In this post, we will reflect upon the divine moment depicted in Exodus 31:18, when Moses receives the two tablets of the testimony, written by the finger of God. This significant event marks the direct delivery of the Ten Commandments of divine law, setting a milestone in the history of Judeo-Christian faith.

In Exodus 31:18, the 'finger of God' is a phrase used to emphasize the divine origin of the commandments delivered to Moses. This direct delivery underscores the authority and sanctity of the laws, which are not mere human inventions, but divine instructions to guide the people of Israel.

Historical Context

• The giving of the tablets of law to Moses marked a pivotal moment in Israel's history. On Mount Sinai, God personally handed Moses two stone tablets on which the Ten Commandments were written. This event, described in Exodus 31:18, represented the foundation of the moral, civil, and ceremonial law that would govern the nation of Israel. The tablets of law, known as the tablets of testimony, were kept in the Ark of the Covenant, a symbol of God's presence among His people. The giving of the tablets of law to Moses was not just a historical event, but also a spiritual fact of great importance that reinforced the special relationship between God and the nation of Israel.
• The law given to Moses was written by the 'finger of God'. The phrase 'finger of God' is used several times in the Bible to indicate God's direct intervention in human affairs. In the case of the tablets of law, this emphasizes that the commandments were not human inventions, but originated directly from God. This idea was crucial to the authority and respect that God's law demanded from the people of Israel. Furthermore, the divine writing on the tablets of law can also be seen as an act of grace, as God chose to reveal Himself and guide His people through His law.
• The tablets of law were made of stone, symbolizing the permanence and immutability of God's law. In antiquity, laws were commonly written on stone or other durable materials to indicate their importance and permanence. The choice of stone for the tablets of law demonstrates God's intention that His law should be perpetual and unchangeable. In addition, the stone is often used in the Bible as a metaphor for God, indicating His strength, stability, and constancy. Thus, the stone tablets can also be seen as a reflection of the unchanging character of God.

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The giving of the tablets of law to Moses was a watershed moment in Israel's history, laying the foundations for the law that would govern the nation. This law, written by God Himself, underscored divine sovereignty and Israel's dependence on God's guidance and protection. The law was not just a code of conduct, but an expression of God's character and a guide for the people of Israel's relationship with Him.

The way the law was given to Moses is also significant. Written by the 'finger of God', the law bore the mark of divine authority and authenticity. This served to remind the people of Israel that they were governed not by human whims, but by the eternal word of God. The law, therefore, was a gift from God, offered in grace, to guide His people in righteousness and truth.

Finally, the material of the tablets of law, stone, is a potent reminder of God's immutability and His law. Just as stone is durable and unchangeable, God's law is eternal and unchangeable. In giving of the tablets of law to Moses, we see God's firmness, faithfulness, and grace powerfully expressed.

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Biblical Connections

1. God directly gave the tablets of the law to Moses.

   In the Exodus narrative, the giving of the tablets of the law is a moment of great significance. According to Exodus 31:18, God directly gave Moses the tablets of the testimony, written with His own finger. This event represents not only the delivery of a moral and legal code but also the establishment of a covenant between God and His people. This moment stands out for demonstrating God's sovereignty and the importance of Moses' role as an intercessor between God and the people of Israel.

2. The significance of the tablets of the law.

   The tablets of the law, also known as the Ten Commandments, are fundamental to the Judeo-Christian faith. They set moral and ethical principles that guide the conduct of believers. The delivery of these tablets to Moses on Mount Sinai, as described in Exodus 31:18, marks a crucial moment in the relationship between God and His people. It's interesting to note that the tablets were written by the finger of God, emphasizing the divine origin of these laws.

3. Moses' role in the giving of the tablets of the law.

   Moses plays a crucial role in the giving of the tablets of the law. He serves as a mediator between God and the people of Israel, directly receiving from God the tablets of the law, as narrated in Exodus 31:18. Moses' role is essential to the formation of the identity of the people of Israel, as he was the instrument chosen by God to convey His law and His commandments.