TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
Complete Jewish Bible
So I made an ark of acacia-wood and cut two stone tablets like the first, then climbed the mountain with the two tablets in my hand.
Berean Standard Bible
So I made an ark of acacia wood, chiseled out two stone tablets like the originals, and went up the mountain with the two tablets in my hands.
American Standard Version
So I made an ark of acacia wood, and hewed two tables of stone like unto the first, and went up into the mount, having the two tables in my hand.
World English Bible Messianic
So I made an ark of acacia wood, and cut two stone tablets like the first, and went up onto the mountain, having the two tables in my hand.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And I made an Arke of Shittim wood, and hewed two Tables of stone like vnto the first, and went vp into the Mountaine, and the two Tables in mine hand.
Young's Literal Translation
and I make an ark of shittim wood, and grave two tables of stone like the first, and go up to the mount, and the two tables in my hand.
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In the KJVVerse 5,190 of 31,102
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Commentary on Deuteronomy 10 verses 1–11
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.
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.
6 And the children of Israel took their journey from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan to Mosera: there Aaron died, and there he was buried; and Eleazar his son ministered in the priest's office in his stead.
7 From thence they journeyed unto Gudgodah; and from Gudgodah to Jotbath, a land of rivers of waters.
8 At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.
9 Wherefore Levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren; the LORD is his inheritance, according as the LORD thy God promised him.
10 And I stayed in the mount, according to the first time, forty days and forty nights; and the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also, and the LORD would not destroy thee.
11 And the LORD said unto me, Arise, take thy journey before the people, that they may go in and possess the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give unto them.
There were four things in and by which God showed himself reconciled to Israel and made them truly great and happy, and in which God's goodness took occasion from their badness to make him the more illustrious: -
I. He gave them his law, gave it to them in writing, as a standing pledge of his favour. Though the tables that were first written were broken, because Israel had broken the commandments, and God might justly break the covenant, yet when his anger was turned away the tables were renewed, Deu 10:1, Deu 10:2. Note, God's putting his law in our reconciliation to God and the best earnest of our happiness in him. Moses is told to hew the tables; for the law prepares the heart by conviction and humiliation for the grace of God, but it is only that grace that then writes the law in it. Moses made an ark of shittim-wood (Deu 10:3), a plain chest, the same, I suppose, in which the tables were afterwards preserved: but Bezaleel is said to make it (Exo 37:1), because he afterwards finished it up and overlaid it with gold. Or Moses is said to make it because, when he went up the second time into the mount, he ordered it to be made by Bezaleel against he came down. And it is observable that for this reason the ark was the first thing that God gave orders about, Exo 25:10. And this left an earnest to the congregation that the tables should not miscarry this second time, as they had done the first. God will send his law and gospel to those whose hearts are prepared as arks to receive them. Christ is the ark in which now our salvation is kept safely, that it may not be lost as it was in the first Adam, when he had it in his own hand. Observe, 1. What it was that God wrote on the two tables, the ten commandments (Deu 10:4), or ten words, intimating in how little a compass they were contained: they were not ten volumes, but ten words: it was the same with the first writing, and both the same that he spoke in the mount. The second edition needed no correction nor amendment, nor did what he wrote differ form what he spoke. The written word is as truly the word of God as that which he spoke to his servants the prophets. 2. What care was taken of it. These two tables, thus engraven, were faithfully laid up in the ark. And there they be, said Moses, pointing it is probable towards the sanctuary, Deu 10:5. That good thing which was committed to him he transmitted to them, and left it pure and entire in their hands; now let them look to it at their peril. Thus we may say to the rising generation, "God has entrusted us with Bibles, sabbaths, sacraments, etc., as tokens of his presence and favour, and there they be; we lodge them with you," Ti2 1:13, Ti2 1:14.
II. He led them forward towards Canaan, though they in their hearts turned back towards Egypt, and he might justly have chosen their delusions, Deu 10:6, Deu 10:7. He brought them to a land of rivers of waters, out of a dry and barren wilderness. Sometimes God supplied their wants by the ordinary course of nature: when that failed, then by miracles; and yet after this, when they were brought into a little distress, we find them distrusting God and murmuring, Num 20:3, Num 20:4.
III. He appointed a standing ministry among them, to deal for them in holy things. At that time when Moses went up a second time to the mount, or soon after, he had orders to separate the tribe of Levi to God, and to his immediate service, they having distinguished themselves by their zeal against the worshippers of the golden calf, Deu 10:8, Deu 10:9. The Kohathites carried the ark; they and the other Levites stood before the Lord, to minister to him in all the offices of the tabernacle; and the priests, who were of that tribe, were to bless the people. This was a standing ordinance, which had now continued almost forty years, even unto this day; and provision was made for the perpetuating of it by the settled maintenance of that tribe, which was such as gave them great encouragement in their work, and no diversion from it. The Lord is his inheritance. Note, A settled ministry is a great blessing to a people, and a special token of God's favour. And, since the particular priests could not continue by reason of death, God showed his care of the people in securing a succession, which Moses takes notice of here, Deu 10:6. When Aaron died, the priesthood did not die with him, but Eleazar his son ministered in his stead, and took care of the ark, in which the tables of stone, those precious stones, were deposited, that they should suffer no damage; there they be, and he has the custody of them. Under the law, a succession in the ministry was kept up, by an entail of the office on a certain tribe and family. But now, under the gospel, when the effusion of the Spirit is more plentiful and powerful, the succession is kept up by the Spirit's operation on men's hearts, qualifying men for, and inclining men to, that work, some in every age, that the name of Israel may not be blotted out.
