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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 34:1–4. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The treaty that was on foot between God and Israel being broken off abruptly, by their worshipping the golden calf, when peace was made all must be begun anew, not where they left off, but from the beginning. Thus backsliders must repent, and do their first works, Rev 2:5.
I.Moses must prepare for the renewing of the tables, Exo 34:1.
Before, God himself provided the tables, and wrote on them; now, Moses mus hew out the tables, and God would only write upon them. Thus, in the first writing of the law upon the heart of man in innocency, both the tables and the writing were the work of God; but when those were broken and defaced by sin, and the divine law was to be preserved in the scriptures, God therein made use of the ministry of man, and Moses first. But the prophets and apostles did only hew the tables, as it were; the writing was God's still, for all scripture is given by inspiration of God. Observe, When God was reconciled to them, he ordered the tables to be renewed, and wrote his law in them, which plainly intimates to us,
1.That even under the gospel of peace and reconciliation by Christ (of which the intercession of Moses was typical) the moral law should continue to bind believers. Though Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, yet not from the command of it, but still we are under the law to Christ; when our Saviour, in his sermon on the mount, expounded the moral law, and vindicated it from the corrupt glosses with which the scribes and Pharisees had broken it (Mat 5:19), he did in effect renew the tables, and make them like the first, that is, reduce the law to its primitive sense and intention.
2.That the best evidence of the pardon of sin and peace with God is the writing of the law in the heart. The first token God gave of his reconciliation to Israel was the renewing of the tables of the law; thus the first article of the new covenant is, I will write my law in their heart (Heb 8:10), and it follows (Heb 8:12), for I will be merciful to their unrighteousness.
3.That, if we would have God to write the law in our hearts, we must prepare our hearts for the reception of it. The heart of stone must be hewn by conviction and humiliation for sin (Hos 6:5), the superfluity of naughtiness must be taken off (Jam 1:21), the heart made smooth, and laboured with, that the word may have a place in it. Moses did accordingly hew out the tables of stone, or slate, for they were so slight and thin that Moses carried them both in his hand; and, for their dimensions, they must have been somewhat less, and perhaps not much, than the ark in which they were deposited, which was a yard and quarter long, and three quarters broad. It should seem there was nothing particularly curious in the framing of them, for there was no great time taken; Moses had them ready presently, to take up with him, next morning. They were to receive their beauty, not from the art of man, but from the finger of God.
II.Moses must attend again on the top of mount Sinai, and present himself to God there, Exo 34:2.
Though the absence of Moses, and his continuance so long on the mount, had lately occasioned their making the golden calf, yet God did not therefore alter his measures, but he shall come up and tarry as long as he had done, to try whether they had learned to wait. To strike an awe upon the people, they are directed to keep their distance, none must come up with him, Exo 34:3. They had said (Exo 32:1), We know not what has become of him, and God will not let them know. Moses, accordingly, rose up early (Exo 34:4) to go to the place appointed, to show how forward he was to present himself before God and loth to lose time. It is good to be early at our devotions. The morning is perhaps as good a friend to the graces as it is to the muses.
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Summary
Exodus 34:1 records the divine command for Moses to prepare new stone tablets, mirroring the first set he had broken, upon which the LORD promises to rewrite the very words of the Ten Commandments. This pivotal verse marks the initiation of a profound covenant renewal, demonstrating God's boundless mercy, His unwavering commitment to His promises, and His readiness to restore a relationship shattered by human sin, even as it underscores the enduring importance and authority of His divine law.
Context
Literary Context
This verse immediately follows a period of intense crisis and intercession. In Exodus 32, the Israelites, impatient with Moses' prolonged absence on Mount Sinai, coerced Aaron into fashioning a golden calf for worship, a blatant violation of the first two commandments received directly from God. Upon descending the mountain, Moses witnessed their idolatry and, in a display of righteous indignation, shattered the original tablets of the Law at the foot of the mountain (Exodus 32:19), symbolizing the broken covenant. The subsequent chapters detail Moses' fervent intercession for Israel, pleading with God not to destroy His people (Exodus 32:30-32), and God's subsequent decision to renew His presence among them and restore the relationship (Exodus 33:12-17). Exodus 34:1, therefore, serves as the tangible beginning of this restoration, a direct divine instruction to re-establish the foundational terms of the covenant after a period of profound spiritual breach, setting the stage for the re-inscription of the Law and the formal renewal of the covenant.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, covenants were formal agreements, often between a suzerain (a powerful king) and a vassal (a lesser king or people). These treaties typically involved stipulations, blessings for obedience, curses for disobedience, and often included a written document. The covenant at Sinai, initiated in Exodus 19-24, was unique in its divine origin and moral demands. The breaking of the tablets by Moses was not merely an act of anger but a symbolic declaration that Israel had violated the covenant from their side, incurring its curses. God's command to "hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first" for the second time underscores His unique patience and faithfulness. Unlike human suzerains who might abandon a rebellious vassal, Yahweh, in His unparalleled mercy, actively initiates reconciliation and the re-establishment of the covenant. This act highlights the extraordinary nature of Israel's relationship with God, predicated not on Israel's perfect obedience but on God's enduring grace and commitment to His chosen people, even in the face of their profound failure. It sets a precedent for divine forgiveness and restorative justice.
