And Moses turned and went down from the mount and the two tables of the testimony were in his hand: the tables were written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other were they written.Exodus 32:15 Explainer ## Introduction - In Plain Language: Moses came down from the mountain carrying the two stone tablets of God’s covenant; the tablets were written all over—on both faces. - Big idea: Moses brings God’s written covenant to the people—a solid, unmistakable revelation meant to shape their life together. - Key points: - The “two tablets of the testimony” are the concrete, written record of God’s covenant with Israel. - The detail “written on both their sides” stresses the tablets’ completeness and the permanence of God’s word. - Moses acts as the mediator: he receives God’s instruction on the mountain and brings it back to a people who will soon prove unfaithful. ## Context - Where this verse fits in: This verse appears in the middle of the golden calf episode (Exodus 32). It marks the moment Moses returns from Sinai with the tablets that contain God’s law and covenantal testimony. - Story timeline: Late Bronze Age context as Israel leaves Egypt and camps at Mount Sinai. Moses is the leader and mediator between Yahweh and Israel. God had just finished instructing Moses and had written the commandments on stone (see Exodus 31), and now Moses descends to implement that revelation among the people. - Surrounding passage: - Before (Genesis of this chapter): Israel becomes impatient while Moses is on the mountain; they pressure Aaron to make a visible god (the golden calf, Exodus 32:1–6). - This verse (32:15–16): Moses descends holding the two tablets. Verse 16 adds that the tablets were God’s writing, carved on them. - After (32:17–20): Moses hears the celebration, sees the idolatry, and in anger breaks the tablets (verse 19), symbolizing the breach of the covenant. ## Explanation - Quick take: Exodus 32:15 emphasizes that God’s covenant was not merely spoken but physically given—inscribed on stone in the hands of Moses—so the people could know and be accountable to God’s covenant. The next verses show the tragic irony: Moses brings the law just as the people break it. - In Depth: - “Two tablets”: Anciently, the Ten Commandments were often presented as two stone slabs. Tradition links one tablet to duties toward God and the other to duties toward people, though the text here doesn't explicitly divide them that way. The pairing also echoes treaty documents and solemn witnesses used in that era. - “Of the testimony”: The Hebrew term (edut) suggests these tablets are testimony or witness—evidence of God’s covenant, a record that stands in legal and spiritual force. - “In his hand”: Moses holding them underscores his role as mediator. He receives God’s authoritative instructions and carries them into the daily life of the community. - “Written on both their sides”: This detail emphasizes that the message was inscribed throughout—no blank sides, no half-measure. It signals completeness and durability. Some readers see symbolic meaning (God’s law addresses every side of life), while historically it may simply describe the physical tablets. - Irony and drama: Moses brings the filled, authoritative word of God to a people who have immediately turned to idolatry. His breaking of the tablets (v. 19) powerfully dramatizes the covenant’s rupture. ## Key Words - Luchot (לֻּחוֹת) — “tablets”: stone slabs that physically carried the law. - Edut (עֵדוּת) — “testimony” or “witness”: a legal/covenantal record of what God requires. - Katav / Ketuvim (כָּתוּבִים) — “written”: indicates the words are inscribed, not merely spoken. - Tsidtam / Tsidot (צִדְתָּם) — “their sides”: refers to both faces/surfaces of each tablet. ## Background - In the ancient Near East, important treaties, laws, and divine commands were often inscribed in durable materials to show permanence. Stone tablets carried authority and were viewed as binding. - The “two tablets” theme also fits the ancient legal practice of having physical copies or witnesses to a treaty—here God provides that permanent witness. - The narrative tension is cultural as well as theological: Israel’s need for a visible symbol (they make the calf) clashes with God’s provision of an enduring written covenant. ## Theology - God gives concrete, binding revelation: His commands are not vague ideas but a concrete covenant laid down for the people. - Covenant testimony is public and accountable: the tablets are meant to be known and obeyed by the community. - Leadership bears responsibility: Moses’ role demonstrates that mediators carry God’s word into the life of the people—and must confront sin when it appears. ## Application To Your Life - For workers: Treat workplace rules and ethical standards seriously—some “laws” are meant to protect the community and are not optional. Upholding them reflects covenant-like responsibility. - For parents: Teach children that God’s guidance is meant to be both learned and lived—rules from loving authority aim to shape flourishing, not merely restrict. - For leaders: Carrying the vision or mission into daily life matters. Leaders are responsible for bringing truth to people and confronting wrong when necessary. - For seekers: The physicality of the tablets reminds us that faith is not just private belief; it has public, actionable demands. - Reflection questions: - What “tablets” (sources of truth or standards) do I carry into my relationships and work? - Where am I tempted to look for