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.

And he gave {H5414} unto Moses {H4872}, when he had made an end {H3615} of communing {H1696} with him upon mount {H2022} Sinai {H5514}, two {H8147} tables {H3871} of testimony {H5715}, tables {H3871} of stone {H68}, written {H3789} with the finger {H676} of God {H430}.

When he had finished speaking with Moshe on Mount Sinai, ADONAI gave him the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God.

When the LORD had finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God.

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

Commentary

Context

Exodus 31:18 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of God's revelation to Israel. It concludes the extensive period, described in chapters 25-31, during which Moses was on Mount Sinai for forty days and forty nights, receiving detailed instructions from God. These instructions covered the construction of the Tabernacle, the priesthood, and the establishment of the Sabbath as a perpetual sign of the covenant. This verse describes the culmination of that intense communion, where God Himself bestows the physical embodiment of His law.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authorship and Authority: The most striking aspect is that the tables were "written with the finger of God." This emphasizes the direct, undeniable, and supernatural origin of the Ten Commandments. They are not merely human laws but divine decrees, possessing absolute authority.
  • The Covenant Foundation: These "two tables of testimony" represent the very foundation of the Mosaic Covenant, serving as a tangible witness to God's agreement with Israel. They are the core principles upon which the nation's life and relationship with God would be built.
  • Permanence and Durability: Being "tables of stone" signifies the enduring, unchangeable nature of God's moral law. Unlike writings on parchment or wood, stone conveys a sense of timelessness and solidity, reflecting the eternal character of the giver.
  • Divine Revelation: The giving of these tablets is the ultimate act of God revealing His character and will directly to humanity, mediated through Moses.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "written with the finger of God" (Hebrew: ืขึถืฆึฐื‘ึทึผืข ืึฑืœึนื”ึดื™ื, etsba Elohim) is a powerful anthropomorphism. It does not imply that God literally has a physical finger, but rather highlights His direct, personal, and irresistible action. It signifies divine power and authorship, distinguishing these laws from any human legislation. This same phrase is used elsewhere in the Old Testament, notably when the Egyptian magicians, unable to replicate a plague, declare, "This is the finger of God" (Exodus 8:19), acknowledging a supernatural force beyond their capabilities.

Practical Application

Exodus 31:18 reminds us of the profound truth that God is the author of moral law. His commandments are not arbitrary rules but reflections of His holy character, given for humanity's good. They are foundational truths that transcend culture and time. While the Old Covenant, written on stone, has been superseded by the New Covenant, where God's law is written on the heart through the Holy Spirit, the moral principles embedded in the Ten Commandments remain eternally relevant. This verse underscores the divine authority and enduring significance of God's Word, urging us to revere and live by His revealed truth.

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

Cross-References

  • Exodus 32:15 (10 votes)

    ยถ 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 (10 votes)

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

  • Deuteronomy 4:13 (10 votes)

    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.

  • Deuteronomy 5:22 (7 votes)

    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 24:12 (6 votes)

    ยถ 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.

  • 2 Corinthians 3:3 (5 votes)

    [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.

  • Exodus 8:19 (5 votes)

    Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This [is] the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.