Deuteronomy 9:11

And it came to pass at the end of forty days and forty nights, [that] the LORD gave me the two tables of stone, [even] the tables of the covenant.

And it came to pass at the end {H7093} of forty {H705} days {H3117} and forty {H705} nights {H3915}, that the LORD {H3068} gave {H5414} me the two {H8147} tables {H3871} of stone {H68}, even the tables {H3871} of the covenant {H1285}.

Yes, after forty days and nights ADONAI gave me the two stone tablets, the tablets of the covenant.

And at the end of forty days and forty nights, the LORD gave me the two stone tablets, the tablets of the covenant.

And it came to pass at the end of forty days and forty nights, that Jehovah gave me the two tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant.

Commentary

Context of Deuteronomy 9:11

Deuteronomy 9:11 is found within Moses' final discourses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. In this chapter, Moses reminds the people of their past rebellions and God's unwavering faithfulness, particularly focusing on the pivotal events at Mount Horeb (Sinai). This verse specifically recalls the moment when God delivered the Ten Commandments, emphasizing the divine origin of the Law.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation and Authority: The verse explicitly states that "the LORD gave me the two tables of stone," underscoring that the Law was not a human construct but a direct, authoritative communication from God to His people. This highlights God's sovereignty and His initiative in establishing a relationship with Israel.
  • The Covenant Relationship: Referred to as "the tables of the covenant," these stone tablets represent the formal, binding agreement between God and the nation of Israel. This covenant established Israel as God's chosen people, outlining their responsibilities, the blessings for obedience, and the consequences for disobedience. It was foundational to their national identity and their unique relationship with the Almighty.
  • The Significance of Forty Days and Forty Nights: This specific duration, during which Moses was alone with God on Mount Sinai, signifies a period of intense spiritual preparation, divine encounter, and profound revelation. It is a recurring motif in scripture, often preceding significant events or periods of testing, as seen with Jesus' forty days in the wilderness.

Linguistic Insights

The term "covenant" is a translation of the Hebrew word berith (ื‘ึฐึผืจึดื™ืช), which is much more than a mere contract. It denotes a solemn, binding agreement, often initiated by a superior party (in this case, God) and involving mutual obligations, promises, and often, oaths. It signifies a profound, relational bond that establishes a kinship or familial relationship, rather than just a legal transaction.

Cross-References and Connections

This verse directly references events detailed in the Book of Exodus. Moses' initial ascent to receive these tablets is described in Exodus 24:18, where he spent "forty days and forty nights" on the mountain. The actual giving of the tablets, "written with the finger of God," is noted in Exodus 31:18. Tragically, these first tables were broken by Moses due to Israel's idolatry at the golden calf incident (Exodus 32:19), necessitating a second set (Exodus 34:28). The Mosaic Covenant, represented by these tables, serves as a foundational element of the Old Testament, providing the framework for Israel's relationship with God until the advent of the superior new covenant established through Jesus Christ.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 9:11 reminds believers today of the divine origin and enduring importance of God's revealed Word. Just as the tables of stone were a tangible representation of God's will for ancient Israel, so too is the entire Bible His revealed truth for us. This verse calls us to reverence God's commands, to understand the nature of His covenant faithfulness, and to recognize that a true relationship with Him is built upon His initiatives and His righteous standards. It underscores the profound privilege and solemn responsibility of receiving and living by divine revelation.

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 9:9 (3 votes)

    When I was gone up into the mount to receive the tables of stone, [even] the tables of the covenant which the LORD made with you, then I abode in the mount forty days and forty nights, I neither did eat bread nor drink water:

  • Hebrews 9:4 (2 votes)

    Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein [was] the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;

  • Numbers 10:33 (2 votes)

    And they departed from the mount of the LORD three days' journey: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them in the three days' journey, to search out a resting place for them.

  • Hebrews 8:6 (2 votes)

    ยถ But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

  • Hebrews 8:10 (2 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: