Exodus 32:15

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} turned {H6437}, and went down {H3381} from the mount {H2022}, and the two {H8147} tables {H3871} of the testimony {H5715} were in his hand {H3027}: the tables {H3871} were written {H3789} on both {H8147} their sides {H5676}; on the one side and on the other were they written {H3789}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe turned and went down from the mountain with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand, tablets inscribed on both sides, on the front and on the back.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Moses turned and went down the mountain with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands. They were inscribed on both sides, front and back.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 32:15 marks a profoundly dramatic turning point, depicting Moses' descent from Mount Sinai with the two divinely inscribed tablets of the Law. This pivotal moment is imbued with tragic irony, as Moses, having just communed intimately with God and received the tangible embodiment of the covenant, remains unaware of the catastrophic idolatry and profound covenant-breaking that has simultaneously unfolded among the Israelites below. The verse meticulously details the physical nature of the tablets, emphasizing their divine origin and the comprehensive, unalterable nature of the Law, thereby setting the stage for the inevitable and devastating confrontation between God's perfect revelation and humanity's immediate and profound infidelity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows God's revelation to Moses of the Israelites' egregious sin in crafting and worshipping the golden calf. While Moses was on Mount Sinai for forty days and forty nights, receiving detailed instructions for the Tabernacle, the priesthood, and the entirety of the Mosaic Law, the people below had already "corrupted themselves" and "quickly turned aside from the way that I commanded them" ([Exodus 32:7-8](/exodus/32-7-8 "Exodus 32:7-8 - The Golden Calf Incident")). Thus, Moses descends, carrying the very covenant documents that the people have already, in spirit, violated, creating a profound tension and foreshadowing the dramatic events of [Exodus 32:19](/exodus/32-19 "Exodus 32:19 - Moses Breaks the Tablets"), where the tablets are shattered. The scene is a stark contrast between divine holiness and human depravity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of writing important legal documents or treaties on stone tablets was common in the ancient Near East. Suzerain-vassal treaties, which share structural similarities with the Sinai Covenant, often involved two copies of the treaty: one for the suzerain (the greater king, here God) and one for the vassal (the lesser party, here Israel). The detail that the tablets were "written on both their sides" (reiterated in [Deuteronomy 5:22](/deuteronomy/5-22 "De Deuteronomy 5:22 - The Writing on the Tablets")) could reflect this practice, signifying the completeness and binding nature of the agreement, leaving no room for alteration. Furthermore, the divine authorship of the tablets, explicitly stated as being "written with the finger of God" in [Exodus 31:18](/exodus/31-18 "Exodus 31:18 - God's Finger Writes the Tablets"), elevates them above any human document, imbuing them with ultimate authority and sanctity within the covenant relationship.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 32:15 contributes significantly to several major themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Divine Revelation**, as God directly inscribes His Law, making His will known to humanity. It underscores the **Holiness and Authority of God's Law**, emphasizing its comprehensive and perfect nature, "written on both their sides." The verse also sets up the theme of **Covenant Fidelity and Infidelity**, dramatically contrasting God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel's immediate and grievous breach. Moses' role as the **Mediator** between God and Israel is central, as he physically carries the terms of the covenant. This scene also foreshadows the theme of **Divine Judgment and Mercy**, as the breaking of the tablets in [Exodus 32:19](/exodus/32-19 "Exodus 32:19 - Moses Breaks the Tablets") symbolizes judgment, yet God's subsequent willingness to renew the covenant (as seen in [Exodus 34](/exodus/34 "Exodus 34 - Renewal of the Covenant")) demonstrates His enduring mercy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **turned (Hebrew, _pânâh'_):** This word signifies a change of direction, a turning away from one thing towards another. Here, it marks Moses' decisive shift from his intimate communion with God on the mount to his return to the people below. It implies a purposeful redirection of his attention and movement, signaling the end of his divine encounter and the beginning of his mediatorial task to deliver the Law.
* **went down (Hebrew, _yârad'_):** This verb literally means "to descend" or "to go downwards." In this context, it describes Moses' physical movement from the elevated, sacred space of Mount Sinai to the lower, earthly realm where the Israelites were encamped. This descent is not merely geographical but also symbolic, representing the bringing of divine truth from heaven to earth, from God's presence to humanity.
