Exodus 31:18
Exodus 31:18 in Multiple Translations
When the LORD had finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God.
¶ And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.
And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, the two tables of the testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.
And when his talk with Moses on Mount Sinai was ended, he gave him the two stones of the law, two stones on which was the writing made by the finger of God.
When the Lord finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, stone tablets written on by the finger of God.
Thus (when the Lord had made an ende of communing with Moses vpon mount Sinai) he gaue him two Tables of the Testimonie, euen tables of stone, written with the finger of God.
And He giveth unto Moses, when He finisheth speaking with him in mount Sinai, two tables of the testimony, tables of stone, written by the finger of God.
When he finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, he gave Moses the two tablets of the covenant, stone tablets, written with God’s finger.
And to Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, he gave two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.
And the Lord, when he had ended these words in mount Sinai, gave to Moses two stone tables of testimony, written with the finger of God.
When Yahweh finished talking with Moses/me on the top of Sinai Mountain, he gave him/me the two stone slabs on which he had engraved his commandments with his own fingers.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 31:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 31:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּתֵּ֣ן
אֶל
מֹשֶׁ֗ה
כְּ/כַלֹּת/וֹ֙
לְ/דַבֵּ֤ר
אִתּ/וֹ֙
בְּ/הַ֣ר
סִינַ֔י
שְׁנֵ֖י
לֻחֹ֣ת
הָ/עֵדֻ֑ת
לֻחֹ֣ת
אֶ֔בֶן
כְּתֻבִ֖ים
בְּ/אֶצְבַּ֥ע
אֱלֹהִֽים
וַ/יִּתֵּ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מֹשֶׁ֗ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
כְּ/כַלֹּת/וֹ֙
kâlâh
H3615
to end
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
לְ/דַבֵּ֤ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
אִתּ/וֹ֙
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
בְּ/הַ֣ר
har
H2022
mountain
Prep | N-ms
סִינַ֔י
Çîynay
H5514
Sinai
N-proper
שְׁנֵ֖י
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
לֻחֹ֣ת
lûwach
H3871
tablet
N-mp
הָ/עֵדֻ֑ת
ʻêdûwth
H5715
testimony
Art | N-fs
לֻחֹ֣ת
lûwach
H3871
tablet
N-mp
אֶ֔בֶן
ʼeben
H68
stone
N-fs
כְּתֻבִ֖ים
kâthab
H3789
to write
V-Qal-Inf-c
בְּ/אֶצְבַּ֥ע
ʼetsbaʻ
H676
finger
Prep | N-fs
אֱלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 31:18
וַ/יִּתֵּ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מֹשֶׁ֗ה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
כְּ/כַלֹּת/וֹ֙
kâlâh
H3615
"to end"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word means to finish or end something, like completing a task or using up a resource, as seen in Genesis 2:2 where God finished creating the heavens and earth.
Definition: : finish 1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be at an end 1a2) to be completed, be finished 1a3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled 1a4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense) 1a5) to be spent, be used up 1a6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail 1a7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, bring to an end, finish 1b2) to complete (a period of time) 1b3) to finish (doing a thing) 1b4) to make an end, end 1b5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass 1b6) to accomplish, determine (in thought) 1b7) to put an end to, cause to cease 1b8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend 1b9) to destroy, exterminate 1c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine, destroy (utterly), be (when... were) done, (be an) end (of), expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, [idiom] fully, [idiom] have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste. See also: Genesis 2:1; 2 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 18:38.
לְ/דַבֵּ֤ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אִתּ/וֹ֙
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
בְּ/הַ֣ר
har
H2022
"mountain"
Prep | N-ms
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
סִינַ֔י
Çîynay
H5514
"Sinai"
N-proper
Sinai refers to a mountain where Moses received the Law from God, located at the southern end of the Sinai peninsula. It is also known as the mountain of Arabia. This site is significant in the Bible as a place of revelation and covenant.
Definition: § Sinai = "thorny" the mountain where Moses received the Law from Jehovah; located at the southern end of the Sinai peninsula between the horns of the Red Sea; exact
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: Sinai. See also: Exodus 16:1; Numbers 1:1; Psalms 68:9.
שְׁנֵ֖י
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
לֻחֹ֣ת
lûwach
H3871
"tablet"
N-mp
This word refers to a polished tablet, possibly made of stone, wood, or metal. In the Bible, it is used to describe the tablets of stone given to Moses, and is translated as board, plate, or table in the KJV.
Definition: 1) board, slab, tablet, plank 1a) tablets (of stone) 1b) boards (of wood) 1c) plate (of metal)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: board, plate, table. See also: Exodus 24:12; Deuteronomy 9:15; Proverbs 3:3.
הָ/עֵדֻ֑ת
ʻêdûwth
H5715
"testimony"
Art | N-fs
This word means a testimony or witness, often referring to God's laws or instructions. It is used in several books, including Exodus and Deuteronomy, to describe God's guidance. The word emphasizes the importance of following God's laws.
Definition: testimony
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: testimony, witness. See also: Exodus 16:34; Numbers 17:19; Psalms 19:8.
לֻחֹ֣ת
lûwach
H3871
"tablet"
N-mp
This word refers to a polished tablet, possibly made of stone, wood, or metal. In the Bible, it is used to describe the tablets of stone given to Moses, and is translated as board, plate, or table in the KJV.
Definition: 1) board, slab, tablet, plank 1a) tablets (of stone) 1b) boards (of wood) 1c) plate (of metal)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: board, plate, table. See also: Exodus 24:12; Deuteronomy 9:15; Proverbs 3:3.
אֶ֔בֶן
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
כְּתֻבִ֖ים
kâthab
H3789
"to write"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To write or record something, including inscribing or engraving. It is used in various contexts, such as writing down a decree or subscribing to an agreement. This word is about putting thoughts or ideas into written form.
Definition: 1) to write, record, enrol 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to write, inscribe, engrave, write in, write on 1a2) to write down, describe in writing 1a3) to register, enrol, record 1a4) to decree 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be written 1b2) to be written down, be recorded, be enrolled 1c) (Piel) to continue writing Aramaic equivalent: ke.tav (כְּתַב "to write" H3790)
Usage: Occurs in 212 OT verses. KJV: describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten). See also: Exodus 17:14; 1 Chronicles 9:1; Psalms 40:8.
בְּ/אֶצְבַּ֥ע
ʼetsbaʻ
H676
"finger"
Prep | N-fs
In Hebrew, this word refers to a finger or a toe, something used to grasp or hold things. It is used in the Bible to describe both the fingers on the hand and the toes on the feet. The Aramaic equivalent is also 'digit'.
Definition: finger, toe Aramaic equivalent: ets.ba (אֶצְבַּע "digit" H0677)
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: finger, toe. See also: Exodus 8:15; Numbers 19:4; Psalms 8:4.
אֱלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
Study Notes — Exodus 31:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 31:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 31:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 31:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 31:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 31:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 31:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 31:18
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 31:18
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 31:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 31:18
- Sermons on Exodus 31:18
Context — Moses Receives the Tablets
16The Israelites must keep the Sabbath, celebrating it as a permanent covenant for the generations to come.
17It is a sign between Me and the Israelites forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, but on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.’”
18When the LORD had finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 4:13 | He declared to you His covenant, which He commanded you to follow—the Ten Commandments that He wrote on two tablets of stone. |
| 2 | Exodus 32:15–16 | Then Moses turned and went down the mountain with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands. They were inscribed on both sides, front and back. The tablets were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, engraved on the tablets. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 5:22 | The LORD spoke these commandments in a loud voice to your whole assembly out of the fire, the cloud, and the deep darkness on the mountain; He added nothing more. And He wrote them on two tablets of stone and gave them to me. |
| 4 | Exodus 24:12 | Then the LORD said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain and stay here, so that I may give you the tablets of stone, with the law and commandments I have written for their instruction.” |
| 5 | Exodus 8:19 | “This is the finger of God,” the magicians said to Pharaoh. But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said. |
| 6 | 2 Corinthians 3:3 | It is clear that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. |
| 7 | Luke 11:20 | But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. |
| 8 | Exodus 34:1–4 | Then the LORD said to Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the originals, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. Be ready in the morning, and come up on Mount Sinai to present yourself before Me on the mountaintop. No one may go up with you; in fact, no one may be seen anywhere on the mountain—not even the flocks or herds may graze in front of the mountain.” So Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the originals. He rose early in the morning, and taking the two stone tablets in his hands, he went up Mount Sinai as the LORD had commanded him. |
| 9 | Exodus 34:28–29 | So Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments. And when Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was unaware that his face had become radiant from speaking with the LORD. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 9:9–11 | When I went up on the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant that the LORD made with you, I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights. I ate no bread and drank no water. Then the LORD gave me the two stone tablets, inscribed by the finger of God with the exact words that the LORD spoke to you out of the fire on the mountain on the day of the assembly. And at the end of forty days and forty nights, the LORD gave me the two stone tablets, the tablets of the covenant. |
Exodus 31:18 Summary
Exodus 31:18 tells us that after God finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave Moses two special stones with the Ten Commandments written on them. These stones were special because they were written by God Himself, which shows how important and special they are. This reminds us of the importance of following God's commands, as seen in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21, and of keeping the Sabbath as a sign of our love and obedience to Him, as mentioned in Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:12-15. By following God's commands and keeping the Sabbath, we can show our love and gratitude for all that He has done for us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two tablets of the Testimony mentioned in Exodus 31:18?
The two tablets of the Testimony refer to the tablets of stone that contained the Ten Commandments, which were given to Moses by God as a covenant between God and the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21.
What does it mean that the tablets were inscribed by the finger of God?
The phrase 'inscribed by the finger of God' emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the Ten Commandments, highlighting that they were not written by human hands, but by God Himself, as a testament to His power and majesty, similar to what is seen in Exodus 8:19 and Luke 11:20.
Why did God give Moses the two tablets of the Testimony after speaking with him on Mount Sinai?
God gave Moses the two tablets of the Testimony as a tangible representation of the covenant between God and the Israelites, serving as a reminder of God's laws and commands, and as a symbol of God's presence and guidance, as seen in Exodus 25:16 and Deuteronomy 9:10.
How does this verse relate to the Sabbath commandment mentioned in the previous verses?
The giving of the two tablets of the Testimony in Exodus 31:18 serves as a culmination of God's instructions to Moses, including the command to keep the Sabbath, which is mentioned in Exodus 31:16-17, emphasizing the importance of remembering and observing the Sabbath as a sign of the covenant between God and the Israelites, as also seen in Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:12-15.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to you that the Ten Commandments were inscribed by the finger of God, and how does this impact your understanding of God's laws and commands?
- How can you apply the principles of the Ten Commandments in your daily life, and what role do they play in your relationship with God?
- What does the giving of the two tablets of the Testimony reveal about God's character and His desire to be in a covenant relationship with His people?
- How does the concept of the Sabbath, mentioned in the surrounding verses, relate to your own life and worship, and what does it mean to keep the Sabbath as a sign of the covenant between God and His people?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 31:18
And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him on Mount Sinai,.... After all those laws, orders, and instructions before related, which having done, he ceased to converse with
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 31:18
And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 31:18
i.e. The tables of the law, which was the witness of God’ s will and Israel’ s duty. See . Tables of stone; whereby was signified both the durable and perpetual obligation of the moral law, whereas the ceremonial law was to end with the Jewish polity at Christ’ s coming; and the stoniness of men’ s hearts by nature, in which the law of God could not be written but by a Divine and omnipotent hand. Written with the finger of God, i.e. with the power or Spirit of God, by comparing ; not by any art of man, but immediately by a Divine hand. BC 1491
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 31:18
Exodus 31:18 And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.Ver. 18. Written with the finger of God.] Of the Decalogue, above all other Holy Writ, God seems to say, as Paul, "Behold, I have written it with mine own hand"; i.e., By mine own power and operation.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 31:18
THE TWO TABLES GIVEN.(18) The termination and crown of the entire conference which Moses had held with God on Mount Sinai for forty days and forty nights (Exodus 24:18) was the committal to his hands of the two tables of testimony which had been promised before the ascent into the mount was made (Exodus 24:12), and which were pre-supposed in the entire arrangement of the sanctuary. The Court pre-supposed the tabernacle; the outer chamber of the tabernacle, or holy place, was a mere vestibule to the inner chamber, or holy of holies: the inner chamber was a receptacle for the ark; and the ark was a chest or coffer constructed to contain the Two Tables. The entire design having been laid down, it was a first step towards the carrying out of the design to put into the hands of Moses that treasure with a view to which all the directions concerning the tabernacle had been given. Two tables of testimony.—Rather, the two tables. The treasure which had been glanced at in Exodus 25:21, and distinctly promised in Exodus 24:12. Written with the finger of God.—Comp. Exodus 24:12, where God speaks of “commandments which He has written.” We must understand that the tables were inscribed by some supernatural process, and not by any human hand. The exact nature of the supernatural process is not revealed to us.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 31:18
Verse 18. When he had made an end of communing] When the forty days and forty nights were ended. Two tables of testimony] See Clarke on Exodus 34:1. Tables of stone] That the record might be lasting, because it was a testimony that referred to future generations, and therefore the materials should be durable. Written with the finger of God.] All the letters cut by God himself. Dr. Winder, in his History of Knowledge, thinks it probable that this was the first writing in alphabetical characters ever exhibited to the world, though there might have been marks or hieroglyphics cut on wood, stone, c., before this time see Exodus 17:14. That these tables were written, not by the commandment but by the power of God himself, the following passages seem to prove: "And the Lord said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mountain, and be thou there; and I will give thee tables of stone WHICH I HAVE WRITTEN, that thou mayest teach them;" Exodus 24:12. "And he gave unto Moses, upon Mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, WRITTEN WITH THE FINGER OF GOD;" Exodus 31:18. "And Moses went down from the mount, and the two tables of testimony were in his hand; the tables were Written on both their sides.
