Deuteronomy 10:4
And he wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments, which the LORD spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly: and the LORD gave them unto me.
Deuteronomy 10:4 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse describes how Moses wrote the Ten Commandments on the tablets after God spoke them to the Israelites on Mount Sinai. The tablets served as a physical representation of the laws given by God to his people. The first writing mentioned refers to the original commandments that Moses inscribed on the tablets. The tablets were given to Moses by God during a remarkable event on Mount Sinai, where God spoke to the Israelites from amidst a fiery display. This momentous occasion marked the giving of the commandments to the Israelites to guide them in their relationship with God and with one another. The act of writing the commandments on the tablets symbolizes the importance of these laws in the lives of the people and the significance of God's covenant with them. Through this act, Moses served as an intermediary between God and the Israelites, conveying God's laws and instructions for righteous living.
Theological Overview
In this verse, Moses recounts the moment when he received the tablets of stone with the Ten Commandments written on them by the hand of God Himself. The theological interpretation of this event highlights the importance of these commandments as the foundation of Divine Law and moral guidance for humanity. The tablets symbolize the unchanging nature of God's commands and His authority over His people. The fact that the commandments were written by God Himself emphasizes their divine origin and significance. The obedience to these commandments is seen as essential for maintaining a right relationship with God and living a life pleasing to Him. Furthermore, the mention of the tablets being written according to the first writing underscores the meticulous care and accuracy with which God revealed His laws to His chosen people. Through this act, God showed His faithfulness in preserving and transmitting His Word through Moses for the benefit of all generations.
Deuteronomy 10:4 in other translations
American Standard Version
And he wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments, which Jehovah spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly: and Jehovah gave them unto me.
World English Bible
He wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments, which Yahweh spoke to you on the mountain out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly: and Yahweh gave them to me.
Douay-Rheims
And he wrote in the tables, according as he had written before, the ten words, which the Lord spoke to you in the mount from the midst of the fire, when the people were assembled: and he gave them to me.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then he wrote vpon the Tables according to the first writing (the tenne commandements, which the Lord spake vnto you in the Mount out of the middes of the fire, in the day of the assemblie) and the Lord gaue them vnto me.