Exodus 34:4

Exodus 34:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version KJV

¶ And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone.

American Standard Version ASV

And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as Jehovah had commanded him, and took in his hand two tables of stone.

Bible in Basic English BBE

So Moses got two stones cut like the first; and early in the morning he went up Mount Sinai, as the Lord had said, with the two stones in his hand.

Free Bible Version FBV

So Moses cut out two stone tablets like the previous ones and went up Mount Sinai early in the morning as the Lord had ordered him, taking with him the two stone tablets.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Moses hewed two Tables of stone like vnto the first, and rose vp earely in the morning, and went vp vnto the mount of Sinai, as the Lord had commanded him, and tooke in his hande two Tables of stone.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And he heweth two tables of stone like the first, and Moses riseth early in the morning, and goeth up unto mount Sinai, as Jehovah commanded him, and he taketh in his hand two tables of stone.

World English Bible WEB

He chiseled two tablets of stone like the first; then Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up to Mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and took in his hand two stone tablets.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And he hewed two tables of stone, like the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up to mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Then he cut out two tables of stone, such as had been before: and rising very early he went up into the mount Sinai, as the Lord had commanded him, carrying with him the tables.

Translation for Translators T4T

So Moses/I cut two slabs of stone that were like the first ones. He/I arose early the next morning. He/I took the slabs and carried them in his/my hands up to the top of Sinai Mountain, as Yahweh had commanded.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 34:4

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 34:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּפְסֹ֡ל שְׁנֵֽי לֻחֹ֨ת אֲבָנִ֜ים כָּ/רִאשֹׁנִ֗ים וַ/יַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם מֹשֶׁ֤ה בַ/בֹּ֨קֶר֙ וַ/יַּ֨עַל֙ אֶל הַ֣ר סִינַ֔י כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהוָ֖ה אֹת֑/וֹ וַ/יִּקַּ֣ח בְּ/יָד֔/וֹ שְׁנֵ֖י לֻחֹ֥ת אֲבָנִֽים

וַ/יִּפְסֹ֡ל pâçal H6458 to hew Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

שְׁנֵֽי shᵉnayim H8147 two Adj

לֻחֹ֨ת lûwach H3871 tablet N-mp

אֲבָנִ֜ים ʼeben H68 stone N-fp

כָּ/רִאשֹׁנִ֗ים riʼshôwn H7223 first Prep | Adj

וַ/יַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם shâkam H7925 to rise Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

מֹשֶׁ֤ה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper

בַ/בֹּ֨קֶר֙ bôqer H1242 morning Prep | N-ms

וַ/יַּ֨עַל֙ ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

הַ֣ר har H2022 mountain N-ms

סִינַ֔י Çîynay H5514 Sinai N-proper

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel

צִוָּ֥ה tsâvâh H6680 to command V-Piel-Perf-3ms

יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֹת֑/וֹ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

וַ/יִּקַּ֣ח lâqach H3947 to take Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

בְּ/יָד֔/וֹ yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs | Suff

שְׁנֵ֖י shᵉnayim H8147 two Adj

לֻחֹ֥ת lûwach H3871 tablet N-mp

אֲבָנִֽים ʼeben H68 stone N-fp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 34:4

וַ/יִּפְסֹ֡ל pâçal H6458 "to hew" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to hew or carve, often used to describe working with wood or stone. It can also mean to quarry, or extract materials from the earth. In the Bible, this word is used to describe the process of creating idols or other objects.

Definition: 1) to cut, hew, hew into shape 1a) (Qal) to hew, hew out, quarry

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: grave, hew. See also: Exodus 34:1; Deuteronomy 10:3; Habakkuk 2:18.

שְׁנֵֽי 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.

לֻחֹ֨ת 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.

אֲבָנִ֜ים ʼeben H68 "stone" N-fp

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.

כָּ/רִאשֹׁנִ֗ים riʼshôwn H7223 "first" Prep | Adj

This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.

Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first

Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.

וַ/יַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם shâkam H7925 "to rise" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb means to rise or start early, like loading up a burden. It is used in Genesis to describe early morning activities.

Definition: 1) to rise or start early 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to rise early, make an early start 1a2) early (as adverb)

Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: (arise, be up, get (oneself) up, rise up) early (betimes), morning. See also: Genesis 19:2; 1 Samuel 15:12; Psalms 127:2.

מֹשֶׁ֤ה 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.

בַ/בֹּ֨קֶר֙ bôqer H1242 "morning" Prep | N-ms

The break of day or morning, a time of new beginnings, as in the morning sacrifices in Exodus 29:39 or the resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week in John 20:1.

