the relationship between God and His people, grounded in law and mutual faithfulness.
2. **Divine Revelation:** The verse underscores that the law was not a human invention but a divine revelation given to Moses directly from God. This emphasizes the authority and sanctity of the law.
3. **Patience and Providence:** The "forty days and forty nights" alludes to a period of waiting and testing, reflecting themes of patience and reliance on God's timing and provision.
4. **Obedience and Disobedience:** The broader context of Deuteronomy 9 highlights the tension between God's faithfulness and Israel's tendency to rebel. Moses warns the people against pride and disobedience, reminding them of past transgressions, such as the golden calf incident, which occurred shortly after the tablets were given (Deuteronomy 9:7-21).
**Historical Context:**
- **Exodus and Wandering:** The verse is set during the period of the Exodus, after the Israelites had escaped slavery in Egypt and were wandering in the Sinai desert. Moses ascended Mount Sinai to receive the law from God, which included the Decalogue (Ten Commandments).
- **Mosaic Law:** The "tables of the covenant" are emblematic of the Mosaic Law, which was central to Israelite religion and society. The giving of the law at Sinai was a pivotal moment in the formation of the Israelite identity and their understanding of God's will.
- **Preparation for Conquest:** As the Israelites stand on the brink of entering Canaan, Moses' speech serves to remind them of their history, the importance of the covenant, and the necessity of remaining faithful to God as they prepare to possess the land He promised to their ancestors.
In summary, Deuteronomy 9:11 reflects on the foundational event of God giving the law to Moses, which established the covenant between God and Israel. It serves as a reminder of divine authority, the need for obedience, and the historical roots of Israel's faith and identity as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)