Exodus 32:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And the tables {H3871} were the work {H4639} of God {H430}, and the writing {H4385} was the writing {H4385} of God {H430}, graven {H2801} upon the tables {H3871}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The tablets were the work of God; and the writing was the writing of God, engraved on the tablets.

Berean Standard Bible

The tablets were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, engraved on the tablets.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 32:16 stands as a profound declaration of the divine origin and immutable nature of the Ten Commandments, asserting that both the stone tablets themselves and their inscribed words were the direct "work of God" and "writing of God," meticulously "graven upon the tables." This verse powerfully underscores the absolute authority, holiness, and permanence of God's Law, setting a dramatic contrast with the impending human idolatry and rebellion that immediately follows in the unfolding narrative.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 32:16 is strategically positioned at a critical juncture in the book of Exodus. It follows the detailed accounts of God's covenant revelation on Mount Sinai, including the giving of the Ten Commandments ([Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments")) and the intricate instructions for the Tabernacle and priesthood ([Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25-31 "Exodus 25-31 - Instructions for the Tabernacle and Priesthood")). Specifically, this verse describes the tablets Moses received directly from God, as recorded in [Exodus 31:18](/exodus/31-18 "Exodus 31:18 - God gives Moses the tablets of testimony"), just before his descent from the mountain. Its placement immediately precedes the shocking revelation of Israel's apostasy with the golden calf, creating a stark and tragic juxtaposition between the perfection of God's divine revelation and the profound depths of human sin. The meticulous description of the tablets' divine craftsmanship in this verse serves to amplify the gravity of Israel's impending breach of covenant.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, covenants were frequently formalized through written documents, often inscribed on durable materials like stone or clay tablets and subsequently placed in sacred locations to signify their importance and permanence. However, the unique aspect of the Sinai covenant, as highlighted in this verse, is the direct involvement of the deity in the inscription process. Unlike human kings who would dictate laws to scribes, the God of Israel is portrayed as the ultimate artisan and author, personally crafting both the medium and the message. This divine authorship imbued the Ten Commandments with unparalleled authority and permanence, establishing a covenant relationship with Yahweh that transcended any human treaty. The act of "graving" or carving into stone was a common method for ensuring the longevity of important decrees, symbolizing the eternal and unchanging nature of God's moral law, in stark contrast to the fleeting and mutable idols fashioned by human hands, such as the golden calf described in [Exodus 32:4](/exodus/32-4 "Exodus 32:4 - Aaron makes the golden calf").

