Deuteronomy 9:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass at the end {H7093} of forty {H705} days {H3117} and forty {H705} nights {H3915}, that the LORD {H3068} gave {H5414} me the two {H8147} tables {H3871} of stone {H68}, even the tables {H3871} of the covenant {H1285}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, after forty days and nights ADONAI gave me the two stone tablets, the tablets of the covenant.

Berean Standard Bible

And at the end of forty days and forty nights, the LORD gave me the two stone tablets, the tablets of the covenant.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass at the end of forty days and forty nights, that Jehovah gave me the two tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 9:11 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, recounting Moses' return from Mount Horeb after a profound forty-day and forty-night encounter with the LORD, during which he received the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant. This verse, embedded within Moses' final exhortations, powerfully underscores the divine origin, authority, and foundational nature of the Law, emphasizing God's sovereign initiative in establishing a sacred, binding relationship with His chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 9:11 is strategically placed within Moses' second major discourse to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab as they stand poised to enter the Promised Land. Chapters 9 and 10 serve as a crucial historical review, where Moses deliberately recounts Israel's past failures, particularly the egregious sin of the golden calf at Mount Horeb, which occurred almost immediately after the giving of the Law. By recalling the pristine moment of divine revelation in verse 11, Moses sets a stark contrast to their subsequent disobedience, aiming to humble the people and impress upon them that their impending success in conquering Canaan is not a result of their own merit but solely due to God's unwavering faithfulness and covenant promises. This narrative strategy reinforces the theme of God's grace amidst human rebellion, preparing the new generation for a life of covenant obedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The giving of the Law at Mount Horeb (Sinai) was the defining event that transformed a multitude of freed slaves into a unified, covenant nation, establishing their unique identity. While the concept of a "covenant" (Hebrew: *berith*) was prevalent in the ancient Near East, often taking the form of suzerain-vassal treaties, Yahweh's covenant with Israel was distinct. It was initiated by the ultimate Sovereign, God Himself, establishing a profound, familial bond with His chosen people, rather than a mere political alliance. The "tables of stone" were a common and highly significant medium for important legal and diplomatic documents in the ancient world, signifying permanence, immutability, and divine authority when inscribed by a deity. The specific duration of "forty days and forty nights" was a recurring motif in biblical narratives, often associated with periods of intense divine encounter, fasting, spiritual preparation, or judgment, underscoring the solemnity and extraordinary nature of Moses' communion with God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several profound theological and narrative themes central to Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Revelation and Authority**, explicitly stating that "the LORD gave me the two tables of stone," thereby emphasizing that the Law is not a human construct but a direct, authoritative communication from the sovereign God to His people. This highlights God's initiative in establishing His relationship with Israel, a theme foundational to [the entire narrative of the exodus and Sinai covenant](/exodus/19-24 "Exodus 19-24 - The Covenant at Sinai"). Secondly, the designation "the tables of the covenant" underscores the centrality of the **Covenant Relationship** between God and Israel. These tablets represent the formal, binding agreement that defined Israel as God's chosen people, outlining their responsibilities, the blessings for obedience, and the dire consequences for disobedience, a theme extensively developed throughout [Deuteronomy, particularly in chapter 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience"). Lastly, the mention of "forty days and forty nights" signifies a period of **Intense Spiritual Preparation and Divine Encounter**, a recurring biblical motif that often precedes significant events or periods of testing, as seen in the forty years of wilderness wandering or [Jesus' forty days in the wilderness](/matthew/4-2 "Matthew 4:2 - Jesus' Temptation and Fasting").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. This is the Tetragrammaton, the personal, covenant name of God, often translated as "Yahweh." Its use here emphasizes that it is the personal, faithful God of Israel, the one who delivered them from Egypt and entered into a unique relationship with them, who is actively initiating and establishing this covenant. It underscores His unwavering commitment to His promises and His unique relationship with His chosen people.
* **gave (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.). This verb highlights God's divine initiative and sovereignty. The Law was not something Moses discovered or devised; it was a direct, gracious bestowal from God. This emphasizes the Law as a gift, foundational to Israel's identity and well-being, rather than a burden or a human achievement.
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** From בָּרָה (in the sense of cutting (like בָּרָא)); a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh); confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. More than a mere contract, *bᵉrîyth* denotes a solemn, binding agreement, often initiated by a superior party (in this case, God) and involving mutual obligations, promises, and often, oaths and curses. It signifies a profound, relational bond that establishes a kinship or familial relationship between God and Israel, rather than just a legal transaction. The tables are not merely a list of rules but the tangible representation of this sacred, life-defining relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass at the end of forty days and forty nights":** This temporal marker emphasizes the extraordinary duration and intensity of Moses' unique encounter with God on Mount Horeb. It signifies a period of profound spiritual preparation, divine communion, and sustained revelation, setting the stage for a momentous event. This extended period highlights the gravity, depth, and exclusivity of the divine communication, underscoring the solemnity of the Law's reception.
* **"[that] the LORD gave me the two tables of stone":** This clause explicitly states the divine origin of the Law. It was not a human invention or a product of Moses' wisdom, but a direct, sovereign gift from Yahweh Himself. The "two tables of stone" indicate the physical medium, signifying permanence, authority, and the divine inscription (as noted in other passages like [Exodus 31:18](/exodus/31-18 "Exodus 31:18 - God's Finger Writes the Tablets")). The dual nature of the tablets typically refers to the two halves of the Decalogue (duties to God and duties to neighbor) or two copies of the covenant, one for each party.
* **"[even] the tables of the covenant":** This appositive phrase clarifies the purpose and nature of the stone tablets. They are not merely a set of laws, but the tangible embodiment of the covenant agreement between God and Israel. They represent the formal, binding terms of the relationship, outlining the expectations, promises, and responsibilities that define Israel's unique status as God's chosen people, establishing the framework for their national and spiritual life.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 9:11 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact and convey its profound meaning. The **Repetition** of "tables of stone" and "tables of the covenant" underscores the singular importance and centrality of these physical objects as the tangible embodiment of God's revealed will and the binding agreement. The phrase "forty days and forty nights" functions as a powerful **Symbolism** of divine encounter, intense spiritual preparation, and a period of testing or purification, a motif that recurs throughout biblical narrative to denote significant transitions or profound experiences with the divine. Furthermore, the verse is a prime example of **Narrative Recall**, a dominant rhetorical strategy in Deuteronomy where Moses deliberately recounts past events to instruct, warn, and encourage the new generation of Israelites. This act of remembering serves to reinforce the lessons of God's faithfulness and Israel's past failures, making history itself a pedagogical tool for covenant faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 9:11 is a pivotal verse, anchoring the Mosaic covenant within the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan for humanity. It powerfully asserts the divine initiative in establishing the Law, presenting it not as an arbitrary burden but as a gracious gift intended to guide Israel into a flourishing, holy relationship with their Creator. The "tables of the covenant" represent the foundational legal and moral framework for Israel's life, reflecting God's holy character and His desire for a righteous people who would be a light to the nations. This verse also implicitly highlights the inherent tension between God's perfect revelation and humanity's inherent sinfulness, as the immediate context of Deuteronomy 9 recounts Israel's breaking of this very covenant shortly after its reception. This tension foreshadows the ultimate inadequacy of the Law to transform the human heart and points to the future need for a new and better covenant, one that addresses the root of humanity's problem through divine grace.