IV. He accepted Moses as an advocate or intercessor for them, and therefore constituted him their prince and leader (Deu 10:10, Deu 10:11): The Lord hearkened to me and said, Arise, go before the people. It was a mercy to them that they had such a friend, so faithful both to him that appointed him and to those for whom he was appointed. It was fit that he who had saved them from ruin, by his intercession with heaven, should have the conduct and command of them. And herein he was a type of Christ, who, as he ever lives making intercession for us, so he has all power both in heaven and in earth.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–11. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 10:3 recounts Moses' faithful obedience to God's command to construct an ark of acacia wood and to hew two new stone tablets, mirroring the first set, after Israel's profound sin with the golden calf. This pivotal act, preceding Moses' re-ascent of Mount Horeb, powerfully underscores God's boundless grace, His unwavering commitment to covenant renewal, and the re-establishment of the foundational principles of His relationship with a rebellious people, symbolizing His enduring presence and the immutability of His divine law.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Deuteronomy 10:3 is strategically placed within Moses' second major discourse, delivered to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This verse specifically falls within a section Deuteronomy 9-10 where Moses vividly recounts Israel's past rebellions, particularly the catastrophic golden calf incident, and God's subsequent enduring faithfulness and mercy. The immediate preceding verses detail Moses' fervent intercession on behalf of the people after he broke the first tablets in righteous anger Deuteronomy 9:15-17. Deuteronomy 10:1-2 directly sets the stage for this verse, describing God's command for Moses to prepare new tablets and an ark, highlighting the divine initiative in restoring the broken covenant. Moses' personal involvement in making the ark and preparing the tablets, as stated in this verse, emphasizes his crucial mediatorial role in facilitating this profound act of restoration and reconciliation.
Historical & Cultural Context: The setting for this passage is the culmination of Israel's forty-year wilderness wandering, with the generation that experienced the initial covenant at Sinai having largely passed away. Moses' address serves as a vital re-orientation for the new generation, reminding them of their covenant obligations and the character of the God who delivered them. The construction of the Ark of the Covenant, even in this summary account, was of paramount importance in ancient Israelite worship. In the ancient Near East, covenants between a suzerain (a greater king) and a vassal (a lesser king) often involved written treaty documents, which were sometimes placed in sacred containers within temples to symbolize the suzerain's presence and authority. The Ark, made of durable acacia (shittim) wood—a material readily available in the desert—would become the central cultic object for Israel, signifying Yahweh's dwelling among His people and housing the very terms of His covenant. The act of hewing new tablets, precisely "like unto the first," was a powerful, tangible symbol of God's willingness to re-engage with His people on the original, unchanging terms, despite their profound infidelity.
Key Themes: Deuteronomy 10:3 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes that permeate the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. A primary theme is Divine Forgiveness and Restoration. Despite Israel's egregious idolatry with the golden calf, God, in His boundless grace, chose to renew His covenant, commanding the preparation of new tablets and an ark to house them. This demonstrates God's profound patience and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, even when His people prove unfaithful Deuteronomy 4:31. Secondly, the verse underscores the Centrality and Enduring Authority of God's Law. The Ten Commandments, inscribed on these stone tablets, were not merely suggestions but the foundational principles for Israel's life, identity, and relationship with God. Their re-inscription and placement in the Ark signify their eternal relevance and the necessity of obedience for national flourishing. Finally, the verse highlights Moses' Unique Role as Mediator. Moses' actions—making the ark, hewing the tablets, and ascending the mount—reaffirm his indispensable position as the one chosen by God to intercede for Israel and to deliver God's commands, a role that profoundly foreshadows the ultimate mediator to come Deuteronomy 18:15.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 10:3 is rich with powerful literary devices. Recapitulation is central, as Moses retells a pivotal event from Israel's recent past. This is not merely a historical recounting but a didactic tool, designed to instruct the new generation on God's unwavering faithfulness despite their ancestors' rebellion, and to impress upon them their ongoing covenant obligations. The verse is replete with profound Symbolism: the "ark of shittim wood" symbolizes God's enduring presence among His people and the sacred repository for His covenant; the "tables of stone" symbolize the permanence, authority, and immutability of God's divine law; and Moses' ascent "into the mount" symbolizes direct, intimate communion with the divine, as well as the solemnity of covenant renewal. There is also a clear Emphasis on divine grace and human obedience; God's command for new tablets highlights His restorative character and His willingness to forgive, while Moses' immediate and faithful action underscores the critical importance of a responsive and obedient human will in the face of divine initiative.