Deuteronomy 4:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 4:13 serves as a pivotal summary within Moses' second discourse, delivered to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab. It succinctly states that God Himself directly revealed His covenant to Israel, specifically identifying its core as the "ten commandments." The verse further underscores the divine authority and permanence of these foundational laws by noting that God personally inscribed them upon two tables of stone, thereby emphasizing their non-negotiable nature and the expectation of Israel's unwavering performance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 4:13 is situated within Moses' second major address to the Israelites, following a historical recapitulation of God's mighty acts. Chapter 4 functions as a passionate exhortation, urging the people to remember the dramatic revelation at Mount Horeb (Sinai) and to remain faithful to the covenant established there. Moses meticulously recounts the awe-inspiring display of God's presence—fire, cloud, and thick darkness—from which God spoke directly to them. Verse 13 serves as a concise summation of the most critical aspect of that revelation: the giving of the Decalogue, which forms the very heart of the covenant. It immediately follows Moses' warning against idolatry and his emphasis on God's unique and personal relationship with Israel.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the plains of Moab, approximately forty years after the Exodus from Egypt. The generation that experienced the initial covenant at Sinai had largely passed away, and Moses was addressing their children, who were on the cusp of entering the Promised Land. This discourse, therefore, functions as a covenant renewal ceremony, reminding this new generation of their obligations and the blessings contingent upon obedience. Culturally, the concept of a "covenant" (Hebrew: *bĕrît*) was familiar in the ancient Near East, often taking the form of a suzerain-vassal treaty. In such treaties, a powerful king (suzerain) would dictate terms to a lesser king or people (vassal), outlining loyalty, obligations, and consequences. God, as the divine Suzerain, establishes His covenant with Israel, His vassal, with the Ten Commandments serving as the foundational stipulations. The inscription on stone tables was a common practice for important legal documents, signifying their permanence, authority, and public accessibility.

* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 4:13 encapsulates several overarching themes central to the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. The primary theme is **Covenant Fidelity**, emphasizing Israel's solemn obligation to remain loyal to Yahweh, who chose them and delivered them. The verse highlights **Divine Revelation and Authority**, showcasing God's direct, personal communication of His will, distinguishing Him from the silent, man-made idols of surrounding nations (compare with [Deuteronomy 4:32-35](/deuteronomy/4-32 "Deuteronomy 4:32-35 - Uniqueness of God")). Furthermore, the "ten commandments" represent the essence of **God's Moral Law**, serving as the framework for righteous living and worship. Moses consistently links **Obedience as Life** throughout his speeches, promising blessing and flourishing in the land for those who diligently keep God's statutes and judgments (e.g., [Deuteronomy 4:1](/deuteronomy/4-1 "Deuteronomy 4:1 - Obedience for Life")). This verse underscores that the covenant is not merely a set of principles but a divine command requiring active "performance."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Covenant (Hebrew, _bĕrît'_):** This term denotes a solemn, binding agreement or pact, often established by an oath. In the biblical context, it primarily refers to God's gracious initiative to establish a relationship with humanity, particularly with Israel. Here, it signifies the foundational relationship between Yahweh and His chosen people, characterized by mutual obligations and promises. God "declared" or "announced" His covenant, highlighting its divine origin and the fact that it was not a human invention but a divine gift.
* **Ten Commandments (Hebrew, _‘ăśeret haddĕbārîm'_):** Literally translated as "ten words" or "ten sayings," this phrase is the origin of the term "Decalogue." This emphasizes that these are not merely human rules or suggestions, but direct, authoritative utterances from God Himself. They are foundational statements that encapsulate God's moral and ethical will for His people, serving as the core stipulations of the covenant revealed at Horeb.
* **Wrote (Hebrew, _kāṯaḇ'_):** The verb "wrote" here is significant because the subject is God Himself ("he wrote"). This emphasizes divine authorship. The act of God personally inscribing these words on stone underscores their sacredness, permanence, and unchallengeable authority. It distinguishes them from human legislation, which is subject to change.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he declared unto you his covenant":** This clause emphasizes God's active and personal initiative in establishing the covenant. It was not something Israel sought out or devised, but a direct, verbal revelation from God to His people. The covenant defines the unique relationship between God and Israel, setting them apart from all other nations.
* **"which he commanded you to perform":** The covenant is not merely a statement of relationship or a set of abstract principles; it is prescriptive and demands active obedience. The phrase "to perform" (Hebrew: *la‘ăśôt*) indicates that the covenant requires diligent action, ethical living, and faithful adherence to God's will in all aspects of life. It highlights the practical and behavioral expectations of the covenant.
* **"[even] ten commandments":** This clarifies the specific content of the declared covenant. The "ten commandments" are identified as the essential summary of God's moral and religious law, providing a comprehensive framework for Israel's conduct towards God and towards one another. They are the core stipulations of the covenant, serving as the blueprint for a holy and just society.
* **"and he wrote them upon two tables of stone":** This final clause underscores the divine authorship, permanence, and immutability of the commandments. The act of God Himself writing them signifies their absolute authority. "Tables of stone" symbolize durability and public record, indicating that these laws were meant to endure through generations and serve as a constant reminder of God's unchanging will. The "two tables" likely refer to the two distinct categories of commandments (duties to God and duties to neighbor) or perhaps two copies of the covenant, one for each party (God and Israel).

