Deuteronomy 9:10

And the LORD delivered unto me two tables of stone written with the finger of God; and on them [was written] according to all the words, which the LORD spake with you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly.

And the LORD {H3068} delivered {H5414} unto me two {H8147} tables {H3871} of stone {H68} written {H3789} with the finger {H676} of God {H430}; and on them was written according to all the words {H1697}, which the LORD {H3068} spake {H1696} with you in the mount {H2022} out of the midst {H8432} of the fire {H784} in the day {H3117} of the assembly {H6951}.

Then ADONAI gave me the two stone tablets inscribed by the finger of God; and on them was written every word ADONAI had said to you from the fire on the mountain the day of the assembly.

Then the LORD gave me the two stone tablets, inscribed by the finger of God with the exact words that the LORD spoke to you out of the fire on the mountain on the day of the assembly.

And Jehovah delivered unto me the two tables of stone written with the finger of God; and on them was written according to all the words, which Jehovah spake with you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 9:10 recounts a pivotal moment in Israel's history: the direct giving of the Law by God to Moses on Mount Horeb (also known as Mount Sinai). Moses is reminding the Israelites of this event, emphasizing the divine origin and authority of the commandments they received.

Context

This verse is part of Moses' second speech to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy 9, Moses vividly recalls their past failures and God's faithfulness, specifically highlighting the rebellion at Mount Horeb immediately after receiving the Law. He stresses that their entry into Canaan is not due to their own righteousness but solely to God's covenant faithfulness and His judgment on the wicked nations already in the land. The mention of the terrifying scene at Mount Sinai, where God spoke from the "midst of the fire," underscores the gravity and holiness of the divine encounter.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authorship & Authority: The phrase "written with the finger of God" powerfully conveys that the Ten Commandments were not human constructs but directly inscribed by God Himself. This signifies their ultimate authority and immutable nature. It emphasizes the absolute truth and divine origin of God's law for His people.
  • The Law's Covenant Foundation: The "two tables of stone" represent the covenant between God and Israel. These laws were the terms of their relationship, outlining how they were to live as God's chosen people. The "day of the assembly" refers to the solemn gathering of all Israel at the foot of the mountain, witnessing God's powerful revelation.
  • God's Direct Communication: The verse highlights God's direct engagement with humanity, speaking His words "out of the midst of the fire." This extraordinary event demonstrates God's desire to reveal His will and establish a clear standard for His people.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Finger of God": This is a striking anthropomorphism, attributing a human quality to God. It vividly portrays direct, undeniable divine action and power. This same phrase is used in Exodus 8:19 when Pharaoh's magicians recognize God's hand in the plagues, and later in Luke 11:20 where Jesus casts out demons by the "finger of God." It implies a precise and powerful operation.
  • "Tables of stone": Stone symbolizes permanence and durability, indicating that God's laws were meant to be enduring and foundational, not temporary or easily altered.
  • "Day of the assembly": The Hebrew word for assembly here is qahal, which is the root of the Greek ekklesia (church). It signifies a formal, divinely ordained gathering of the community, underscoring the collective nature of Israel's covenant with God.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 9:10 reminds us of the unchanging nature and supreme authority of God's Word. Just as the Israelites received direct revelation, believers today have the complete Scriptures as God's inspired word, guiding our lives. This verse calls us to:

  1. Revere God's Word: Recognize that the Bible is not merely human wisdom but divinely inspired truth, carrying God's authority.
  2. Obey God's Commands: The Law given at Sinai, while not applicable in its ceremonial aspects for New Covenant believers, still reveals God's character and moral expectations, which are fulfilled and elaborated upon in the teachings of Christ.
  3. Appreciate God's Revelation: Marvel at God's condescension to reveal Himself and His will so clearly to humanity, establishing a foundation for relationship and righteous living. This divine initiative ultimately points to God's greater revelation in Jesus Christ, the living Word.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 31:18 (6 votes)

    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 18:16 (3 votes)

    According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.

  • Hebrews 8:10 (3 votes)

    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:

  • Deuteronomy 10:4 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Luke 11:20 (2 votes)

    But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.

  • Exodus 20:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And God spake all these words, saying,

  • Exodus 20:18 (2 votes)

    ¶ And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw [it], they removed, and stood afar off.