And the tables were THE WORK OF GOD, and the WRITING WAS THE WRITING OF GOD, graven upon the tables;" Exodus 32:15-16. "These words [the ten commandments] the Lord spake in the mount, out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice; and he added no more, BUT HE WROTE THEM on two tables of stone;" Deuteronomy 5:22. It is evident therefore that this writing was properly and literally the writing of God himself. God wrote now on tables of stone what he had originally written on the heart of man, and in mercy he placed that before his eyes which by sin had been obliterated from his soul; and by this he shows us what, by the Spirit of Christ, must be rewritten in the mind, 2 Corinthians 3:3; and this is according to the covenant which God long before promised to make with mankind, Jeremiah 31:33. See also what is said on this subject, Clarke's note, "Exodus 20:1", and See Clarke on Exodus 34:1; and "Exodus 17:14". "No time," says Dr. A. Bayley, "seems so proper from whence to date the introduction of letters among the Hebrews as this, for after this period we find continual mention of letters, reading, and writing, in the now proper sense of those words. See Deuteronomy 27:8; Deuteronomy 31:9. Moses, it is said, επαιδευθη, was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians - in all the learning they possessed; but it is manifest that he had not learned of them any method of writing, otherwise there had been no want of God's act and assistance in writing the two tables of the law, no need of a miraculous writing.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 31:18
17. for … earth] verbatim as Exodus 20:11. rested] desisted (from work), or kept sabbath: see on Exodus 20:8. was refreshed] lit. took breath,—a strong anthropomorphism: elsewhere used only of men, Exodus 23:12, 2 Samuel 16:14†. 18a. communing] speaking. See on Exodus 25:22. tables of the testimony] i.e. of the Decalogue (see on Exodus 25:16). So Exodus 32:15; Exodus 34:29 †. 18b. tables of stone] as Exodus 24:12 (E), where see the note. E’s narrative in Exodus 24:12-15 a must have been followed by a statement that Moses, after remaining some time on the mountain (Exodus 32:1), received from God the tables of stone, of which these and the following words are the close. The intermediate part has been replaced by the narrative of P (Exodus 24:15 b–32:18a). written with the finger of God] hence Deuteronomy 9:10. The practice of inscribing laws on tables of metal or stone was very general in antiquity: Rome, Athens, Crete, Carthage, Palmyra, Babylonia, all supply examples; it would be no cause for surprise, if the original of some of the laws contained in the ‘Book of the Covenant’ were to be brought to light by excavation in Palestine. That the tables on which the Decalogue was written are said to have been inscribed by ‘the finger of God’ (cf. Exodus 34:1) is an expression (Di.) of the sanctity and venerable antiquity attributed to them.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 31:18
Two tables of testimony - See Exodus 25:16; Exodus 32:15. The tables of stone which represented the covenant between Yahweh and His people, and which, when covered with the mercy-seat were to give
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 31:18
THE TWO TABLES, Exodus 31:18. 18. Two tables of testimony — These were soon broken, (Exodus 32:19,) and others were subsequently hewn, (Exodus 34:1-4.) Their size must have been smaller than the
Sermons on Exodus 31:18
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Books I Recommend With Comments - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life of John Wesley and his dedication to meeting with God every morning at 4 o'clock. The speaker recommends a book called "A Treasury of |
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A Missional Awakening by David Platt | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the language and emotions used in preaching the word of God. He shares a personal experience of a passionate lady who would grab his shirt a |
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Pray and Be Alone With God by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a Bible conference in the Andes Mountains where he brought a physician. Despite the lack of medicine and tools, the desperate peopl |
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Prophetic Reality Versus Fantasy by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the prevalence of fantasy and escapism in our culture, particularly in the entertainment industry. He highlights the example of a space-theme |
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Intimacy With God by Dennis Kinlaw | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of living a sanctified life according to God's commandments. He highlights nine areas of sanctity that believers should strive |
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The Spirit of Service by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of devotion to God's purpose for his people. He emphasizes that serving God in the utmost way requires complete dedication and |
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K-485 Covenant Keeping (1 of 3) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker expresses his concern about the passive nature of the church and the lack of engagement from its members. He shares an example of a church that distribu |