quick, visible fixes rather than trust lasting guidance? - Short prayer: Lord, help me receive Your guidance as more than ideas—teach me to carry and live out Your truth faithfully in my daily life. ## Translation Comparison - KJV: “And Moses turned, and went down from the mount, and the two tables of the testimony were in his hand: the tables were written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other were they written.” - NIV: “Moses turned and went down the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, tablets that were inscribed on both sides, front and back.” - ESV: “And Moses turned and went down from the mountain, and the two tablets of the testimony were in his hand. The tablets were written on both their sides; on the one and on the other they were written.” - NASB: “Then Moses turned and went down from the mountain, while the two tablets of the witness were in his hand; and the tablets were written on both their faces, on the one face and on the other they were written.” - Note on differences: “Tables” vs “tablets” is just terminology—both mean stone slabs. “Testimony,” “witness,” and “covenant law” reflect slightly different translation choices for the Hebrew edut; each highlights legal/covenantal aspects. “Written on both sides” is consistent, but phrasing like “front and back” (NIV) helps modern readers picture it. Different translations choose words that either emphasize the legal character (witness/testimony) or the covenant content (covenant law). ## FAQs - Q: Why does the verse say the tablets were “written on both their sides”? Was that unusual? A: Saying the tablets were written on both sides likely communicates two related ideas. Practically, it describes the physical reality—the commands were inscribed across both faces of each stone, which stresses durability and fullness. In the ancient world, carving into stone was a common way to make a permanent legal record. Symbolically, many readers see the detail as indicating the thoroughness of God’s law: it addresses the whole person and community, not just parts of life. Some traditions also suggest the double-sided writing hints at a twofold relationship (duties to God and duties to neighbor), though the text itself does not label each side that way. The core point is that God’s instructions are complete and meant to be taken seriously—permanent, visible, and authoritative. - Q: If Moses brought these written tablets, why did he break them in the next verse? A: Moses breaking the tablets (v. 19) is dramatic and symbolic. Although he had the concrete word of God in his hands, when he saw the people worshiping the golden calf, he shattered the tablets in anger—an acted parable showing that the people had violated the covenant those tablets represented. Rather than a senseless act of rage, the breaking dramatizes the covenantal breach: the written testimony’s authority had been trampled by idolatry. Later, God instructs Moses to carve a new set of tablets (Exodus 34), signaling both judgment for sin and God’s willingness to renew the covenant. The breaking thus underscores both the seriousness of the offense and the possibility of restoration under God’s sovereign terms. ## Cross References - Exodus 31:18 — God initially gives Moses the two tablets, the work of God’s own hand (background to 32:15). - Exodus 32:19 — Moses breaks the tablets when he sees the people worshiping the calf (immediate narrative consequence). - Exodus 34:1 — God tells Moses to carve two new tablets after the first set was broken (renewal of covenant). - Deuteronomy 9:10–17 — Moses later retells the incident, including the breaking of the tablets, reflecting on Israel’s sin and his intercession. ## Deeper Study - Commentary synthesis (high-level): Most commentators see this verse as a simple narrative note with strong theological weight. The physical description of the tablets underscores the seriousness and tangibility of God’s covenant. The scene heightens irony—Moses descends with God’s law at the exact moment the people abandon that law. Scholars discuss symbolism (two tablets, writing on both sides) and ancient parallels (treaty inscriptions), but all agree the verse sets up the dramatic breaking and need for covenant renewal. - Group study pointers: - Read Exodus 31–34 together and map how God gives, loses, and renews the covenant. - Discuss the symbolism of physical objects (tablets, Ark) in faith—what role do physical reminders play for us? - Personal accountability: how do we respond when the “word” we carry meets a culture of compromise? - Role-play: have one person “bring the tablets” and another “lead” the people—explore tensions leaders face when vision meets failure. ## Related verses (to compare and contrast) - Exodus 31:18 — Why: Shows the origin of the tablets and that they are God’s doing, not Moses’ invention. - Exodus 32:19 — Why: The immediate consequence—Moses breaks the tablets—contrasts the gift of law with the people’s betrayal. - Exodus 34:1 — Why: God commands new tablets to be made, showing both judgment and God’s willingness to renew covenant relationship. ## Talk to the Bible Try the “Talk To The Bible” feature to dig deeper. Suggested prompts: - “Show me how Exodus 32:15–20 uses physical objects (like the tablets) to teach spiritual lessons.” - “Compare how different Bible translations handle ‘the testimony’ and explain any theological impact.” - “Give a short sermon or five-minute reflection on the moment Moses descends with the tablets and what it means for modern leaders.”
