Deuteronomy 10:5 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 10:5 mean?

Deuteronomy 10:5 describes Moses coming down from Mount Sinai and placing the two stone tablets, which contained the commandments, into the ark he had made, just as the LORD had instructed him. This verse highlights Moses’ obedience to God’s command regarding the handling and storage of the tablets.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites, recounting the events after he received the second set of tablets from God. The setting is after the incident of the golden calf, when Moses had to replace the original tablets he broke. The verse emphasizes the careful and respectful treatment of the tablets, showing their importance as a symbol of God’s covenant with Israel.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 10:5

• The word for "tables" (לֻחֹת, luḥot) refers to the stone tablets inscribed with the commandments. The use of this word underscores the physical, tangible nature of God’s covenant.
• The word for "ark" (אָרוֹן, aron) means a chest or box, specifically made to hold the tablets. This word highlights the special purpose and sacredness of the container Moses made.
• The verb "put" (שִׂים, sim) often means to place or set something carefully. Here, it suggests deliberate action in placing the tablets in the ark, not a casual or careless act.
• The word "commanded" (צִוָּה, tsivvah) means to order or instruct. Its use here shows that Moses was following God’s direct instructions, not acting on his own initiative.

Why Deuteronomy 10:5 matters

• This verse clarifies that the tablets were not left exposed or handled casually, but were placed in a specially made ark, showing reverence for God’s words.
• The verse connects to the wider passage by showing Moses’ faithfulness in carrying out God’s instructions after the crisis of the golden calf, helping to restore the relationship between God and Israel.
• It helps clear up any confusion about the physical handling of the tablets and the origin of the ark, making it clear that Moses himself made the first ark for this purpose before the more elaborate ark was constructed later.