Deuteronomy 10:2 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 10:2 mean?

Deuteronomy 10:2 describes God telling Moses that He will write the same words on new stone tablets that were on the first tablets Moses broke, and that Moses is to place these new tablets in the ark. The verse emphasizes God’s restoration of the covenant after it was broken.

Moses is being addressed by God after the incident where Moses broke the original tablets in anger over Israel’s idolatry. God promises to rewrite the same commandments on new tablets, showing that the covenant terms have not changed. Moses is instructed to put these tablets in the ark, which would become the sacred container for Israel’s most important religious items.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 10:2

• "write" (כָּתַב, kātav): This word means to inscribe or engrave, highlighting that God Himself is the one actively restoring the covenant by writing the commandments again.
• "tables" (לוּחַ, luach): Refers to flat stone tablets, not just any writing surface, pointing to the physical and enduring nature of the commandments.
• "brakest" (שָׁבַר, shavar): This word means to break or shatter, reminding the reader of Moses’ act of breaking the first tablets as a response to Israel’s sin.
• "ark" (אֲרוֹן, aron): This word means a chest or box, here specifically the Ark of the Covenant, which was central to Israel’s worship and a symbol of God’s presence.

Why Deuteronomy 10:2 matters

• Deuteronomy 10:2 clarifies that the commandments given the second time are exactly the same as those given first, showing God’s consistency and faithfulness even after failure.
• The verse highlights the importance of the Ark as the place where God’s covenant with Israel is kept, not just as a container but as a symbol of God’s ongoing relationship with His people.
• By mentioning the breaking of the first tablets, the verse connects Israel’s past failure with God’s willingness to restore and renew the covenant, setting the stage for the rest of Moses’ speech in Deuteronomy.