Exodus 34:1

KJV

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon [these] tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Moses {H4872}, Hew {H6458} thee two {H8147} tables {H3871} of stone {H68} like unto the first {H7223}: and I will write {H3789} upon these tables {H3871} the words {H1697} that were in the first {H7223} tables {H3871}, which thou brakest {H7665}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Moshe, "Cut yourself two tablets of stone like the first ones; and I will inscribe on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the originals, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon the tables the words that were on the first tables, which thou brakest.

Commentary

### 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](/exodus/32 "The Golden Calf Incident"), 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](/exodus/32-19 "Moses Breaks the Tablets")), 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](/exodus/32-30 "Moses' Intercession for Israel")), and God's subsequent decision to renew His presence among them and restore the relationship ([Exodus 33:12-17](/exodus/33-12-17 "God's Presence and Promise to Moses")). 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](/exodus/19 "The Covenant at Sinai"), 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](/exodus/34-6-7 "The LORD's Self-Revelation of Mercy and Grace"). 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
* **Hew (Hebrew, _pâçal'_):** 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](/exodus/24-12 "God Gives Moses the Tablets")), 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.
* **Write (Hebrew, _kâthab'_):** 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.
* **Words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** 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](/exodus/34-6-7 "The LORD's Self-Revelation of Mercy and Grace"). 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.

* [Deuteronomy 9:16-17](/deuteronomy/9-16-17 "Moses Recounts Breaking the Tablets")
* [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "The New Covenant Prophecy")
* [Romans 11:29](/romans/11-29 "God's Gifts and Call Are Irrevocable")

### 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
* **How does God's willingness to rewrite the Law after Israel's profound failure challenge my understanding of His grace and forgiveness?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to "hew new tables" – that is, prepare my heart for God to renew His work or re-inscribe His truth after a period of spiritual brokenness or disobedience?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the enduring importance of God's Word and His commandments, even when I struggle to obey them?**

### FAQ
**Why did God require Moses to "hew" the new tables of stone, rather than creating them supernaturally as He did the first set?**

Answer: The shift from God supernaturally providing the first tablets ([Exodus 24:12](/exodus/24-12 "God Gives Moses the Tablets")) 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](/jeremiah/31-31 "The New Covenant Prophecy")) established in His own blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "The New Covenant in My Blood")), a covenant that is "better" because it is founded on "better promises" ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). While the Law on stone revealed sin and condemned ([2 Corinthians 3:7-9](/2_corinthians/3-7-9 "The Ministry of Death and Condemnation")), Christ, as the living Word, embodies the Law perfectly and fulfills its righteous demands on our behalf ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Furthermore, under the New Covenant, God promises to write His laws not on tablets of stone, but "on their hearts" ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "The Law Written on Hearts"); [2 Corinthians 3:3](/2_corinthians/3-3 "Written Not with Ink but with the Spirit of the Living God")), 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.

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 32:19

And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.

Psalms 119:89

¶ LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

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 10:1

¶ At that time the LORD said unto me, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first, and come up unto me into the mount, and make thee an ark of wood.

Deuteronomy 10:4

And he wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments, which the LORD spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly: and the LORD gave them unto me.

Exodus 34:28

¶ And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.

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.