Deuteronomy 10:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I made {H6213} an ark {H727} of shittim {H7848} wood {H6086}, and hewed {H6458} two {H8147} tables {H3871} of stone {H68} like unto the first {H7223}, and went up {H5927} into the mount {H2022}, having the two {H8147} tables {H3871} in mine hand {H3027}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 10:3 recounts Moses' faithful obedience in constructing an ark of acacia wood and hewing new stone tablets for the Ten Commandments, following the divine command after Israel's catastrophic sin with the golden calf. This act, performed before Moses ascended Mount Horeb again, underscores God's profound grace and willingness to renew His covenant with a rebellious people, re-establishing the foundational principles of their relationship and symbolizing His enduring presence among them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 10:3 is embedded within Moses' second major discourse to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, delivered just before they enter the Promised Land. Specifically, it falls within a section (Deuteronomy 9-10) where Moses vividly recounts Israel's past rebellions and God's enduring faithfulness. This verse directly follows Moses' detailed recollection of the golden calf incident and his intercession on behalf of the people, which led to the breaking of the first tablets (recounted in [Deuteronomy 9:15-17](/deuteronomy/9-15 "Deuteronomy 9:15-17 - Moses Breaking the Tablets")). The immediate verses leading up to 10:3 describe God's command for Moses to prepare new tablets and an ark (cf. [Exodus 34:1-4](/exodus/34-1 "Exodus 34:1-4 - God Commands New Tablets")), highlighting the divine initiative in covenant renewal despite Israel's profound failure. Moses' personal involvement in making the ark and preparing the tablets emphasizes his mediatorial role in facilitating this restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This passage is set against the backdrop of Israel's forty-year wilderness wandering, with the generation that rebelled at Sinai having largely passed away. The new generation stands poised to enter Canaan, and Moses' discourse serves as a crucial reminder of their covenant obligations and God's character. The construction of the Ark of the Covenant, even in this summary account, was of paramount importance. In the ancient Near East, treaties and covenants often involved written documents, sometimes placed in sacred containers within temples, symbolizing the presence and authority of the suzerain (the greater king). The Ark, made of readily available and durable acacia (`shittim`) wood in the desert, would serve as the central cultic object for Israel, signifying God's dwelling among His people and housing the very terms of His covenant. The act of hewing new tablets, mirroring the first, was a tangible symbol of God's willingness to re-engage with His people on the same terms, despite their infidelity.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 10:3 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Forgiveness and Restoration**. Despite Israel's egregious sin of 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 patience and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, even when His people prove unfaithful (cf. [Deuteronomy 4:31](/deuteronomy/4-31 "Deuteronomy 4:31 - God's Faithfulness")). 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. 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 foreshadows the ultimate mediator (cf. [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ark (Hebrew, _'aron'_):** This term refers to a chest or coffer, but in this sacred context, it specifically denotes the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred object in Israelite worship. It was more than a mere container; it symbolized God's throne, His presence, and the dwelling place of His covenant with Israel. Its construction from durable wood and its subsequent placement in the Tabernacle (and later the Temple) underscored its enduring significance as the focal point of Israel's relationship with Yahweh.
* **Shittim wood (Hebrew, _shiṭṭah'_):** This refers to acacia wood, a tree native to the desert regions where Israel wandered. Acacia wood is known for its remarkable hardness, durability, and resistance to decay and insect infestation, making it an ideal material for constructing sacred objects meant to last for generations. Its practical qualities thus symbolize the enduring and unyielding nature of God's covenant and His commands, designed to withstand the test of time and human frailty.
* **Tables of stone (Hebrew, _luḥot 'avanim'_):** These were the tablets upon which the Ten Commandments (the Decalogue) were inscribed by the finger of God. Their material, stone, conveys permanence and immutability, reflecting the eternal and unchanging nature of God's law. The fact that new tables were hewn "like unto the first" emphasizes the continuity and renewal of the covenant, not a new covenant with different terms, but a re-establishment of the original, foundational relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I made an ark [of] shittim wood":** This clause highlights Moses' direct obedience to God's command (cf. [Exodus 34:1](/exodus/34-1 "Exodus 34:1 - God's Command for New Tablets")). The ark, though later detailed to be constructed by Bezalel (cf. [Exodus 37:1-9](/exodus/37-1 "Exodus 37:1-9 - Construction of the Ark")), is here attributed to Moses in this summary, emphasizing his personal involvement in the process of covenant renewal. The choice of "shittim wood" (acacia) underscores the practical and symbolic qualities of durability and sacredness, preparing a fitting container for the divine law.
* **"and hewed two tables of stone like unto the first":** This phrase signifies the re-establishment of the covenant on its original terms. The first tables were broken by Moses in righteous anger due to Israel's idolatry (cf. [Exodus 32:19](/exodus/32-19 "Exodus 32:19 - Moses Breaks the Tablets")), symbolizing the broken covenant. God's command for new tables, and Moses' diligent act of hewing them, demonstrates God's willingness to restore the relationship and Israel's active participation in that restoration through obedience. The phrase "like unto the first" ensures continuity and the unchanging nature of God's moral law.
* **"and went up into the mount, having the two tables in mine hand":** This final clause emphasizes Moses' mediatorial role and his direct encounter with God. His ascent to Mount Horeb (Sinai) with the newly prepared tablets signifies the solemn renewal of the covenant, where God would once again inscribe His law. The image of Moses carrying the tables underscores his responsibility as the one entrusted with God's word for His people, a weighty and sacred task.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 10:3 employs several powerful literary devices. **Recapitulation** is central, as Moses retells a pivotal event from Israel's past, not merely as a historical account but as a didactic tool to instruct the new generation on God's faithfulness and their covenant obligations. The verse is rich in **Symbolism**: the "ark of shittim wood" symbolizes God's enduring presence and the sacred container for His covenant; the "tables of stone" symbolize the permanence and authority of God's law; and Moses' ascent "into the mount" symbolizes direct communion with the divine. There is also an underlying **Emphasis** on divine grace and human obedience; God's command for new tablets highlights His restorative character, while Moses' immediate action underscores the importance of faithful response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 10:3 is a profound testament to God's character as a God of second chances and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. Despite Israel's egregious sin of idolatry, God initiates a path to reconciliation, demonstrating His boundless grace and patience. This act of covenant renewal underscores that God's faithfulness is not contingent on human perfection but on His own steadfast love and purposes. The preparation of the ark and the new tablets emphasizes the enduring centrality of God's word and presence in the life of His people, providing the foundation for their identity and their walk with Him. It teaches us that even in the face of profound failure, repentance and obedience can lead to divine restoration.

