Exodus 32:16: “The tablets were the work of God; the writing was the writing of God, engraved on the tablets.”

Extended Explanation

Exodus 32:16 highlights the divine origin of the stone tablets that Moses carried down from Mount Sinai. These tablets, containing the Ten Commandments, were not just a human creation but were directly crafted and inscribed by God Himself. The phrase “the work of God” emphasizes that the tablets and the commandments written on them were entirely God’s doing. This verse underscores the significance of the law as a direct and tangible expression of God’s will for His people. The commandments were not merely suggestions but were engraved in stone, symbolizing their permanence and authority.

Historical Context

The historical context of this verse is centered around the covenant that God was establishing with the Israelites at Mount Sinai. After delivering them from slavery in Egypt, God led the Israelites to Sinai, where He gave them His law as the foundation of their relationship with Him. The Ten Commandments, inscribed by God on stone tablets, were at the heart of this covenant. They represented the core principles by which the Israelites were to live, reflecting God’s holy standards. This verse comes at a moment of contrast—while Moses holds these holy tablets, the people below are engaged in idolatry, showing a stark disobedience to the very laws being delivered.

Theological Implications

Theologically, Exodus 32:16 speaks to the authority and sanctity of God’s law. The fact that the tablets were “the work of God” and that the writing was “the writing of God” indicates that the commandments are not human constructs but divine mandates. This underscores the idea that God’s law is perfect, holy, and unchanging, serving as a moral compass for His people. It also reflects the concept that God’s Word is not to be altered or dismissed lightly; it carries the full weight of divine authority.

Literary Analysis

From a literary standpoint, Exodus 32:16 is a powerful and concise statement that reinforces the divine origin of the tablets. The repetition of “God” in both “the work of God” and “the writing of God” serves to underline the sacredness of the tablets. The use of the word “engraved” suggests a permanent and enduring quality, highlighting that God’s commandments are not temporary or negotiable. This verse contributes to the narrative’s overall theme of covenant and law, setting up the seriousness of the events that follow when the Israelites’ actions are contrasted with the holiness of the law they have received.

Biblical Cross-References

This verse connects with several other biblical passages that emphasize the divine origin and authority of God’s Word:

• Deuteronomy 9:10: Moses recalls that the tablets were written by the finger of God, emphasizing their divine origin.
• Psalm 19:7: The psalmist declares that the law of the LORD is perfect, reflecting the perfection of the commandments given on the tablets.
• 2 Timothy 3:16: Paul writes that all Scripture is God-breathed, reinforcing the idea that God’s Word, whether written on stone or in the Bible, is inspired by God.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christian, Exodus 32:16 is a reminder of the divine authority and unchanging nature of God’s Word. It challenges believers to view the Bible not just as a collection of ancient writings but as the inspired Word of God that carries His authority and reflects His will. This verse encourages Christians to approach God’s commandments with reverence and seriousness, recognizing that they are the foundation for living a life that is pleasing to God. It also reminds us of the importance of obedience to God’s Word, understanding that it is given for our good and to guide us in righteousness.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse reflects God’s love in that He didn’t leave His people to guess what He desired from them; He gave them clear and direct instructions. The fact that God Himself inscribed the commandments shows His personal involvement in guiding His people. It is an expression of His care and concern that they live according to His will, which is ultimately for their benefit and flourishing. God’s law, as reflected in these tablets, is an expression of His loving desire for a relationship with His people based on holiness, justice, and righteousness.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Exodus 32:16 connects to Jesus Christ in that Christ is the fulfillment of the law. While the tablets represented the law given to the Israelites, Jesus embodied and perfectly fulfilled that law in His life, death, and resurrection (Matthew 5:17). Jesus is the “Word made flesh” (John 1:14), the living representation of God’s will. Through Christ, believers are not only called to obey the law but are also empowered by the Holy Spirit to live it out in their lives. The permanence of the law, as shown in the engraving on the tablets, finds its ultimate expression in the eternal and unchanging nature of Christ’s work of salvation.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse challenge your view of the Bible and God’s commandments?
2. In what ways can you ensure that you are taking God’s Word seriously in your daily life?
3. How does understanding the divine origin of the law deepen your appreciation for God’s guidance and instruction?
4. How does Jesus’ fulfillment of the law influence your relationship with God and your approach to His commandments?

Exodus 32:16 serves as a powerful reminder of the holiness and authority of God’s Word. It calls us to respect and uphold God’s commandments and to recognize their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who empowers us to live according to God’s will.