Definition: 1) morning, break of day 1a) morning 1a1) of end of night 1a2) of coming of daylight 1a3) of coming of sunrise 1a4) of beginning of day 1a5) of bright joy after night of distress (fig.) 1b) morrow, next day, next morning

Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) day, early, morning, morrow. See also: Genesis 1:5; 1 Samuel 11:11; Psalms 5:4.

וַ/יַּ֨עַל֙ ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.

Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself

Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.

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.

הַ֣ר har H2022 "mountain" 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.

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

צִוָּ֥ה tsâvâh H6680 "to command" V-Piel-Perf-3ms

To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded

Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.

יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

אֹת֑/וֹ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

וַ/יִּקַּ֣ח lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.

Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)

Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.

בְּ/יָד֔/וֹ yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs | Suff

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

שְׁנֵ֖י shᵉnayim H8147 "two" Adj

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)

לֻחֹ֥ת lûwach H3871 "tablet" N-mp

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.

אֲבָנִֽים ʼeben H68 "stone" N-fp

Study Notes — Exodus 34:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Exodus 34:4 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 34:4
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 34:4
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 34:4
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 34:4
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 34:4

Context — New Stone Tablets

2Be ready in the morning, and come up on Mount Sinai to present yourself before Me on the mountaintop. 3No 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.”

4So 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.

5And the LORD descended in a cloud, stood with him there, and proclaimed His name, the LORD. 6Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: “The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness,

Exodus 34:4 Summary

This verse shows us that Moses was obedient to God's commands, even when it was hard. He got up early in the morning and went up Mount Sinai, just like God told him to, as stated in Exodus 34:2-4. This reminds us that we should also try to obey God's commands, even when they seem difficult, because it's a way of showing our love for Him, as seen in John 14:15. By following God's instructions, we can have a deeper relationship with Him and experience His goodness and faithfulness, just like Moses did on Mount Sinai, as seen in Exodus 34:5-6.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Moses have to chisel out two new stone tablets?

Moses had to chisel out two new stone tablets because the originals were broken when he threw them to the ground in anger at the Israelites' idolatry, as seen in Exodus 32:19, and God instructed him to make new ones, as stated in Exodus 34:1-4.

What is the significance of Moses rising early in the morning to go up Mount Sinai?

Moses rising early in the morning to go up Mount Sinai shows his obedience to God's command, as stated in Exodus 34:2, and his eagerness to meet with God, similar to how Joshua rose early to prepare for battle, as seen in Joshua 7:16.

Why did Moses have to go up Mount Sinai alone?

Moses had to go up Mount Sinai alone because God commanded him to do so, as stated in Exodus 34:3, and this solitude allowed for a special encounter between Moses and God, where God would proclaim His name and character to Moses, as seen in Exodus 34:5-6.

What can we learn from Moses' obedience in this verse?

We can learn from Moses' obedience in this verse that following God's commands, even when they seem difficult or unclear, is essential for a deep and meaningful relationship with Him, as seen in John 14:15 and 1 Samuel 15:22.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can demonstrate my obedience to God's commands in my daily life, just like Moses did in this verse?
How can I, like Moses, prepare myself to meet with God and hear His voice, whether through prayer, reading Scripture, or other spiritual disciplines?
What are some 'stone tablets' in my life that need to be replaced or renewed, and how can I, like Moses, be obedient to God's instructions to make those changes?
In what ways can I, like Moses, trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even when I don't fully understand His plans or commands, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 34:4

And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first,.... Which may be an emblem of the ministry of men, which God makes use of in hewing of his people, and bringing them to a sense of their sins,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 34:4

And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 34:4

Exodus 34:4 And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone.Ver. 4. And he hewed two tables.] Moses hewed them. The first tables were hewn out of the sapphire of the throne of God’ s glory, say the Jewish doctors.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 34:4

XXXIV. FOR A RENEWAL OF THE .(1-4) Before the covenant could be formally reestablished, before Israel could be replaced in the position forfeited by the idolatry of the golden calf, it was necessary that the conditions on which God consented to establish His covenant with them should be set forth afresh. Moses had asked for the return of God’s favour, but had said nothing of these conditions. It is God who insists on them. “Hew thee two tables.” The moral law must be delivered afresh—delivered in its completeness—exactly as at the first (Exodus 34:1), and even the ceremonial law must be reimposed in its main items (Exodus 34:12-26), or no return to favour is possible. Hence Moses is summoned once more to the top of Sinai, where the Law is to be delivered afresh to him, and is ordered to bring with him tables of stone like the former ones, to receive their written contents from God’s hand.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 34:4

1–5. Moses is commanded to hew two tables of stone, similar to those which he had broken (Exodus 32:19), and bring them up Sinai to Jehovah. The former tables are said (Exodus 32:16) to have been themselves God’s handiwork: in the new tables only the writing is to be His.

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