Exodus 31:18 – “When the Lord finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the covenant law, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Exodus 31:18 marks a significant moment in the biblical narrative, as it describes the culmination of God’s direct communication with Moses on Mount Sinai. After giving detailed instructions for the tabernacle and the Sabbath, God hands Moses the two tablets of stone that contain the covenant law, also known as the Ten Commandments. These tablets were unique because they were inscribed by the very “finger of God,” emphasizing their divine origin and the unchangeable nature of the laws written on them. This verse highlights the importance of the covenant law as the foundation of Israel’s relationship with God and serves as a physical reminder of the divine encounter between God and Moses.
Historical Context
The historical context of this verse is rooted in the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. At this point, they had reached Mount Sinai, where God established a covenant with them, making them His chosen people. The giving of the law on tablets of stone was a pivotal moment, symbolizing the formalization of this covenant. The law was intended to guide the Israelites in how they were to live as a holy nation, distinct from the surrounding cultures. The physical tablets, inscribed by God Himself, were meant to be kept in the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest that represented God’s presence among His people. This event underscores the seriousness and permanence of the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 31:18 emphasizes the authority and sanctity of God’s law. The fact that the tablets were inscribed by the “finger of God” indicates that the law is not a human invention but a divine mandate. This verse also highlights the idea of revelation—God revealing His will directly to His people through Moses. The law provided on these tablets was not just a set of rules but a reflection of God’s holy character and His expectations for how His people should live. The physicality of the stone tablets also symbolizes the enduring and unchanging nature of God’s law, which was to be a constant guide for the Israelites.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Exodus 31:18 serves as a powerful conclusion to the series of divine instructions that precede it. The verse uses the imagery of God’s “finger” to convey the direct and personal involvement of God in giving the law. The mention of “two tablets of the covenant law” connects this event to earlier parts of the Exodus narrative, where the covenant was first established. The verse also transitions the narrative from the giving of the law to the events that follow, particularly the incident with the golden calf, which contrasts the holiness of God’s law with the disobedience of the Israelites.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 24:12 – God invites Moses to come up the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, emphasizing the preparation for this moment.
- Deuteronomy 9:10 – Moses recounts how the tablets were inscribed by the finger of God, reinforcing the divine origin of the law.
- 2 Corinthians 3:3 – Paul contrasts the law written on tablets of stone with the law written on the hearts of believers through the Spirit.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 31:18 serves as a reminder of the importance of God’s word and the seriousness of His commands. While believers are not under the old covenant, the principles found in the Ten Commandments still reflect God’s moral standards. This verse encourages Christians to view God’s word with reverence and to understand that His instructions are meant to guide their lives. It also points to the idea that God’s laws are not arbitrary but are rooted in His character and are given for the benefit of His people. For believers, the law inscribed on stone has been fulfilled and internalized through the work of the Holy Spirit, who writes God’s law on their hearts.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in His desire to communicate directly with His people and provide them with clear guidance on how to live in a way that honors Him. By giving the law, God was not just imposing rules but was offering a path to life that would lead to blessing and flourishing. The fact that God Himself inscribed the tablets shows His personal involvement and care in ensuring that His people understood His will. The law was a gift, meant to help the Israelites live in harmony with God and each other, and it was given out of God’s deep love and commitment to His covenant people.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 31:18 connects to Jesus Christ in the way it points to the fulfillment of the law in Him. Jesus is the embodiment of God’s law, perfectly living out its principles and fulfilling its requirements. In the New Testament, Jesus speaks of the law being fulfilled in Him (Matthew 5:17), and through His life, death, and resurrection, He established a new covenant with God’s people. The law that was once written on tablets of stone is now written on the hearts of believers through the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ teaching and example show that the law is not just about external obedience but about a transformed heart that loves God and others. Through Christ, believers are empowered to live out the spirit of the law in a way that reflects God’s love and holiness.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you view God’s commandments in your daily life? Do you see them as burdensome or as a guide to living in a way that honors God?
- What does it mean to you that God personally inscribed the law on tablets of stone? How does this shape your understanding of the importance of His word?
- In what ways can you allow the Holy Spirit to write God’s law on your heart, so that your actions reflect His will?
- How does Jesus’ fulfillment of the law influence the way you live out your faith today?
This article offers a thoughtful exploration of Exodus 31:18, connecting its significance to the broader biblical narrative and offering practical insights for how Christians can honor God’s word in their lives. It also highlights the connection between the giving of the law and its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, encouraging believers to live out the principles of God’s law through the power of the Holy Spirit.