* **tables (Hebrew, _lûwach'_):** This term refers to a tablet, typically made of stone, wood, or metal, often polished. In this context, it denotes the physical medium upon which the divine Law was inscribed. These were not mere pieces of stone but specially prepared surfaces designed to bear the permanent and authoritative record of God's covenant stipulations, signifying their enduring nature and importance.
* **written (Hebrew, _kâthab'_):** This primitive root means "to grave" or "to inscribe," implying a permanent form of recording. The use of this word emphasizes the divine authorship and the indelible nature of the Law. It was not merely spoken but physically etched onto the tablets, signifying its unalterable authority and the precision with which God communicated His will.
* **testimony (Hebrew, _'êdûwth'_):** This feminine noun refers to a solemn declaration, a witness, or the stipulations of a covenant. The "tables of the testimony" were not just a list of rules but served as a tangible witness to the covenant established between God and Israel. They embodied God's revealed will and the binding nature of the agreement, serving as a perpetual reminder of Israel's obligations and God's faithfulness.
* **sides (Hebrew, _'êber'_):** This word properly refers to a region "across" or "on the opposite side." In the context of the tablets, it refers to both faces or surfaces of the stone. The detail that they were written "on both their sides" emphasizes the thoroughness, completeness, and exhaustive nature of the divine Law. It suggests that no space was left blank, indicating that God's commands were comprehensive and perfect, leaving no room for addition or subtraction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses turned, and went down from the mount,"**: This opening clause marks a critical transition, signaling the conclusion of Moses' forty-day intimate communion with God on the sacred mountain and his return to the human realm. It highlights his role as the chosen messenger, descending from the divine presence to deliver God's word to His people, unaware of the spiritual chaos below.
* **"and the two tables of the testimony [were] in his hand:"**: This clause underscores Moses' unique mediatorial position. He physically carries the tangible embodiment of God's covenant, symbolizing his authority and responsibility as the one entrusted with God's Law. The "two tables" traditionally represent the two main divisions of the Decalogue: duties toward God and duties toward fellow humans, signifying the totality of the covenant.
* **"the tables [were] written on both their sides;"**: This detail emphasizes the comprehensive and perfect nature of the Law. It signifies that God's instructions were complete, leaving no aspect of life unaddressed and no room for human alteration. This thoroughness speaks to the divine precision and the exhaustive nature of the covenant stipulations.
* **"on the one side and on the other [were] they written."**: This repetition serves as an emphatic reinforcement of the previous clause, underscoring the thoroughness and completeness of the divine inscription. It highlights the divine precision and the exhaustive nature of the covenant stipulations, ensuring that every command was recorded and nothing was omitted.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 32:15 is rich in literary devices that heighten its dramatic impact and theological significance. **Juxtaposition** is paramount, setting the scene of Moses' descent with the pure, divinely inscribed tablets against the backdrop of the Israelites' chaotic and impure idolatry below, which the reader is already aware of. This stark contrast immediately establishes the tension between divine holiness and human sinfulness, between perfect revelation and profound rebellion. **Symbolism** is also central, with the "tables of the testimony" symbolizing God's direct revelation, His covenant faithfulness, and the immutable nature of His Law. The act of God writing on both sides of the tablets symbolizes the completeness and sufficiency of His commands. Moses himself symbolizes the **mediator** between God and humanity. Furthermore, the verse employs **foreshadowing**, as the physical presence of the unbroken tablets in Moses' hands ominously prefigures their imminent shattering in [Exodus 32:19](/exodus/32-19 "Exodus 32:19 - Moses Breaks the Tablets"), a powerful visual representation of Israel's spiritual breaking of the covenant even before Moses reaches them. The **repetition** of "on the one side and on the other [were] they written" serves as an emphatic device, underscoring the thoroughness of God's inscription.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly underscores the themes of divine revelation, the holiness and completeness of God's Law, and the inherent tension between God's perfect standard and humanity's fallen nature. The Law, inscribed by God's own hand, represents His character—righteous, holy, and just—and His desire for His people to live in covenant relationship with Him. Moses' carrying of these tablets emphasizes the concept of mediation, where a chosen individual bridges the gap between the divine and the human, bringing God's authoritative word to His people. However, the impending confrontation highlights the tragic reality of human sinfulness and the inability of humanity to perfectly uphold God's righteous demands, setting the stage for the need for grace and a renewed covenant. It reveals that while God provides His perfect will, humanity's heart is prone to wander and rebel, necessitating a deeper, internal transformation.

