Exodus 34:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he hewed {H6458} two {H8147} tables {H3871} of stone {H68} like unto the first {H7223}; and Moses {H4872} rose up early {H7925} in the morning {H1242}, and went up {H5927} unto mount {H2022} Sinai {H5514}, as the LORD {H3068} had commanded {H6680} him, and took {H3947} in his hand {H3027} the two {H8147} tables {H3871} of stone {H68}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe cut two stone tablets like the first. Then he got up early in the morning and, with the two stone tablets in his hands, ascended Mount Sinai, as ADONAI had ordered him to do.

Berean Standard Bible

So Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the originals. He rose early in the morning, and taking the two stone tablets in his hands, he went up Mount Sinai as the LORD had commanded him.

American Standard Version

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 Jehovah had commanded him, and took in his hand two tables of stone.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 34:4 meticulously details Moses' obedient and diligent preparation of new stone tablets, crafted precisely like the first set. This action is a direct response to God's command, signifying a pivotal moment of covenant renewal and divine grace following Israel's catastrophic idolatry with the golden calf. The verse underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises and highlights the essential human responsibility and active participation required in the restoration of a broken relationship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial turning point, immediately following God's gracious initiative to renew the covenant with Israel after their profound failure at Mount Sinai. In [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf and Broken Covenant"), Moses, in righteous indignation over the golden calf idolatry, shattered the original tablets, a powerful symbolic act representing the broken covenant. [Exodus 33](/exodus/33 "Exodus 33 - God's Presence and Moses' Intercession") then chronicles Moses' fervent intercession for the people and God's compassionate promise to continue His presence among them, despite their sin. The opening verses of [Exodus 34](/exodus/34 "Exodus 34 - Covenant Renewal and God's Character") reveal God's explicit command for Moses to "hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first" ([Exodus 34:1](/exodus/34-1 "Exodus 34:1 - God Commands New Tablets")), setting the stage for the re-inscription of the Law and the re-establishment of the covenant. Thus, Exodus 34:4 directly portrays Moses' prompt, physical, and obedient response to this divine directive, bridging the narrative from a state of covenant rupture to one of hopeful restoration.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Covenant-making in the ancient Near East frequently involved tangible objects, such as stone tablets, to formally record and preserve the terms of the agreement. The shattering of the first tablets was not merely an emotional outburst but a legally and symbolically potent declaration of the covenant's annulment due to Israel's egregious breach of its most fundamental terms—the first two commandments against idolatry, as detailed in [Exodus 20:3-6](/exodus/20-3-6 "Exodus 20:3-6 - The First Two Commandments"). God's subsequent command for new tablets, therefore, represents an extraordinary act of divine mercy and a willingness to re-establish the relationship despite Israel's profound unfaithfulness. Moses' early morning ascent to [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Appearance on Mount Sinai"), a place already hallowed by theophany and divine revelation, underscores the sacredness and solemnity of this renewed encounter. The physical labor of "hewing" the stone also highlights human participation and diligence in the divine-human covenant, contrasting sharply with the effortless, miraculous provision of the first tablets, signifying a new phase of responsibility.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 34:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Grace and Mercy**, as God initiates the renewal of the covenant despite Israel's rebellion, demonstrating His steadfast love and commitment to His promises ([Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - God's Self-Declaration of Mercy")). It also powerfully illustrates **Human Obedience and Responsibility**, as Moses' diligent actions exemplify the necessary human response to God's grace. The re-creation of the tablets underscores the **Enduring Authority and Importance of God's Law** as the foundation for a holy relationship, even after its initial rejection. Furthermore, the scene emphasizes **Mediation**, highlighting Moses' unique and indispensable role as the chosen intermediary between a holy God and a sinful people, a role that foreshadows the ultimate mediator. This verse sets the stage for the full declaration of God's character and the re-establishment of the covenant terms, which are central to the theological message of [Exodus](/exodus/1 "The Book of Exodus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hewed (Hebrew, _pâçal'_):** The verb פָּסַל (_pâçal_) means "to carve," "to cut out," or "to hew." It implies a deliberate, active, and physical effort on Moses' part to shape the raw stone. This is profoundly significant because, unlike the first set of tablets which were "the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables" ([Exodus 32:16](/exodus/32-16 "Exodus 32:16 - The First Tablets")), Moses is now explicitly required to prepare the physical medium himself. This shift underscores a renewed human responsibility and active participation in the covenant's re-establishment, serving as a stark reminder that while God initiates grace and provides the Law, human obedience and diligent effort are still called for in the relationship.