* [Exodus 24:18](/exodus/24-18 "Exodus 24:18 - Moses on Mount Sinai for Forty Days and Nights")
* [Exodus 31:18](/exodus/31-18 "Exodus 31:18 - God Gives Moses the Tablets of the Testimony")
* [Exodus 34:28](/exodus/34-28 "Exodus 34:28 - Moses Writes the Words of the Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 9:11 serves as a profound reminder for believers today regarding the divine origin and enduring authority of God's Word. Just as the tables of stone were a tangible representation of God's perfect will for ancient Israel, so too is the entire Bible His revealed truth for us, a testament to His character, His redemptive plan, and His expectations for humanity. This verse calls us to approach Scripture with profound reverence and humility, recognizing that it is not merely human wisdom or historical narrative but the very breath and voice of God. It encourages us to understand the covenantal nature of our relationship with God, built upon His gracious initiative and His righteous standards. We are called to reflect on the immense privilege of having access to such divine revelation and the solemn responsibility of living in accordance with its timeless truths. This passage also subtly reminds us of our own propensity to stray and fail, even in the face of clear divine instruction, prompting us to rely not on our own righteousness or ability to perfectly obey, but on God's sustaining grace and mercy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine origin of the Law, as emphasized in this verse, shape your understanding of the Bible's authority and relevance in your daily life?**
* **What significance do you draw from Moses' "forty days and forty nights" on the mountain regarding the nature of deep communion and sustained encounter with God?**
* **In what ways does this verse, particularly in light of its immediate context, highlight both God's unwavering faithfulness and humanity's persistent tendency toward rebellion and the need for grace?**

### FAQ
**Why were the tables of the covenant made of stone, and what is their significance?**

Answer: The tables of the covenant were made of stone to signify their permanence, durability, and divine authority. In the ancient Near East, important legal documents, treaties, and royal decrees were frequently inscribed on stone to ensure their longevity and to underscore their binding, immutable nature. For the Israelites, stone tablets inscribed by the "finger of God" (as mentioned in [Exodus 31:18](/exodus/31-18 "Exodus 31:18 - God Writes on the Tablets")) served as a tangible, immutable record of God's direct revelation and His solemn covenant with His people. They were not merely a list of rules but the physical representation of the sacred agreement that established Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh, serving as a perpetual reminder of their obligations and God's unwavering faithfulness. The hardness of the stone also implicitly contrasted with the hardness of the human heart, which would later prove unable to perfectly uphold the covenant written upon them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 9:11, detailing the giving of the Law on stone tablets as the foundation of the Old Covenant, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant, represented by these external stone tablets, perfectly revealed God's holy righteousness and exposed humanity's inherent inability to perfectly obey, leading to condemnation and a profound awareness of sin ([Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin")). However, Jesus did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it in its entirety ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), both by perfectly embodying its righteous demands in His sinless life and by offering the ultimate atoning sacrifice as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Furthermore, the New Covenant prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant") declares that God would write His law not on "tables of stone" but "on their hearts." Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers in Christ are empowered to live according to God's will, not by external compulsion but by an internal transformation, moving from the "letter that kills" to the "Spirit who gives life" ([2_corinthians/3-6](/2_corinthians/3-6 "2 Corinthians 3:6 - The Spirit Gives Life")). Thus, the tables of the covenant in Deuteronomy 9:11 point forward to the superior and eternal covenant made possible by Christ's finished work, where grace triumphs, and righteousness is imputed through faith, leading to genuine heart-obedience.

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 9:9

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:

Hebrews 9:4

Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein [was] the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;

Numbers 10:33

And they departed from the mount of the LORD three days' journey: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them in the three days' journey, to search out a resting place for them.

Hebrews 8:6

¶ But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

Hebrews 8:10

For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: