Exodus 24:12

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Moses {H4872}, Come up {H5927} to me into the mount {H2022}, and be there: and I will give {H5414} thee tables {H3871} of stone {H68}, and a law {H8451}, and commandments {H4687} which I have written {H3789}; that thou mayest teach {H3384} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Moshe, "Come up to me on the mountain, and stay there. I will give you the stone tablets with the Torah and the mitzvot I have written on them, so that you can teach them."

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain and stay here, so that I may give you the tablets of stone, with the law and commandments I have written for their instruction.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 24:12 marks a pivotal moment in the unfolding covenant between God and Israel, as the LORD issues a direct summons to Moses, calling him higher up Mount Sinai. This divine invitation is not merely for an encounter but for the formal reception of God's written law—the "tables of stone," "a law," and "commandments"—all personally inscribed by God Himself. This verse underscores the divine origin and absolute authority of the Mosaic Law, emphasizing its purpose as foundational instruction for the newly formed nation, to be diligently taught by Moses to the people, thereby shaping their identity and covenant relationship with Yahweh.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial transition point within the broader narrative of the Sinai covenant. Immediately preceding it, [Exodus 24:1-11](/exodus/24-1-11 "Exodus 24:1-11 - The Covenant Ratification Ceremony") describes the solemn ratification ceremony, where Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders of Israel ascended part of Mount Sinai, "saw the God of Israel," and shared a covenant meal in His presence. This communal encounter solidified the covenant relationship between Yahweh and His people. Following this ratification, [Exodus 24:12](/exodus/24-12 "Exodus 24:12 - Moses Summoned for the Law") initiates a new, more intense phase: the detailed giving of the Law and instructions for the Tabernacle, which extends through [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"). Moses' subsequent ascent alone signifies a deeper, more intimate level of divine revelation and highlights his unique mediatorial role in receiving and transmitting God's comprehensive will for His people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The giving of the Law on Mount Sinai is the foundational event for the nation of Israel, establishing their identity as God's chosen people under a specific covenant. In the ancient Near East, treaties and covenants often involved a suzerain (a powerful king) dictating terms to a vassal (a lesser king or people), with the terms frequently inscribed on durable stone tablets and deposited in a sanctuary for safekeeping and public access. God, as the divine Suzerain, is here dictating the terms of His covenant with Israel, His vassal, emphasizing His absolute authority and the binding nature of the agreement. The mountain itself, Mount Sinai (also known as Horeb), was perceived as a sacred space, a meeting point between the divine and human realms, a common motif in ancient cosmologies. The act of God writing the law Himself on stone tablets (a detail also mentioned in [Exodus 31:18](/exodus/31-18 "Exodus 31:18 - God Gives Moses the Tablets")) was highly significant, signifying the divine origin, permanence, and immutability of these instructions, distinguishing them from any human legislation.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 24:12 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Revelation**, as God directly communicates His will and character to humanity through Moses. This revelation is not merely verbal but also tangible, emphasizing its authority and permanence. Another key theme is **Covenant Relationship**, as the Law is given within the framework of God's covenant with Israel, defining the terms of their special relationship and outlining the path to holiness and blessing. The verse also underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Authority**, as God is the one who initiates the summons, provides the Law, and has personally "written" it. Finally, the theme of **Mediation** is prominent, highlighting Moses' unique role as the divinely appointed intermediary between God and His people, entrusted with receiving and teaching God's authoritative instructions, a role that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This refers to the covenant name of God, Yahweh (H3068), emphasizing His self-existence, eternal nature, and His personal relationship with Israel. It is Yahweh who initiates this summons and gives the Law, underscoring the divine origin and authority of the commands Moses is about to receive. The use of this specific name highlights the intimate and binding nature of the covenant being established.
* **tables (Hebrew, _lûwach'_):** This word (H3871) refers to a tablet, specifically one made of stone in this context. These "tables of stone" symbolize the permanence, durability, and unchangeable nature of God's Law. In the ancient Near East, important legal documents and treaties were often inscribed on stone to ensure their longevity and authority. The material itself signifies the enduring quality of divine truth, contrasting with the transient nature of human decrees.
* **teach (Hebrew, _yârâh'_):** This primitive root (H3384) primarily means "to flow as water," but figuratively, it means "to point out," "to direct," or "to instruct." In this context, it signifies Moses' crucial role in transmitting and explaining God's Law to the Israelite people. It's not merely about reciting rules but guiding and instructing them in the way of life prescribed by God, much like a teacher points the way for a student.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there:"** This opening clause emphasizes the direct, personal summons from God to Moses. The command "Come up to me into the mount" signifies a call to a higher, more intimate level of communion and revelation, beyond where the elders had previously ascended. "And be there" implies a period of sustained presence and focused attention, indicating the gravity and extent of the revelation Moses is about to receive, a time of profound divine encounter and preparation for his mediatorial task.
* **"and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written;"** This is the core promise and purpose of the summons. God explicitly states His intention to bestow upon Moses the tangible, written form of His divine will. The mention of "tables of stone" highlights the permanence and divine authorship. The distinction between "a law" (Hebrew, _torah_, comprehensive instruction) and "commandments" (Hebrew, _mitzvot_, specific injunctions) suggests a multifaceted body of divine revelation. The crucial phrase "which I have written" underscores that these are not Moses' words or human decrees, but God's own direct inscription, imbuing them with ultimate authority and truth, making them immutable and eternally binding.
* **"that thou mayest teach them."** This final clause reveals the ultimate purpose of this divine revelation. Moses is not merely a recipient for his own benefit but a divinely appointed mediator and teacher. The Law is given to him so that he, in turn, can faithfully transmit, explain, and instill these divine instructions into the hearts and minds of the Israelite people. This highlights the communal nature of God's covenant and the vital importance of authoritative instruction for the spiritual formation, obedience, and flourishing of the nation.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 24:12 employs several significant literary devices that enrich its theological meaning. **Divine Speech** is central, as the verse begins with "And the LORD said unto Moses," directly conveying God's authoritative command and promise. This emphasizes the divine origin of the Law and Moses' unique role as a recipient of direct revelation, establishing the absolute authority of the forthcoming instructions. **Symbolism** is powerfully at play with "the mount" (Mount Sinai), which represents a sacred, liminal space where heaven and earth meet, signifying the encounter with the holy and the revelation of divine presence. The "tables of stone" are also highly symbolic, representing the permanence, unchangeable nature, and divine authorship of the Law, contrasting with the transient nature of human decrees. The act of God writing them Himself is a powerful visual and theological statement of divine ownership and immutability. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Anticipation** of the detailed legal and cultic instructions that will follow in the subsequent chapters, setting the stage for the extensive revelation of God's will for Israel, a revelation that will shape their entire national identity and worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 24:12 profoundly establishes the divine origin and absolute authority of the Mosaic Law, emphasizing that God Himself is the author and giver of the instructions that would govern Israel's life. This act of divine inscription on stone underscores the immutability and foundational nature of these commands for the covenant community. It reveals God's desire for His people to live in accordance with His holy character, providing a clear blueprint for righteousness, worship, and social order. The verse also highlights the crucial role of mediation in God's redemptive plan, as Moses is called to receive and then teach these divine truths, bridging the gap between a holy God and His chosen, yet imperfect, people. This foundational moment sets the stage for all subsequent biblical revelation, affirming the concept of a written, authoritative Word of God that guides and transforms.

* [Deuteronomy 5:22](/deuteronomy/5-22 "Deuteronomy 5:22 - God Writes the Ten Commandments")
* [Psalm 19:7-11](/psalm/19-7-11 "Psalm 19:7-11 - The Perfection and Benefit of God's Law")
* [Romans 7:12](/romans/7-12 "Romans 7:12 - The Law is Holy, Righteous, and Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 24:12 serves as a profound reminder that God is a God who communicates His will clearly and authoritatively. Just as He called Moses to ascend and receive His written instructions, He has provided us with His complete and inspired Word, the Bible, as our ultimate guide for life and godliness. This verse challenges us to approach Scripture with reverence, recognizing its divine origin and absolute authority, understanding that it is God's own "writing" for us. It calls us not only to diligently read and understand God's commands but also to commit to obeying them as a demonstration of our love and faithfulness to Him. Furthermore, like Moses who was commanded to "teach them," we are entrusted with the responsibility to faithfully transmit, explain, and instill these divine instructions into the hearts and minds of others, whether in our homes, churches, or communities. Our commitment to studying, obeying, and disseminating God's Word is a direct reflection of our value for His divine instruction and our desire to live in faithful covenant relationship with Him. The permanence of the stone tablets reminds us that God's truth is eternal and unchanging, providing a stable and trustworthy foundation in a shifting world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing the divine authorship of the Law (God "wrote" it) deepen your reverence for and commitment to the Bible's authority in your daily life?**
* **In what ways are you actively "coming up to the mount" to meet with God and receive His instruction through dedicated study of His Word today?**
* **Considering Moses' role to "teach them," what is your personal responsibility in sharing and applying God's truth within your family, church, or community?**
* **How does the permanence of "tables of stone" encourage you about the enduring nature of God's character, His promises, and the reliability of His Word?**

### FAQ

**Why did God give the Law on "tables of stone" and not, for example, on scrolls or through oral tradition?**

Answer: The choice of "tables of stone" (Hebrew, _lûwach ʼeben_) signifies the permanence, immutability, and divine authority of the Law. Unlike scrolls, which could degrade or be easily altered, stone tablets were durable and resistant to change, symbolizing the eternal and unchanging nature of God's commands. In the ancient Near East, important treaties and laws were often inscribed on stone to ensure their longevity and public accessibility, reinforcing their legal and binding nature. Furthermore, the fact that God Himself "wrote" (Hebrew, _kâthab_) on these tablets, as seen in [Exodus 31:18](/exodus/31-18 "Exodus 31:18 - God's Own Writing"), underscores their unique divine origin and sets them apart from any human legislation. This method ensured the Law's integrity and perpetual relevance.

**What is the difference between "a law" (Torah) and "commandments" (mitzvot) in this verse?**

Answer: While often used interchangeably in general discourse, in this context, "a law" (Hebrew, תּוֹרָה, _tôwrâh'_) generally refers to the broader body of divine instruction, teaching, or guidance. It encompasses the entire revelation of God's will, including principles, statutes, and narratives that shape Israel's life and relationship with God. "Commandments" (Hebrew, מִצְוֹת, _mitsvâh'_), on the other hand, refers to specific, individual precepts or injunctions within that larger _Torah_. So, _Torah_ is the comprehensive divine blueprint or instruction set, and _mitsvôt_ are the concrete, actionable directives within it. Both originate directly from God and are given for the purpose of guiding His people in covenant faithfulness, as highlighted by the ultimate purpose "that thou mayest teach them."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 24:12, with Moses ascending the mount to receive the Law inscribed on stone, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate revelation and fulfillment of God's will in Jesus Christ. Moses, as the mediator of the Old Covenant, received a law that was holy, just, and good ([Romans 7:12](/romans/7-12 "Romans 7:12 - The Law is Holy, Righteous, and Good")), yet it ultimately revealed humanity's inability to perfectly keep it, leading to a profound need for a greater salvation and a new way of relating to God ([Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Guardian Leading to Christ")). Jesus, however, is the ultimate Mediator of a New and better Covenant ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrew/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Jesus, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")). He did not merely receive the Law but perfectly fulfilled it in His sinless life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). While the Law was written on "tables of stone," pointing to its external and demanding nature, Christ inaugurates a covenant where God's law is written "on their hearts and on their minds" ([Hebrews 10:16](/hebrews/10-16 "Hebrews 10:16 - The New Covenant Law on the Heart")), through the indwelling Holy Spirit, enabling internal transformation. Moses taught the Law to a disobedient people, but Jesus, the divine Teacher and the living Word, empowers believers to live out God's will by grace, transforming them from within. Thus, the temporary, external revelation on Sinai finds its glorious and permanent fulfillment in the person and work of the Son of God, who is the embodiment of God's perfect will and the source of true 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 5:22

These words the LORD spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me.

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 32:15

¶ And Moses turned, and went down from the mount, and the two tables of the testimony [were] in his hand: the tables [were] written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other [were] they written.

Exodus 32:16

And the tables [were] the work of God, and the writing [was] the writing of God, graven upon the tables.

2 Corinthians 3:3

[Forasmuch as ye are] manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

Jeremiah 31:33

But this [shall be] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

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;