Deuteronomy 10:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he wrote {H3789} on the tables {H3871}, according to the first {H7223} writing {H4385}, the ten {H6235} commandments {H1697}, which the LORD {H3068} spake {H1696} unto you in the mount {H2022} out of the midst {H8432} of the fire {H784} in the day {H3117} of the assembly {H6951}: and the LORD {H3068} gave {H5414} them unto me.

Complete Jewish Bible

He inscribed the tablets with the same inscription as before, the Ten Words which ADONAI proclaimed to you from the fire on the mountain the day of the assembly; and ADONAI gave them to me.

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD wrote on the tablets what had been written previously, the Ten Commandments that He had spoken to you on the mountain out of the fire on the day of the assembly. The LORD gave them to me,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 10:4 encapsulates a pivotal moment in Israel's covenant history, emphasizing God's profound grace and unwavering commitment to His people despite their egregious sin. Moses recounts how the LORD, in an act of divine faithfulness, personally reinscribed the Decalogue onto new stone tablets, replicating the original divine inscription, and delivered them to him. This verse powerfully underscores the enduring authority of God's divinely revealed law, the awe-inspiring nature of His presence at Mount Horeb, and His steadfast determination to maintain His covenant relationship with Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 10:4 is situated within Moses' second major address to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab as they stand on the threshold of the Promised Land. This discourse, spanning chapters 5-26, serves as a comprehensive review and reaffirmation of the Mosaic Covenant, preparing the new generation for life in Canaan. Specifically, chapter 10 is part of Moses' detailed recollection of the events immediately following Israel's catastrophic idolatry with the golden calf, which led to the shattering of the first set of tablets (as vividly described in [Exodus 32:19](/exodus/32-19 "Exodus 32:19 - Moses Breaks the Tablets")). Moses' recounting here emphasizes God's persistent grace and commitment to His covenant people, even after their profound failure, reminding them of God's command to prepare new tablets and ascend Mount Horeb for the law to be rewritten, demonstrating divine initiative in covenant renewal (see [Exodus 34:1-4](/exodus/34-1-4 "Exodus 34:1-4 - God Renews the Covenant")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for this address is approximately 40 years after the Exodus from Egypt, with the generation that rebelled at Sinai having largely passed away. The Israelites are now encamped in Moab, poised to enter Canaan. The "day of the assembly" refers to the momentous and terrifying gathering at Mount Sinai (also known as Horeb), where God first descended in a fiery theophany to reveal His Law and establish His covenant with Israel (as detailed in [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Theophany at Mount Sinai")). This event was characterized by thunder, lightning, thick cloud, and consuming fire, instilling both profound awe and terror in the people. Culturally, the act of writing on stone tablets was a widely recognized ancient Near Eastern practice for documenting treaties and legal agreements, signifying permanence, authority, and the binding nature of the stipulations. The fact that God Himself inscribed the "ten commandments" elevated their status far above any human legislation, marking them as uniquely divine.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the **Divine Authorship and Authority of the Law**, unequivocally stating that the "ten commandments" are not human constructs but direct, authoritative pronouncements from the LORD Himself, spoken "out of the midst of the fire." It profoundly underscores **God's Enduring Faithfulness and Grace**, demonstrating His willingness to restore the covenant even after Israel's catastrophic idolatry with the golden calf, serving as a stark reminder of their sinfulness and His steadfast love (compare [Deuteronomy 9:7-21](/deuteronomy/9-7-21 "Deuteronomy 9:7-21 - Israel's Rebellion at Horeb")). The phrase "according to the first writing" reinforces the **Unchanging Nature of God's Moral Law**, indicating that the content of His foundational principles remains constant despite the physical replacement of the tablets. Finally, it reiterates the **Awe-Inspiring and Terrifying Nature of Divine Revelation**, recalling the dramatic theophany at Sinai, which serves as a perpetual reminder of the solemnity and weight of God's word (as described in [Deuteronomy 5:22-26](/deuteronomy/5-22-26 "Deuteronomy 5:22-26 - God Speaks from the Fire")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wrote (Hebrew, _kâthab'_):** This primitive root signifies the act of engraving, inscribing, or writing. In Deuteronomy 10:4, the subject of this verb is "He," referring explicitly to the LORD. This divine agency in "writing" the commandments is profoundly significant, underscoring their absolute authority, permanence, and sacredness. It distinguishes these laws as direct, immutable divine decrees, not human constructs, making them the very word of God inscribed by His own hand.
