Deuteronomy 4:13

And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, [even] ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.

And he declared {H5046} unto you his covenant {H1285}, which he commanded {H6680} you to perform {H6213}, even ten {H6235} commandments {H1697}; and he wrote {H3789} them upon two {H8147} tables {H3871} of stone {H68}.

He proclaimed his covenant to you, which he ordered you to obey, the Ten Words; and he wrote them on two stone tablets.

He declared to you His covenant, which He commanded you to follow—the Ten Commandments that He wrote on two tablets of stone.

And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even the ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.

Commentary

Context of Deuteronomy 4:13

Deuteronomy 4:13 is part of Moses' second great discourse to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab before they entered the Promised Land. In this chapter, Moses passionately urges the people to remember God's faithfulness and to remain obedient to His statutes and judgments. He recounts key events from their history, particularly the dramatic revelation of God at Mount Horeb (Mount Sinai), where the covenant was established. This verse specifically highlights the central element of that covenant: the giving of the Ten Commandments, emphasizing their divine origin and the solemn manner in which they were presented.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Divine Covenant: This verse underscores the foundational relationship between God and Israel, established through a solemn covenant. God "declared unto you his covenant," signifying a personal, direct communication of His will and promises to His chosen people. This was not a human invention but a divine initiative, binding God to Israel and Israel to God.
  • The Ten Commandments (The Decalogue): The "ten commandments" are identified as the core of this covenant. They serve as the foundational moral and religious law for the nation, providing a framework for righteous living and worship. These commands reveal God's character and His expectations for human conduct. For a deeper understanding of these foundational laws, consider reading the full text of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20.
  • God's Authority and Immutability: The phrase "he wrote them upon two tables of stone" emphasizes the divine authorship and the enduring, immutable nature of these laws. The act of God Himself inscribing them on stone signifies their permanence and unchallengeable authority, distinct from human legislation.
  • Call to Obedience: The covenant was "commanded you to perform," highlighting that it was not merely a set of principles but a directive requiring active obedience. God expected His people to live by these commands, making them central to their national and individual lives.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "ten commandments" is 'aseret ha'dibrot (עֲשֶׂרֶת הַדְּבָרִים), which literally means "ten words" or "ten sayings." This is the origin of the term "Decalogue." This emphasizes that these are not just arbitrary rules but direct, authoritative utterances from God Himself, foundational statements that encapsulate His moral will for humanity.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 4:13 reminds us of the timeless nature of God's moral law. While believers today live under the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ, the Ten Commandments remain a crucial revelation of God's character and a foundational guide for ethical living. They expose sin, reveal humanity's need for a Savior, and continue to serve as a standard for righteous behavior. Understanding their divine origin and permanence encourages reverence for God's Word and a commitment to living in a manner that honors Him.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 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.

  • Exodus 24:12

    ¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.

  • Exodus 31:18

    And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.

  • Exodus 19:5

    Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth [is] mine:

  • Deuteronomy 9:9

    When I was gone up into the mount to receive the tables of stone, [even] the tables of the covenant which the LORD made with you, then I abode in the mount forty days and forty nights, I neither did eat bread nor drink water:

  • Deuteronomy 9:11

    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.

  • 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.
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