2 Chronicles 5:10 – “There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets that Moses had placed in it at Horeb, where the Lord made a covenant with the Israelites after they came out of Egypt.”
Extended Explanation
This verse describes the contents of the Ark of the Covenant, which contained only the two stone tablets that Moses received from God at Mount Horeb (another name for Mount Sinai). These tablets held the Ten Commandments, which represented God’s covenant with the Israelites after they were freed from slavery in Egypt. The verse emphasizes the significance of these tablets as a reminder of God’s law and His relationship with His people. The fact that these were the only items in the Ark at this point underscores the centrality of God’s covenant promises and instructions to Israel’s identity and worship.
Historical Context
The Ark of the Covenant had been a central part of Israel’s worship since the time of Moses. Originally, it also contained a jar of manna (Exodus 16:32-34) and Aaron’s rod that budded (Numbers 17:10), both symbols of God’s provision and leadership. By the time of Solomon’s temple, however, only the tablets of the Ten Commandments remained in the Ark. These tablets were given to Moses after God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, marking the establishment of the covenant relationship between God and His people. The Ark, housed in the Most Holy Place, symbolized God’s presence and the foundation of His covenant with Israel.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse reminds us of the importance of God’s Word and His covenant promises. The Ten Commandments, as part of the covenant, provided the foundation for Israel’s relationship with God. They represented not only moral and ethical standards but also the unique bond between God and His people. The fact that these were the only items left in the Ark signifies the enduring importance of God’s law and His covenant faithfulness. Even though other items, like the jar of manna, were once in the Ark, what remained were the core commandments that governed Israel’s way of life. It shows that God’s Word endures even as circumstances change.
Literary Analysis
This verse serves as a moment of reflection on the Ark’s contents, adding significance to the presence of the tablets. The emphasis on the tablets being the only items left in the Ark highlights the priority placed on God’s covenant with Israel. The reference to Horeb (Mount Sinai) ties this moment back to Israel’s early history, reminding the reader of the foundational event when the Israelites received God’s law. This literary technique connects the temple dedication in Solomon’s time to the covenant established with Moses, showing continuity in Israel’s story.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 25:16 – God’s instruction to place the tablets of the law inside the Ark of the Covenant.
- Deuteronomy 10:1-5 – The account of Moses receiving the second set of stone tablets to replace the ones he broke, which were placed in the Ark.
- Hebrews 9:4 – A New Testament reference to the contents of the Ark, including the tablets of the covenant.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse is a reminder of the enduring nature of God’s Word and His covenant promises. Just as the tablets in the Ark were a symbol of God’s relationship with Israel, we are called to live by God’s Word, which is written on our hearts. The Ten Commandments were a guide for Israel, and while we are not bound by the Old Testament law in the same way, the principles behind God’s commands—love, justice, and faithfulness—still apply to our lives today. This verse encourages us to focus on the centrality of God’s Word in our relationship with Him.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows God’s love in establishing a covenant with His people. The Ten Commandments were not just rules, but a reflection of God’s character and His desire for Israel to live in a way that honored Him and promoted peace and justice among them. The fact that God gave them these commandments shows His care for them—He wanted them to know how to live in a relationship with Him. The Ark’s preservation of these tablets is a reminder that God’s love for His people is enduring, and His desire for them to follow His ways has never changed.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The Ten Commandments, stored in the Ark, were part of the old covenant, which governed Israel’s relationship with God. Jesus came to fulfill the law and establish a new covenant (Matthew 5:17, Luke 22:20). While the commandments gave moral guidelines, they pointed to the deeper need for a savior who could fully reconcile humanity to God. Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the law—He not only obeyed it perfectly but also provided a way for us to live in relationship with God through grace, rather than through strict adherence to the law. As Christians, we look to Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises, and through Him, we have a new covenant written on our hearts (Hebrews 8:10).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does the presence of the Ten Commandments in the Ark teach us about the importance of God’s Word in our lives?
- How can we honor God’s covenant with us today through our actions and relationship with Him?
- How does Jesus’ fulfillment of the law change the way we view the commandments and God’s expectations for us?
- In what ways can we make God’s Word central to our daily decisions and actions, just as the tablets were central in Israel’s worship?
This verse invites us to reflect on the centrality of God’s Word and the lasting nature of His promises. It calls us to appreciate the covenant God made with His people and to see how Jesus has fulfilled that covenant, opening the way for us to live in relationship with God through His grace.