* **Commandments (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** Derived from the root "to speak," this noun literally translates to "word" or "utterance." In the context of "the ten commandments" (literally "the ten words"), this term emphasizes that these are not merely human rules or statutes, but direct, spoken pronouncements originating from God Himself. It highlights their nature as foundational declarations of God's character and will, forming the bedrock of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh and serving as divine speech given for human obedience.
* **Fire (Hebrew, _ʼêsh'_):** A primitive word denoting literal or figurative fire, this term is a recurring and powerful motif in biblical theophanies, particularly at Mount Sinai. In this verse, "fire" symbolizes God's holy, consuming presence, His unapproachable glory, and the intense purity of His revelation. Its presence during the giving of the Law signifies the overwhelming and terrifying nature of the divine encounter, impressing upon the Israelites the gravity, solemnity, and absolute holiness of the commands issued from the very heart of God's glory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he wrote on the tables, according to the first writing,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the divine authorship of the Law, with "he" unequivocally referring to the LORD. The crucial phrase "according to the first writing" signifies that the content inscribed on this second set of tablets was identical to the original Decalogue, which Moses had broken. This emphasizes the unchanging nature of God's moral law and His unwavering faithfulness in restoring what was lost due to human sin, rather than altering or abandoning His foundational principles. It highlights divine initiative in covenant renewal.
* **"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:"**: This segment identifies the specific content—the Decalogue, literally "the ten words"—and vividly recalls the dramatic circumstances of its initial revelation. It underscores the direct, oral communication from "the LORD" to "you" (the assembled Israelites) at Mount Horeb (Sinai). The powerful imagery of "the mount out of the midst of the fire" and "the day of the assembly" evokes the terrifying and glorious theophany, emphasizing the unique, personal, and awe-inspiring nature of God's self-revelation and the solemnity with which His Law was given.
* **"and the LORD gave them unto me."**: This concluding clause confirms Moses' indispensable role as the divinely appointed mediator. After God personally inscribed the commandments, He delivered them directly to Moses, who then brought them down to the people. This highlights the divine origin and authoritative transmission of the Law, reinforcing its supreme authority and Moses' unique and privileged position in receiving it directly from the hand of God.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 10:4 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The **Repetition** of "the LORD" (twice in the latter half of the verse) serves to underscore divine agency and absolute authority, reinforcing that God alone is the ultimate author and giver of the Law, not Moses or any human entity. The phrase "according to the first writing" functions as a powerful form of **Recapitulation** or **Allusion**, drawing the audience's memory back to the initial, dramatic giving of the Law and its subsequent breakage due to Israel's sin, thereby highlighting God's steadfastness and grace despite human failure. **Vivid Imagery** is powerfully utilized with phrases such as "out of the midst of the fire" and "day of the assembly," which evoke the overwhelming sensory experience of the Sinai covenant. This imagery impresses upon the audience the solemnity, weight, and terrifying glory of God's direct revelation. This vivid imagery is central to the overall **Theophany** motif, describing a visible and audible manifestation of God's presence, which is a cornerstone of the narrative surrounding the reception of the Law.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 10:4 stands as a powerful testament to the enduring nature of God's covenant faithfulness and the unchangeable character of His divine will. Despite Israel's profound betrayal through the golden calf idolatry, God, in His boundless grace, chose to renew His covenant, personally re-inscribing the very same "ten words" that had been broken. This act underscores that God's commitment to His promises and His moral standards are not contingent upon human perfection, but rooted in His own immutable and steadfast character. The divine authorship of the Law highlights its absolute authority and its foundational role in shaping a people set apart for God, serving as a constant guide for righteous living and a mirror reflecting human sinfulness, pointing to the need for divine grace.