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 32:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Revelation and Authority**, emphasizing that God's law is not a human construct but a direct, authoritative disclosure of His character and will. This verse also highlights the **Holiness and Immutability of God's Law**, portraying it as something divinely crafted and permanently inscribed, reflecting God's unchanging nature. A crucial thematic element is the **Covenant Relationship** between God and Israel; the tablets serve as the tangible terms of this sacred bond, underscoring the seriousness of covenant fidelity. Furthermore, the verse implicitly introduces the theme of **Contrast between Divine Work and Human Idolatry**, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation between God's perfect creation (the tablets) and humanity's flawed, self-made idol (the golden calf) in the subsequent verses ([Exodus 32:7-8](/exodus/32-7-8 "Exodus 32:7-8 - Israel's Idolatry with the Golden Calf")). The divine authorship also reinforces the theme of God's **Sovereignty and Active Involvement** in the life of His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tables (Hebrew, _lûwach'_):** This term (H3871) refers to a tablet, typically of stone, wood, or metal, often polished to glisten. Here, it emphasizes that the physical tablets themselves were not merely ordinary stone but a divinely prepared medium. The phrase "the work of God" underscores God's direct involvement in their creation, signifying their unique sacredness and setting them apart as holy objects specifically designed to bear His divine inscription.
* **Work (Hebrew, _maʻăseh'_):** This word (H4639) denotes an action, a deed, or something produced. In this context, it highlights God's active and deliberate creation of the tablets. It signifies that the tablets were not incidental or of human origin, but were a direct product of divine craftsmanship, reflecting God's meticulous care and intention in providing the very foundation for His covenant with Israel.
* **Writing (Hebrew, _miktâb'_):** This term (H4385) refers to a written thing, an inscription, or characters. The emphatic repetition, "the writing [was] the writing of God," unequivocally declares divine authorship. It means the very words, the characters, and the content of the commandments were personally inscribed by God, not merely dictated to a human scribe. This asserts the absolute truthfulness, authority, and perfection of the Law as a direct revelation from the Almighty.
* **Graven (Hebrew, _chârath'_):** This word (H2801) is a primitive root meaning to engrave, carve, or cut into a hard surface. The method of inscription signifies a deep, permanent mark, not something lightly drawn or easily erased. This detail powerfully conveys the enduring, unchangeable, and foundational nature of God's Law. It was intended not as a temporary decree but as a lasting testament to God's character, His covenant demands, and His eternal moral standards.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the tables [were] the work of God":** This initial clause establishes the supernatural origin of the physical tablets themselves. They were not hewn by human hands or from common quarry stone, but were miraculously prepared and crafted by God. This emphasizes the profound sacredness and unique status of the medium upon which God's law would be inscribed, setting them apart as holy objects consecrated by divine touch.
* **"and the writing [was] the writing of God":** This phrase emphatically declares the divine authorship of the content inscribed on the tablets. It's not merely that God inspired the words, but that He personally and directly inscribed them. This underscores the absolute authority, truth, and perfection of the Ten Commandments, signifying that they directly reflect the character, will, and wisdom of the Almighty Creator.
* **"graven upon the tables":** This specifies the precise method of inscription, indicating that the words were deeply carved or etched into the stone. This detail powerfully signifies the permanence, immutability, and foundational nature of God's law. Unlike temporary decrees or easily erased writings, these commandments were meant to endure through generations, serving as an everlasting testament to the covenant between God and His people.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 32:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Repetition** is a prominent feature, particularly with the phrases "the work of God" and "the writing of God." This emphatic repetition serves to underscore and reinforce the absolute divine origin and authority of both the physical tablets and their inscribed content, leaving no ambiguity about their sacredness and ultimate source. There is also a powerful implicit **contrast** at play, setting the perfect, divinely crafted tablets against the imperfect, human-made golden calf that the Israelites are simultaneously creating below the mountain, highlighting the vast chasm between divine perfection and human rebellion. Furthermore, the very act of "graving" or carving implies **permanence** and **immutability**, suggesting that God's law is not fleeting or subject to change but is eternal and foundational. The tablets themselves serve as a potent **symbolism** of the covenant between God and Israel, representing the tangible terms and conditions of their sacred relationship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 32:16 serves as a foundational theological statement regarding the source and nature of God's law. It unequivocally establishes that the divine decrees are not human constructs, cultural inventions, or evolving ethical norms, but direct, authoritative revelations from the Creator Himself. Imbued with His absolute authority and reflecting His perfect, holy character, this understanding elevates the Law beyond a mere set of rules to a sacred expression of God's will for humanity, essential for fostering a right relationship with Him. The emphasis on divine authorship underscores the Law's inherent holiness, righteousness, and goodness, serving both as an indispensable guide for ethical living and a profound mirror reflecting human sinfulness and our desperate need for grace.

* [Deuteronomy 4:13](/deuteronomy/4-13 "Deuteronomy 4:13 - God declares His covenant and 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 32:16 calls us to a profound and reverent posture toward God's Word. If the very tablets and the writing inscribed upon them were the direct "work of God," crafted and penned by His divine hand, how much more should we cherish, study, and obey the entirety of His inspired Scriptures today? This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's commandments are not arbitrary burdens or restrictive regulations, but rather expressions of His perfect wisdom, infinite love, and unwavering character, meticulously designed for our ultimate flourishing and His supreme glory. It challenges us to honestly examine our own hearts: do we approach God's Word with the awe, respect, and submission due to its divine origin, or do we, much like the ancient Israelites, turn to our own "golden calves" of self-will, worldly desires, or human philosophies, effectively breaking covenant with the living God in our daily lives? The "graven" nature of the Law speaks to the enduring and unchanging essence of God's moral standards, which remain eternally relevant and binding across all generations, calling us to consistent obedience and faithful living.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the divine origin of the tablets and the writing impact your view of God's commandments and His inspired Word today?**
* **In what specific ways might we, like the Israelites, be tempted to create our own "works" or "writings" (i.e., human-made rules, self-righteous efforts, or idols) that detract from or supersede the perfect "work of God"?**
* **What does the "graven" nature of the writing suggest about the enduring relevance and immutability of God's moral law for our contemporary lives?**

