tables
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shalt not make There is a threefold giving of the law. First, orally, in Exodus 20:1-17 . This was pure law, with no provision of priesthood and sacrifice for failure, and was accompanied by the "judgments"; Exodus 21:1 to Exodus 23:13 ; relating to the relations of Hebrew with Hebrew; to which were added Exodus 23:14-19 directions for keeping three annual feasts, and Exodus 23:20-33 instructions for the conquest of Canaan. These words Moses communicated to the people. Exodus 24:3-8 . Immediately, in the persons of their elders, they were admitted to the fellowship of God. Exodus 24:9-11 .
Second, Moses was then called up to receive the tables of stone. Exodus 24:12-18 . The story then divides. Moses, in the mount, receives the gracious instructions concerning the tabernacle, priesthood, and sacrifice (Exodus 25-31.) Meantime (Exodus 32.), the people, led by Aaron, break the first commandment. Moses, returning, breaks the tables "written with the finger of God."; Exodus 31:18 ; Exodus 32:16-19 .
Third, the second tables were made by Moses, and the law again written by the hand of Jehovah Exodus 34:1 ; Exodus 34:28 ; Exodus 34:29 ; Deuteronomy 10:4 .
Context Summary
Exodus 32:15-24 - Moses Breaks The Tables And Burns The Calf
There was no weak compromise on the part of Moses. He cast the tables from his hands as though he felt that the covenant between God and the Hebrew race was hopelessly broken. He remonstrated with Aaron, destroyed the calf, and appointed the tribe of Levi as the executors of divine justice. How striking the act that forced the people to drink the dust of the golden calf! Men always have to drink the dust of their idolatries. You cannot make an idol without growing into the likeness of your idol and becoming, some day, nauseated with it.
As Israel turned from the splendors that shone on the summit of Sinai to fashion the calf, and found that the end of those things was misery, so those who turn from the Savior, who is the brightness of the Father's glory and the express image of His Person, pierce themselves through with many sorrows and perish. See Hebrews 12:25. [source]
Chapter Summary: Exodus 32
1The people in the absence of Moses, caused Aaron to make a calf 7God informs Moses, who intercedes for Israel, and prevails 15Moses comes down with the tablets 19He breaks them 20He destroys the calf 22Aaron's excuse for himself 25Moses causes the idolaters to be slain 30He prays for the people
What do the individual words in Exodus 32:16 mean?
And the tabletsthe workof Godwereand the writingthe writingof Godwasengravedonthe tablets