* [Deuteronomy 5:22](/deuteronomy/5-22 "Deuteronomy 5:22 - The Writing on the Tablets")
* [Exodus 31:18](/exodus/31-18 "Exodus 31:18 - God's Finger Writes the Tablets")
* [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 32:15 serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring authority and comprehensive nature of God's Word. Just as the tablets were "written on both their sides," God's truth is complete, leaving no aspect of life outside its purview. This calls us to a deep reverence for Scripture, recognizing it as God's perfect revelation, not something to be selectively obeyed or conveniently ignored. The stark contrast between the divine purity of the tablets Moses carried and the human depravity of the Israelites below compels us to examine our own hearts: Where do we, like the Israelites, allow idols of comfort, success, or self-will to subtly or overtly supplant God's commands and His rightful place in our lives? This verse challenges us to embrace the totality of God's will, acknowledging our own shortcomings and seeking the grace to live in alignment with His holy character, understanding that true freedom and flourishing are found not in autonomy, but in joyful obedience to His perfect and comprehensive Law.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the completeness of God's Law, "written on both sides," challenge our tendency to pick and choose which commands to follow or to rationalize our disobedience?**
* **In what ways do we, like the Israelites, sometimes turn away from God's revealed will in favor of our own idols or desires, even when we are aware of His commands?**
* **What does Moses' role as mediator, physically carrying God's Word, teach us about the importance of faithfully receiving and delivering God's truth in our own contexts today?**

### FAQ

**Why were the tables "written on both their sides"?**

Answer: This detail signifies the completeness, thoroughness, and exhaustive nature of God's Law. It emphasizes that God's commands were comprehensive and perfect, leaving no space unutilized or unaddressed, and that the divine revelation was full and sufficient. It may also allude to the ancient Near Eastern practice of writing important legal documents or treaties on both sides of a tablet, ensuring that the entire document was recorded and no additions could be made, thus underscoring the binding and unalterable nature of the divine covenant, as also mentioned in [Deuteronomy 5:22](/deuteronomy/5-22 "Deuteronomy 5:22 - The Writing on the Tablets").

**What is the significance of the "tables of the testimony"?**

Answer: The "tables of the testimony" are the physical embodiment of the covenant between God and Israel. The term "testimony" (Hebrew, `edut`) means a witness or a solemn declaration. Thus, these tablets served as a tangible witness to God's solemn declaration of His will and His binding stipulations for His people. They represent God's direct, authoritative revelation of His Law, which was to govern Israel's life and relationship with Him, serving as a constant reminder of their obligations and God's faithfulness.

**What does Moses carrying the tablets symbolize?**

Answer: Moses carrying the tablets highlights his unique and crucial role as a mediator between God and Israel. He is the chosen messenger, entrusted with bringing God's divine word and covenant directly from the sacred presence on Mount Sinai to His people. This act symbolizes his authority, his intimate relationship with God, and his profound responsibility to deliver God's truth faithfully to a rebellious nation. It underscores the concept of a divinely appointed intermediary bridging the gap between the holy God and His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 32:15, with Moses descending from the mountain bearing the Law, powerfully foreshadows the coming of Christ. The Law, inscribed on stone tablets, reveals God's perfect standard and, by extension, humanity's utter inability to meet it. It serves as a "tutor to bring us to Christ" ([Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Guardian Leading to Christ")), exposing our sin and our desperate need for a Savior. Jesus, unlike the Law written on stone, is the living Word of God ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")), who perfectly embodies and fulfills the Law in every respect ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He is the ultimate and perfect mediator of a new and better covenant ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")), not written on tablets of stone but on the hearts of His people by the Holy Spirit ([2 Corinthians 3:3](/2-corinthians/3-3 "2 Corinthians 3:3 - Letters on Hearts")). Through His sacrificial death, Jesus takes away the sin that the Law condemns ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), providing the grace and righteousness that the Law could only demand. He is the one who enables us to truly walk in God's statutes, not by our own strength, but by His Spirit writing God's will on our innermost being ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - New Heart and Spirit")), transforming our desires to align with His perfect and holy will.

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 9:15

So I turned and came down from the mount, and the mount burned with fire: and the two tables of the covenant [were] in my two hands.

Exodus 40:20

And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above upon the ark:

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.

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 16:34

As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept.

Psalms 19:7

¶ The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple.

Revelation 5:1

¶ And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.