* **Rose up early (Hebrew, _shâkam'_):** The phrase וַיַּשְׁכֵּם (_vayyashkem_), derived from the root שׁכם (_shâkam_), means "to rise early" or "to be diligent." Coupled with the noun בֹּקֶר (_bôqer_) for "morning," this detail highlights Moses' immediate, unhesitating, and earnest obedience to God's command. It conveys a profound sense of urgency, dedication, and readiness to meet with God and fulfill his mediatorial duties. This diligence is not merely a practical detail but a spiritual posture, demonstrating Moses' profound commitment to his role and to the restoration of the covenant on behalf of the people, contrasting sharply with the people's spiritual lethargy and quick descent into idolatry.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** The noun יָד (_yâd_), meaning "hand," is used here literally to denote Moses physically carrying the tablets. However, in biblical usage, "hand" often carries broader connotations of power, authority, means, or even responsibility. By taking the tablets "in his hand," Moses embodies his mediatorial authority and responsibility to bring God's renewed Law back to the people. It signifies his active role in the covenant process, not just as a recipient, but as the one who physically bears the terms of the renewed relationship from God's presence to the congregation of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first;":** This clause describes Moses' immediate and precise obedience to God's instruction given in [Exodus 34:1](/exodus/34-1 "Exodus 34:1 - God Commands New Tablets"). The act of "hewing" signifies physical labor, effort, and preparation on Moses' part, emphasizing that while the divine inscription would be God's work, the physical medium required human diligence. The phrase "like unto the first" ensures continuity and authenticity, signifying that the renewed covenant would be fundamentally the same Law, despite the previous breach by Israel.
* **"and Moses rose up early in the morning,":** This detail highlights Moses' exceptional diligence, eagerness, and promptness in fulfilling God's command. Rising early in the morning often symbolizes dedication, readiness, and a profound commitment to engage in important, often spiritual, tasks. It underscores the solemnity and urgency of the impending encounter with God and the critical importance of the covenant's restoration.
* **"and went up unto mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him,":** This part emphasizes Moses' direct and faithful obedience to the divine directive to ascend the sacred mountain. [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Appearance on Mount Sinai") is the hallowed locus of the covenant, and Moses' return there signifies the re-establishment of direct communication between God and His chosen mediator. The phrase "as the LORD had commanded him" reiterates the divine authority behind Moses' actions and his unwavering submission to God's will.
* **"and took in his hand the two tables of stone.":** This final clause completes the description of Moses' preparation and readiness for the divine encounter. He is not going empty-handed but carries the very objects that will become the physical embodiment of the renewed covenant. This act of carrying the tablets symbolizes his crucial role as the intermediary, bearing the Law back to the people from the very presence of God, ready for the divine inscription.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning. **Repetition** is subtly used with the phrase "two tables of stone," which appears twice in this short verse. This repetition emphasizes the physical objects central to the covenant renewal, highlighting their importance and their continuity with the original, broken tablets. **Symbolism** is profoundly present throughout the verse: the act of "hewing" the stone symbolizes human responsibility, active participation, and the effort required in responding to God's grace. Moses' "rising early" symbolizes diligence, eagerness, and spiritual readiness, a posture of devotion in contrast to the people's earlier spiritual laxity. The "tables of stone" themselves are powerful symbols of the enduring, tangible nature of God's Law and His covenant with His people. Furthermore, the entire scene functions as **foreshadowing**, hinting at the enduring nature of God's grace and His willingness to restore relationships even after profound failure. It sets the stage for the re-inscription of the commandments and the majestic declaration of God's character in the subsequent verses, which reveal His mercy and faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 34:4 is a powerful testament to God's unwavering grace and His profound commitment to His covenant people, even in the face of their egregious sin. It highlights the theme of divine initiative in reconciliation, where God, not Israel, sets the terms for restoration and provides the means for a renewed relationship. Moses' diligent obedience, rising early and hewing the stones, serves as a model of human response to divine grace—a willing and active participation in the redemptive process. This event underscores that while God's mercy provides second chances and initiates reconciliation, it does not negate the necessity of human responsibility, humility, and a renewed commitment to His commands. The re-establishment of the tablets signifies the enduring authority and importance of God's Law as the foundational blueprint for a holy relationship with Him.

* [Deuteronomy 10:1-5](/deuteronomy/10-1-5 "Moses Receives New Tablets and Places Them in the Ark")
* [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "The Prophecy of the New Covenant")
* [Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 34:4 offers profound encouragement and practical guidance for believers today, reminding us that God is perpetually a God of second chances, always willing to extend grace and mercy to those who genuinely turn back to Him. Just as He did not abandon Israel after their monumental failure with the golden calf, He does not abandon us in our shortcomings, sins, or seasons of spiritual wandering. This verse calls us to embrace a similar posture of diligent obedience and readiness, mirroring Moses' actions. Our faith is not passive; it requires active participation, a "hewing" of our own lives to align with God's will, and a "rising early" in spiritual discipline, prayer, and commitment. It teaches us that even when our relationship with God feels broken or distant due to sin, His desire is for restoration, and He faithfully provides the path. Our role is to respond with humility, genuine repentance, and a renewed commitment to walk in His ways, trusting in His boundless grace to write His law upon our hearts and empower us to live it out.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to experience God's "second chance" grace, and how might you respond with Moses' diligence and active obedience?**
* **What does "rising early" in your spiritual life look like in practical terms, and how can you cultivate a greater sense of urgency and dedication in your walk with God?**
* **How does Moses' active role in preparing the tablets challenge any passive assumptions you might have about your participation in God's redemptive plan for your life?**
* **Considering God's faithfulness to renew the covenant despite Israel's profound sin, how does this verse deepen your understanding of His character and strengthen your hope for personal restoration and reconciliation?**

### FAQ
**Why did Moses have to hew the new tablets himself, unlike the first set?**

Answer: The first set of tablets were uniquely "the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables" ([Exodus 32:16](/exodus/32-16 "Exodus 32:16 - The First Tablets")), signifying God's direct, unmediated, and perfect initiation of the covenant. However, after Israel's profound sin with the golden calf, the covenant was broken. God's command for Moses to "hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first" ([Exodus 34:1](/exodus/34-1 "Exodus 34:1 - God Commands New Tablets")) for the second set introduces a crucial element of human participation. This was not a punishment, but a symbolic act emphasizing renewed human responsibility, diligence, and active engagement in the re-establishment of the covenant. It underscored that while God's grace initiates reconciliation, human obedience, effort, and a renewed commitment are required to walk in that restored relationship.

**What is the significance of Moses rising early in the morning?**

Answer: Moses "rose up early in the morning" to ascend [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God Appears on Sinai"), a detail that highlights his exceptional diligence, eagerness, and prompt obedience to God's command. In biblical narratives, rising early often signifies a profound commitment, readiness, and a sense of urgency for an important task or a sacred encounter. For Moses, it demonstrated his unwavering dedication to his mediatorial role and his earnest desire to facilitate the reconciliation between God and the people of Israel. It stands in stark contrast to the spiritual lethargy and negligence that led to the golden calf incident, emphasizing a renewed posture of attentiveness, devotion, and readiness to meet with God.

**How does this event relate to God's character?**

Answer: This event profoundly reveals God's character as merciful, gracious, and faithful, even in the face of human rebellion and covenant breach. Despite Israel's egregious idolatry that broke the first covenant, God initiates its renewal, demonstrating His steadfast love and unwillingness to abandon His chosen people. His command for new tablets and His willingness to re-inscribe His Law underscore His commitment to relationship and His desire for His people to live righteously. This act of covenant renewal is a powerful testament to divine grace overcoming human failure and perfectly foreshadows His self-declaration in [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - God's Self-Declaration of Mercy") as "The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 34:4, with its depiction of a renewed covenant after profound human failure, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The first covenant, written on stone tablets and mediated by Moses, was broken by human sin, demonstrating humanity's inherent inability to perfectly keep God's Law. Just as Moses mediated the re-establishment of the old covenant, Jesus Christ is the mediator of a "better covenant, which was established upon better promises" ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). He is the ultimate "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), whose perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection provide complete and eternal atonement for our failures, far surpassing the temporary and incomplete atonement provided by the Old Testament sacrificial system. While Moses hewed the stone tablets, Christ, through His perfect obedience, fulfills the Law ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")) and inaugurates a new covenant where God's law is written not on stone, but "in their minds, and write them in their hearts" ([Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts")) by the Holy Spirit. Moses' diligent ascent up Sinai foreshadows Christ's willing obedience to ascend to the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")), fulfilling God's will and securing eternal redemption, thereby providing not just a second chance, but a complete and final reconciliation for all who believe and are united with Him.

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.