### FAQ
**Why is the divine origin of the tablets emphasized so strongly?**

Answer: The strong emphasis on the tablets being "the work of God" and the writing being "the writing of God" serves several critical theological and practical purposes. Firstly, it establishes the absolute authority, immutability, and perfection of the Ten Commandments. These were not human laws subject to revision or cultural interpretation, but direct divine decrees, carrying the full weight of God's sovereign will and character. Secondly, it highlights the profound sacredness and holiness of the covenant itself. Both the medium and the message were consecrated by God's personal, direct involvement, making any violation an offense directly against the Almighty. This divine authorship is explicitly stated in [Exodus 31:18](/exodus/31-18 "Exodus 31:18 - God gives Moses the tablets of testimony"), where God gives Moses "two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God." This emphasis also creates a stark and poignant contrast with the impending idolatry of the golden calf, a human-made object, thereby underscoring the immense gravity of Israel's impending sin and covenant breach.

**What happened to these original tablets, and what is their subsequent significance?**

Answer: Tragically, these divinely crafted tablets were indeed broken by Moses. Upon descending Mount Sinai and witnessing the Israelites' rampant idolatry and revelry with the golden calf, Moses, in righteous anger and profound despair over their profound sin and immediate breach of covenant, cast the tablets from his hands and broke them at the foot of the mountain, as vividly described in [Exodus 32:19](/exodus/32-19 "Exodus 32:19 - Moses breaks the tablets"). This dramatic act powerfully symbolized the breaking of the covenant by the people's unfaithfulness. However, in a profound display of His mercy and enduring faithfulness, God commanded Moses to hew two new tablets of stone, and God Himself graciously inscribed the very same words upon them, as detailed in [Exodus 34:1](/exodus/34-1 "Exodus 34:1 - God commands new tablets and re-writes the law"). This re-inscription reaffirmed the enduring validity, importance, and unchanging nature of God's law, even in the face of human sin, rebellion, and covenant infidelity, demonstrating God's steadfast commitment to His promises and His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 32:16, with its profound emphasis on the divinely crafted and inscribed Law, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several layers of redemptive history. While the Law, "graven upon tables" of stone, perfectly revealed God's righteous standards and unequivocally exposed humanity's inherent inability to perfectly keep them, it ultimately served as a tutor, pointing to the indispensable need for a greater, more profound "work of God." Jesus Christ is the living Word, the perfect embodiment of God's law, who came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it in every detail ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus fulfills the Law")). He perfectly obeyed every jot and tittle, offering His own righteous life as the ultimate "work of God" on behalf of a sinful humanity, thereby satisfying the Law's demands. Furthermore, the New Covenant, gloriously prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant and the Law on Hearts"), promises that God's law would no longer be merely "graven upon tables" of stone, external and condemning, but would be "written in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it." This spiritual transformation is miraculously accomplished through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live according to God's will, not by external compulsion or fear of punishment, but by an internal desire and enablement ([2 Corinthians 3:3](/2_corinthians/3-3 "2 Corinthians 3:3 - Letters written by the Spirit")). Thus, Christ, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and the transformative gift of His Spirit, fulfills the Law's demands, accomplishes the true "work of God" within us, and transforms hearts of stone into hearts of flesh that genuinely desire to obey Him ([Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant Promise")).

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

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.

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.

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:

Exodus 34:4

And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone.

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.

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:

Deuteronomy 9:11

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.