* [Exodus 34:28](/exodus/34-28 "The Covenant Words Written")
* [Nehemiah 9:13-14](/nehemiah/9-13-14 "God Gave Right Statutes and Laws")
* [Psalm 19:7-11](/psalms/19-7-11 "The Perfection and Benefit of God's Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 10:4 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers, reminding us of God's unwavering commitment to His people and His word, even in the face of our imperfections and failures. Just as God graciously restored the broken tablets to Israel, He consistently extends mercy and a path to restoration when we falter, demonstrating His steadfast love and patience. This verse invites us to reflect deeply on the divine origin and unchanging nature of God's moral principles, recognizing that they are not arbitrary rules but perfect expressions of His holy character, designed for our ultimate good and flourishing. It challenges us to cultivate a profound sense of awe and reverence with which we approach God's word, recognizing it as a direct utterance from the Creator of the universe, spoken from the very midst of His glory. Our appropriate response to such a profound and gracious gift should be one of humble obedience, seeking to align our lives with His perfect will, trusting in His empowering grace to enable us where we fall short and to lead us into deeper communion with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's act of rewriting the commandments, despite Israel's profound sin, speak to His character and His enduring relationship with humanity?**
* **In what ways do we, like ancient Israel, sometimes "break" or disregard God's commandments, and how does this verse offer profound hope for restoration and renewal?**
* **What does it mean for God's Law to be "according to the first writing," and how does this impact our understanding of its unchanging relevance and authority today?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper sense of awe, reverence, and gratitude for God's word, recognizing its divine origin and transformative power in our lives?**

### FAQ
**Why did God rewrite the commandments instead of giving new ones?**

Answer: God rewrote the commandments "according to the first writing" to powerfully demonstrate the unchanging nature of His moral law and His covenant stipulations. The breaking of the first tablets by Moses symbolized Israel's breaking of the covenant through their egregious idolatry with the golden calf (see [Exodus 32:19](/exodus/32-19 "Exodus 32:19 - Moses Breaks the Tablets")). By rewriting the exact same "ten words," God emphatically underscored that His divine standards and His holy character do not waver or change, even when His people fail spectacularly. This act was a profound demonstration of His grace and a powerful act of covenant renewal, signifying His unwavering faithfulness to His original promises and His fervent desire to restore His relationship with Israel, rather than abandoning them or altering His perfect will. It also reinforced the absolute divine authority of the law, as it was God Himself who inscribed them not once, but twice (see [Exodus 34:1](/exodus/34-1 "Exodus 34:1 - God Commands New Tablets")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 10:4, with its profound emphasis on the divine authorship, enduring nature, and gracious restoration of the Law, finds its ultimate fulfillment and redemptive transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Law was given on stone tablets amidst fire and thunder, a revelation that powerfully highlighted humanity's inherent inability to perfectly obey its righteous demands, Christ embodies the Law perfectly and completely (as He Himself declared in [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He is the living Word, the ultimate and most complete revelation of God, far surpassing the revelation at Sinai (see [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God") and [Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Speaks Through His Son")). The Old Covenant, inscribed externally on stone, exposed sin but was inherently weak in its inability to empower obedience (as articulated in [Romans 8:3](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3 - The Weakness of the Law")). However, through Christ's perfect life, atoning sacrifice, and glorious resurrection, He inaugurates a New Covenant where God's law is no longer merely an external code but is supernaturally written "on their hearts" by the indwelling Holy Spirit (as powerfully prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant") and profoundly explained in [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The Law Written on Hearts")). Thus, the divine writing on stone in Deuteronomy 10:4 beautifully foreshadows the divine writing on human hearts, enabling a genuine, Spirit-empowered obedience and transformation that the Law itself could not produce, all made possible through the boundless grace and complete redemption found in Jesus Christ, the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (see [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

Deuteronomy 9:10

And the LORD delivered unto me two tables of stone written with the finger of God; and on them [was written] according to all the words, which the LORD spake with you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly.

Exodus 34:28

¶ And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.

Deuteronomy 18:16

According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.

Hebrews 12:18

¶ For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,

Hebrews 12:19

And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which [voice] they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:

Deuteronomy 4:11

And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness.

Deuteronomy 4:15

Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day [that] the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire: