So I turned and came down from the mount, and the mount burned with fire: and the two tables of the covenant were in my two hands.

DEUTERONOMY 9:15KJV
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Deuteronomy 9:15 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 9:15 mean?

Deuteronomy 9:15 describes Moses turning and coming down from Mount Sinai while it was burning with fire, carrying the two stone tablets of the covenant in his hands. This verse highlights the dramatic moment when Moses descends from the mountain after receiving the covenant directly from God.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites, reminding them of what happened at Mount Sinai after they had made the golden calf. The mountain burning with fire shows the powerful presence of God, while the two tablets represent the formal agreement (covenant) between God and Israel. This sets the stage for Moses confronting the people about their disobedience.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 9:15

  • "Mount" (הַר, har): Used twice in this verse, this word refers specifically to Mount Sinai, the place of God's revelation. The repetition emphasizes the importance and sacredness of the location.
  • "Burned" (בָּעַר, ba'ar): This word means to burn or be set on fire. The mountain burning with fire is a vivid sign of God's overwhelming holiness and presence.
  • "Tables" (לוּחַ, luach): These are the stone tablets on which the covenant was written. The word points to something solid and enduring, highlighting the seriousness of God's agreement with Israel.
  • "Covenant" (בְּרִית, berit): This term means a binding agreement or promise. Here, it refers to the special relationship and obligations established between God and the Israelites.

Why Deuteronomy 9:15 matters

  • This verse reminds readers that the covenant was given in a setting marked by awe and danger, not just ceremony, underlining the seriousness of Israel’s relationship with God.
  • The detail about Moses physically carrying the two tablets stresses that the covenant was a real, tangible commitment, not just a spiritual idea.
  • By recalling the burning mountain and the tablets, Moses prepares the listeners for the gravity of Israel’s failure with the golden calf, making their disobedience stand out even more starkly.

Where else these words appear

“tables” Hebrew H3871 · used in 33 verses

  • Exodus 24:12 And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.
  • Exodus 38:7 And he put the staves into the rings on the sides of the altar, to bear it withal; he made the altar hollow with boards.
  • Deuteronomy 10:5 And I turned myself and came down from the mount, and put the tables in the ark which I had made; and there they be, as the LORD commanded me.

“burned” Hebrew H1197 · used in 90 verses

  • Exodus 3:2 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.
  • 2 Samuel 22:13 Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled.
  • Isaiah 30:33 For Tophet is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.

“turned” Hebrew H6437 · used in 128 verses

  • Genesis 18:22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.
  • Judges 18:21 So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the cattle and the carriage before them.
  • Psalms 119:132 Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.