TRV
Translation
King James 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 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.
World English Bible Messianic
He chiseled two tablets of stone like the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up to Mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and took in his hand two stone tablets.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Moses hewed two Tables of stone like vnto the first, and rose vp earely in the morning, and went vp vnto the mount of Sinai, as the Lord had commanded him, and tooke in his hande two Tables of stone.
Young's Literal Translation
And he heweth two tables of stone like the first, and Moses riseth early in the morning, and goeth up unto mount Sinai, as Jehovah commanded him, and he taketh in his hand two tables of stone.
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In the KJVVerse 2,501 of 31,102
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Commentary on Exodus 34 verses 1–4
1 ¶ 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.
2 And be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning unto mount Sinai, and present thyself there to me in the top of the mount.
3 And no man shall come up with thee, neither let any man be seen throughout all the mount; neither let the flocks nor herds feed before that mount.
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.
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.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–4. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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, Moses, in righteous indignation over the golden calf idolatry, shattered the original tablets, a powerful symbolic act representing the broken covenant. Exodus 33 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 reveal God's explicit command for Moses to "hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first" (Exodus 34:1), 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. 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, 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). 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.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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), 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) 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, 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 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). He is the ultimate "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29), 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) 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) by the Holy Spirit. Moses' diligent ascent up Sinai foreshadows Christ's willing obedience to ascend to the cross (Philippians 2:8), 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.