Key Themes
Exodus 34:1 is rich with theological themes. Primarily, it underscores the Immutability and Authority of God's Law. Despite Israel's catastrophic failure with the golden calf, God's commandments remain unchanged and foundational for their relationship, emphasizing that His standards are not negotiable. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates Divine Grace and Mercy, as God, rather than abandoning His rebellious people, actively initiates the renewal of the covenant, demonstrating His willingness to forgive and restore. This theme is further elaborated in Exodus 34:6-7. Thirdly, the verse highlights Human Responsibility and Divine Initiative. Moses is commanded to "hew" the tablets, signifying human participation and preparation, yet God alone promises to "write" the words, emphasizing that the Law's origin and power are solely divine. This interplay between human effort and divine action is crucial for understanding the covenant relationship. Finally, it speaks to the theme of Covenant Renewal and Restoration, providing a tangible sign that the broken relationship can be mended through divine intervention and human repentance, setting a pattern for God's redemptive work throughout salvation history.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb (H6458) signifies the act of cutting, carving, or shaping stone. Its use here emphasizes Moses' active, physical involvement in preparing the new tablets. Unlike the first set, which God supernaturally prepared (Exodus 24:12), Moses is now commanded to "hew" them himself. This highlights human responsibility and participation in the process of covenant renewal, suggesting that while God initiates and empowers, human effort is required to prepare the ground for divine interaction and reception of His Word. It underscores a shift in the covenant's re-establishment, requiring human cooperation.
This verb (H3789) means to inscribe or record. The declaration "and I will write upon [these] tables the words that were in the first tables" is crucial. It underscores God's unwavering authorship and authority over His Law. Despite the tablets being broken and the covenant seemingly shattered by human sin, God explicitly promises to rewrite the exact same words. This affirms the unchanging nature of God's moral standards and His commitment to His revealed will, which remains foundational to the covenant relationship regardless of human failures. It is a divine act of re-affirmation.
This noun (H1697) refers to a word, matter, or thing. In this context, it specifically denotes the Ten Commandments, the foundational stipulations of the Sinai Covenant. The emphasis that God will write "the words that were in the first tables" is profoundly significant. It means the content of the divine law is immutable; it is not altered or softened because of Israel's sin. God's character and His righteous demands remain constant, providing a stable moral framework for His people despite their instability. This reiteration of the original "words" signifies the enduring validity and importance of His divine instruction.
Verse Breakdown
"And the LORD said unto Moses,"
This opening phrase establishes the divine initiative and authority behind the command. It signifies a direct communication from God (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh) to His chosen mediator, Moses (H4872, Môsheh), emphasizing that the renewal process is entirely God's benevolent decision, not something earned or demanded by Israel. This highlights God's sovereignty and His continued engagement with His people.
"Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first:"
This is the specific divine instruction to Moses. The command to "hew" (H6458, pâçal') implies Moses' active participation in preparing the physical medium for God's Law. The phrase "like unto the first" (H7223, riʼshôwn) is significant, indicating that the new tablets were to be identical in form and material to the original (H3871, lûwach), symbolizing the continuity and unchanging nature of the Law itself, despite the disruption caused by Israel's sin. It underscores the integrity of the divine revelation.
"and I will write upon [these] tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest."
This clause contains God's promise and reaffirms His divine authorship. God explicitly states that He will write (H3789, kâthab') the words (H1697, dâbâr'), just as He did the first time. The mention of "the words that were in the first tables" (H3871, lûwach') directly references the recent catastrophic event of the golden calf idolatry and Moses' reaction, where he "brakest" (H7665, shâbar') them. This acknowledges the severity of the past transgression while simultaneously declaring God's intention to restore the very covenant that was shattered, emphasizing His grace and faithfulness over human failure.