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 10:3 stands as a profound testament to God's character as a God of second chances, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant people even in the face of their profound infidelity. Despite Israel's egregious sin of idolatry with the golden calf, God mercifully initiates a path to reconciliation, showcasing His boundless grace and immense patience. This act of covenant renewal underscores that God's faithfulness is not contingent on human perfection but is rooted in His own steadfast love and sovereign purposes. The preparation of the ark and the new tablets emphasizes the enduring centrality of God's word and His manifest presence in the life of His people, providing the indispensable foundation for their identity, their moral framework, and their ongoing walk with Him. It powerfully teaches us that even in the face of profound failure and brokenness, genuine repentance and faithful obedience can lead to divine restoration and renewed intimacy with God.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 10:3 offers a powerful and enduring message of hope and restoration for believers in every generation. It serves as a profound reminder that our God is a God of infinite patience and boundless grace, always ready to extend forgiveness and offer a path to renewal, even after our most significant failures and acts of rebellion. Just as He did not abandon Israel after the catastrophic golden calf incident, He does not abandon us in our sin, but persistently invites us to return to Him, to humbly embrace His restorative grace, and to re-engage with His timeless truths. The emphasis on the Ark and the tablets calls us to a deep introspection about what we truly hold central in our lives—is it God's word and His manifest presence that define our existence? This verse encourages us to live in humble, responsive obedience to His commands, recognizing that His law is not a burdensome set of rules but a divine guide to true life, flourishing, and freedom. It challenges us to emulate Moses' responsiveness to God's call, committing ourselves to carrying His truth and embodying His grace in a world that desperately needs both.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Moses make the ark in this account, when Exodus attributes its construction to Bezalel?
Answer: Moses' account in Deuteronomy is a summary, a retrospective address to the new generation of Israelites, designed to emphasize key lessons and God's faithfulness. In this context, Moses highlights his own direct involvement in the process of covenant renewal, underscoring his obedience to God's command to prepare for the re-inscription of the law. While Bezalel was indeed the divinely gifted craftsman who executed the detailed construction of the Ark according to the specifications given in Exodus 25:10-22, Moses' statement "I made an ark" in Deuteronomy 10:3 can be understood as Moses overseeing, initiating, or even representing the collective effort under his leadership. The focus here is on the purpose and necessity of the Ark in the renewal of the covenant, underscoring Moses' indispensable mediatorial role in facilitating the entire process of reconciliation.
What is the significance of "shittim wood" for the Ark?
Answer: "Shittim wood" is the common name for acacia wood, which was readily available in the desert regions where the Israelites journeyed. Its significance lies in both its practical qualities and its profound symbolic meaning. Acacia wood is remarkably durable, exceptionally hard, and highly resistant to decay and insect infestation, making it an ideal material for sacred objects meant to last for generations. Symbolically, its enduring nature powerfully reflects the permanence, steadfastness, and unyielding truth of God's covenant and His divine commands, which are designed to withstand the test of time and the challenges faced by His people throughout history.
Why were new tables of stone needed, and why were they "like unto the first"?
Answer: New tables were needed because the first set, inscribed by God Himself, was broken by Moses in righteous anger when he witnessed Israel's idolatrous worship of the golden calf (Exodus 32:19). This dramatic act symbolized the profound breaking of the covenant by Israel's egregious sin. God's subsequent command for Moses to hew new tables demonstrated His boundless willingness to forgive and renew the covenant despite Israel's profound failure. The crucial phrase "like unto the first" is highly significant, signifying that the terms of the covenant remained unchanged. God's law and His expectations for His people were constant and immutable, emphasizing the continuity of His moral demands and His unwavering faithfulness to His original promises.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 10:3, with its account of the Ark and the renewed stone tablets, profoundly foreshadows the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Ark, serving as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people and containing the sacred law, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Christ. He is the true tabernacle, the very embodiment of God's presence, for in Him "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" (Colossians 1:19). Just as the Ark housed the written law, Christ is the living Word of God, the perfect expression of divine truth, righteousness, and the very will of God (John 1:1). The breaking of the first tablets symbolized humanity's inherent inability to perfectly keep God's law, leading inevitably to a broken covenant and condemnation. However, the renewal of the tablets points forward to the new covenant established through Christ's sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. Under this new covenant, God's law is no longer merely inscribed on external stone tablets but is powerfully "written on their hearts" (Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 8:10), empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Moses, as the faithful mediator who ascended the mount with the tablets to receive God's law, prefigures Christ, the "mediator of a better covenant" (Hebrews 8:6). Through His perfect obedience, His sinless life, and His once-for-all sacrifice, Jesus has reconciled humanity to a holy God, securing not merely a renewed relationship but an eternal, unbreakable covenant of grace.