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 4:13 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Repetition** of key concepts, such as "covenant" and "commanded," throughout Moses' discourse reinforces their significance and the centrality of obedience. The phrase "two tables of stone" serves as powerful **Symbolism**, representing the permanence, divine origin, and unchangeable nature of God's law. Stone, by its very nature, suggests durability and resistance to decay, contrasting with human decrees that fade or are easily altered. The act of God personally "writing" them further emphasizes **Divine Authorship** and the absolute authority of these commands, setting them apart from any human legislation. This emphasis on God's direct involvement highlights the **Uniqueness** of Israel's relationship with Yahweh, who speaks and acts decisively in their history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 4:13 is foundational for understanding the nature of God's relationship with humanity and the role of His law. It establishes that God's covenant is not a human construct but a divine initiative, freely given and authoritatively declared. The Ten Commandments, as the core of this covenant, reveal God's holy character and His expectations for righteous living. They serve as a perfect standard, a moral compass for humanity, demonstrating what it means to love God and neighbor. While given to Israel, their principles resonate universally, exposing sin and highlighting humanity's inherent inability to perfectly fulfill God's righteous demands, thereby pointing to a deeper need for divine grace and intervention.

* [Exodus 20:1-17](/exodus/20-1 "Exodus 20:1-17 - The Giving of the Ten Commandments")
* [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant and the Law on Hearts")
* [Romans 7:7](/romans/7-7 "Romans 7:7 - The Law Reveals Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 4:13 calls us to profound reflection on the nature of God's law and our response to it. The divine origin and permanence of the Ten Commandments remind us that God's moral standards are not arbitrary or subject to cultural whims; they are eternal reflections of His holy character. While believers in Christ are not under the law for salvation, the Decalogue remains a vital guide for ethical living, shaping our conscience, revealing areas where we fall short, and pointing us to our ongoing need for God's grace and the empowering work of the Holy Spirit. Understanding that God "commanded you to perform" His covenant challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to active, joyful obedience, recognizing that living according to God's "ten words" leads to true flourishing and honors the One who declared them. This verse encourages a posture of reverence for God's Word and a commitment to integrating His timeless principles into every facet of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the divine origin of the Ten Commandments impact your view of their authority in your life today?**
* **In what ways do these "ten words" continue to reveal God's character and His expectations for humanity, even in a modern context?**
* **How does the call to "perform" the covenant challenge you to live out your faith practically in your daily decisions and relationships?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "two tables of stone" mentioned in Deuteronomy 4:13?**

Answer: The "two tables of stone" carry multiple layers of significance. Firstly, stone itself symbolizes permanence and immutability, indicating that these laws were not fleeting or easily altered, unlike human decrees. Secondly, the fact that God "wrote them" Himself underscores their divine authorship and absolute authority, setting them apart as uniquely sacred. Thirdly, the "two tables" are often understood to represent the two main categories of the Ten Commandments: the first table (commandments 1-4) dealing with duties to God, and the second table (commandments 5-10) dealing with duties to one's neighbor. Alternatively, some scholars suggest the two tables might signify two copies of the covenant document, one for each party—God and Israel—a common practice in ancient Near Eastern treaties to ensure both parties possessed the terms of the agreement. Regardless of the precise interpretation of "two," the overall emphasis is on the enduring, divine nature of the law.

**How does Deuteronomy 4:13, which speaks of the Old Covenant, relate to the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ?**

Answer: While Deuteronomy 4:13 describes the giving of the Old Covenant law, its principles remain profoundly relevant under the New Covenant. The Ten Commandments, as God's moral law, reveal His unchanging character and His perfect standard of righteousness. They expose humanity's sin and our inability to perfectly fulfill God's demands, thus highlighting our desperate need for a Savior. Jesus affirmed that He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (e.g., [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Under the New Covenant, salvation is by grace through faith in Christ, not by perfect obedience to the law. However, the moral principles of the Decalogue continue to serve as a guide for righteous living for believers, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. The New Covenant promises that God will write His laws not on tables of stone, but on the hearts and minds of His people (e.g., [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The Law Written on Hearts")), enabling them to live in a way that truly honors Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 4:13, with its emphasis on God's declaration of His covenant and the inscription of the "ten commandments" on stone, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Law, perfectly revealed and commanded by God, served to expose humanity's sin and our utter inability to perfectly "perform" its demands, thereby creating a profound need for a Savior (e.g., [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin")). Jesus Christ is the perfect embodiment and fulfillment of this Law; He lived a life of flawless obedience, perfectly fulfilling every command where humanity failed (e.g., [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He paid the penalty for our disobedience to the very Law declared in Deuteronomy 4:13, establishing a [New Covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - The New Covenant") that is superior to the old. Under this New Covenant, the Law is no longer merely an external code written on stone, but it is internalized, written on the hearts of believers by the [Holy Spirit](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The Law Written on Hearts"), empowering them to live righteously not out of obligation for salvation, but out of grateful response to it (e.g., [Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled in Us by the Spirit")). Thus, the divine declaration and inscription of God's will, begun at Sinai, culminates in the person and work of [Jesus Christ](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), who is the living Word and the ultimate revelation of God's righteous character and saving purpose.

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.