Literary Devices
Exodus 34:1 powerfully employs several literary devices. Symbolism is paramount: the broken tablets vividly symbolized the broken covenant due to Israel's idolatry, while the command to "hew... two tables of stone like unto the first" and God's promise to rewrite the "words that were in the first tables" symbolize the renewal of the covenant and the enduring, unchanging nature of God's Law. There is a clear Contrast between Moses' destructive act of breaking the tablets (human anger and consequence of sin) and God's creative act of rewriting the Law (divine mercy and restoration). This highlights the vast difference between human fallibility and divine faithfulness. Furthermore, the Repetition of "the words that were in the first tables" underscores the immutability of God's commandments; their content is not altered or diminished by human sin, but rather re-established as the foundation for renewed relationship. This repetition serves to emphasize the Law's foundational and non-negotiable status.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 34:1 is a profound testament to God's character, particularly His readiness to forgive and restore. It highlights the enduring nature of the Sinai Covenant, demonstrating that God's commitment to His people and His Law transcends their failures. This act of renewal underscores divine grace, showing that even after a catastrophic breach of covenant, God initiates the path to reconciliation, not because Israel deserved it, but because of His own faithful and compassionate character, soon to be fully revealed in Exodus 34:6-7. The re-inscription of the Law also emphasizes its foundational and unchanging importance for guiding His people in righteousness, serving as a constant reminder of His holy standards and their ongoing need for His grace.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 34:1 offers immense hope and encouragement for believers today, serving as a powerful reminder of God's character as a God of second chances. Our failures, no matter how egregious, do not exhaust His mercy or negate His faithfulness. Just as God initiated the renewal of His covenant with Israel after their profound idolatry, He continually offers forgiveness and restoration to us when we genuinely repent and turn to Him. This verse teaches us that God's commitment to His relationship with us is steadfast, enduring even our most significant mistakes. It also reinforces the unchanging nature of God's moral law; while the covenant may be renewed by grace, the principles of righteousness remain essential for a life pleasing to Him. We are called to prepare our hearts, just as Moses prepared the tablets, to receive God's Word and allow Him to write His truths upon us, guiding us in renewed obedience and fellowship. This process demands both our active participation in repentance and our humble reception of His divine grace.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did God require Moses to "hew" the new tables of stone, rather than creating them supernaturally as He did the first set?
The shift from God supernaturally providing the first tablets (Exodus 24:12) to commanding Moses to "hew" the second set is significant. It emphasizes Moses' active participation and responsibility in the covenant renewal process. While God retains the divine prerogative to "write" the words, Moses' physical effort in preparing the medium highlights the human element in receiving and upholding the covenant. It underscores that while salvation and the Law's content are divine gifts, humanity has a crucial role in preparing to receive God's Word and responding to His grace. It also serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of sin; the first, perfect set was broken due to Israel's rebellion, necessitating human effort in the restoration. This act prefigures the need for human response and cooperation with divine grace throughout salvation history, indicating that the path to restoration, while initiated by God, often involves human labor and humility.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 34:1, with its theme of covenant renewal after profound breach, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Moses, in "hewing" the new tables and mediating the re-establishment of the Old Covenant, foreshadows Christ's superior mediatorial role. Jesus does not merely mediate a renewed covenant written on stone, but inaugurates a "new covenant" (Jeremiah 31:31) established in His own blood (Luke 22:20), a covenant that is "better" because it is founded on "better promises" (Hebrews 8:6). While the Law on stone revealed sin and condemned (2 Corinthians 3:7-9), Christ, as the living Word, embodies the Law perfectly and fulfills its righteous demands on our behalf (Matthew 5:17). Furthermore, under the New Covenant, God promises to write His laws not on tablets of stone, but "on their hearts" (Jeremiah 31:33; 2 Corinthians 3:3), through the indwelling Holy Spirit. This spiritual inscription transforms believers from within, enabling genuine obedience and a restored relationship that transcends the limitations of the old. Thus, the grace and restoration hinted at in Exodus 34:1 are fully realized in Christ, who is both the perfect Law-keeper and the ultimate means of our reconciliation with God, offering a complete and eternal renewal.