Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Deuteronomy 9:10. It's a really important and somewhat mysterious verse that speaks about God’s covenant with Israel. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes God giving two tablets of stone to Moses as a sign of his covenant – a promise and agreement – with the people of Israel. It's like a big, official declaration of love and commitment. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the LORD delivered unto me…” : This tells us God is taking action – giving something to Moses. “…two tables of stone…” : Moses was receiving two tablets. Tablets were essentially large pieces of stone used for writing and marking things. “…written with the finger of God…” : This is a crucial detail! It’s not just any writing; it's written with a divine, personal touch – as if God is directly communicating with Moses. It emphasizes that this isn’t just a legal document, but something deeply significant and imbued with God’s will. “…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.” : This is where it gets a bit more complex. It describes how God spoke: “In the mount…” : God was speaking from a special place – a mountain. “…out of the midst of the fire…” : This suggests a powerful, intense situation. The fire likely symbolized judgment or punishment. “…in the day of the assembly” : This means God was speaking to the entire people – all the Israelites were present. Putting it all together - What does it mean? The verse is saying that God’s word (his promises and commands) wasn't just spoken in a distant place or by someone else. It was directly communicated with Moses, powerfully and personally, through a dramatic event – a firestorm. It signifies: A Binding Covenant: This isn't just a casual agreement; it’s a covenant – a promise that is legally binding and eternally important. God’s Sovereignty: It shows God is in control and working powerfully in the world. Divine Guidance: The act of Moses receiving these tablets indicates that God was guiding him to fulfill his purpose. Why is this verse significant? It's one of the earliest examples of a covenant between God and humanity, establishing a fundamental relationship built on trust and commitment. It’s a moment of incredible power and revelation. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part in more detail? Connect this verse to other parts of the Bible? Discuss its meaning within the context of the Old Testament story of the Exodus?