* [Exodus 34:1](/exodus/34-1 "Exodus 34:1 - God Commands Moses to Hew New Tablets")
* [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts")
* [Hebrews 9:4](/hebrews/9-4 "Hebrews 9:4 - Contents of the Ark in the Tabernacle")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 10:3 offers a powerful message of hope and restoration for believers today. It reminds us that our God is a God of infinite patience and grace, always ready to extend forgiveness and offer a path to renewal, even after our most significant failures. Just as He did not abandon Israel after the golden calf incident, He does not abandon us in our sin, but invites us to return to Him, to embrace His restorative grace, and to re-engage with His timeless truths. The emphasis on the Ark and the tablets calls us to consider what we hold central in our lives—is it God's word and His presence? This verse encourages us to live in humble obedience to His commands, recognizing that His law is not burdensome but a guide to true life and flourishing. It challenges us to be like Moses, responsive to God's call, and committed to carrying His truth in a world that desperately needs it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's willingness to renew the covenant after Israel's profound sin speak to His character, and how does this apply to our own experiences of failure and forgiveness?**
* **In what ways do we, like Israel, sometimes stray from God's commands, and how can we actively seek to re-center our lives on His word and presence?**
* **What does it mean for us today to "make an ark" or "hew new tables of stone," symbolizing our commitment to God's truth and His dwelling among us?**

### 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. In this context, Moses emphasizes his own direct involvement in the process of covenant renewal, highlighting 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](/exodus/25-10 "Exodus 25:10-22 - Instructions for the Ark"), Moses' statement "I made an ark" in Deuteronomy 10:3 can be understood as Moses overseeing or initiating the preparation, or even representing the collective effort under his leadership, focusing on the *purpose* and *necessity* of the Ark in the renewal of the covenant. It underscores his mediatorial role in facilitating the entire process.

**What is the significance of "shittim wood" for the Ark?**

Answer: "Shittim wood" is acacia wood, which was readily available in the desert regions where the Israelites journeyed. Its significance lies in its practical qualities and symbolic meaning. Acacia wood is remarkably durable, hard, and resistant to decay and insects, making it an ideal material for sacred objects meant to last. Symbolically, its enduring nature reflects the permanence and steadfastness of God's covenant and His commands, designed to withstand the test of time and the challenges faced by His people.

**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 (cf. [Exodus 32:19](/exodus/32-19 "Exodus 32:19 - Moses Breaks the Tablets")). This act symbolized the breaking of the covenant by Israel's sin. God's command for Moses to hew new tables demonstrated His willingness to forgive and renew the covenant despite Israel's profound failure. The phrase "like unto the first" is crucial, signifying that the terms of the covenant remained unchanged. God's law and His expectations for His people were constant, emphasizing the continuity of His moral demands and His 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 work of Jesus Christ. The Ark, serving as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people and containing the law, finds its ultimate 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](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - Fullness of God in Christ")). Just as the Ark housed the written law, Christ is the living Word of God, the perfect expression of divine truth and righteousness ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")). The breaking of the first tablets symbolized humanity's inability to keep God's law, leading to a broken covenant. However, the renewal of the tablets points forward to the new covenant established through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection. Under this new covenant, God's law is no longer merely inscribed on stone but "written on their hearts" ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Promise"); [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - God's Law on Our Hearts")), empowered by the Holy Spirit. Moses, as the mediator who ascended the mount with the tablets, prefigures Christ, the "mediator of a better covenant" ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, a Better Mediator")), who, through His perfect obedience and sacrifice, has reconciled humanity to God, securing not just a renewed relationship but an eternal one.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 34:4

And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone.

Exodus 25:5

And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,

Exodus 37:1

¶ And Bezaleel made the ark [of] shittim wood: two cubits and a half [was] the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit and a half the height of it:

Exodus 37:9

And the cherubims spread out [their] wings on high, [and] covered with their wings over the mercy seat, with their faces one to another; [even] to the mercy seatward were the faces of the cherubims.

Exodus 25:10

¶ And they shall make an ark [of] shittim wood: two cubits and a half [shall be] the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.

Deuteronomy 10:1

¶ 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.