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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 31:18 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/31-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/02_Exo_31_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 31:18 - Moses Receives the Tablets" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When the LORD had finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, 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frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/31-17.htm" title="Exodus 31:17">◄</a> Exodus 31:18 <a href="/exodus/32-1.htm" title="Exodus 32:1">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/exodus/31.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/exodus/31.htm">New International Version</a> When the LORD finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the covenant law, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God. <a href="/nlt/exodus/31.htm">New Living Translation</a> When the LORD finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, written by the finger of God. <a href="/esv/exodus/31.htm">English Standard Version</a> And he gave to Moses, when he had finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God. <a href="/bsb/exodus/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/exodus/31.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/exodus/31.htm">New King James Version</a> And when He had made an end of speaking with him on Mount Sinai, He gave Moses two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God. <a href="/nasb_/exodus/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> When He had finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, He gave Moses the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written by the finger of God. <a href="/nasb/exodus/31.htm">NASB 1995</a> When He had finished speaking with him upon Mount Sinai, He gave Moses the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written by the finger of God. <a href="/nasb77/exodus/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And when He had finished speaking with him upon Mount Sinai, He gave Moses the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written by the finger of God. <a href="/lsb/exodus/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> When He had finished speaking with him upon Mount Sinai, He gave Moses the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written by the finger of God. <a href="/amp/exodus/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a> When He had finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, He gave Moses the two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God. <a href="/csb/exodus/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When he finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the testimony, stone tablets inscribed by the finger of God. <a href="/hcsb/exodus/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When He finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him the two tablets of the testimony, stone tablets inscribed by the finger of God. <a href="/asv/exodus/31.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/exodus/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> When God had finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two flat stones on which he had written all his laws with his own hand. <a href="/erv/exodus/31.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/exodus/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The LORD finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai. Then he gave him the two tablets with his words on them, stone tablets inscribed by God himself. <a href="/gnt/exodus/31.htm">Good News Translation</a> When God had finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two stone tablets on which God himself had written the commandments. <a href="/isv/exodus/31.htm">International Standard Version</a> When he finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two Tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone written by the finger of God. <a href="/msb/exodus/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/exodus/31.htm">NET Bible</a> He gave Moses two tablets of testimony when he had finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, tablets of stone written by the finger of God. <a href="/nheb/exodus/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He gave to Moses, when he finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, the two tablets of the testimony, stone tablets, written by the finger of God. <a href="/wbt/exodus/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/web/exodus/31.htm">World English Bible</a> 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. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/exodus/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And He gives to Moses, when He finishes speaking with him in Mount Sinai, two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone, written by the finger of God. <a href="/ylt/exodus/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 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. <a href="/slt/exodus/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he will give to Moses when he ceased to speak to him in mount Sinai, two tables of the testimony, tables of stone written by the finger of God.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/exodus/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> 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. <a href="/cpdv/exodus/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the Lord, having completed speaking in this way on Mount Sinai, gave to Moses two stone tablets of testimony, written with the finger of God. <a href="/nabre/exodus/31.htm">New American Bible</a> When the LORD had finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the covenant, the stone tablets inscribed by God’s own finger. <a href="/nrsvce/exodus/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When God finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the covenant, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/exodus/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And he gave to Moses, when he had made an end of talking with him on mount Sinai, two tablets of testimony, the stone tablets written by the finger of God. <a href="/hpbt/exodus/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Between me and the house of Israel it is a sign to eternity because for six days LORD JEHOVAH made the Heavens and Earth and the seas and everything that is in them and in the seventh day He ceased and was refreshed.’”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/exodus/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And He gave unto Moses, when He had made an end of speaking with him upon mount Sinai, the two tables of the testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God. <a href="/sep/exodus/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And he gave to Moses when he left off speaking to him in mount Sina the two tables of testimony, tables of stone written upon with the finger of God. <a href="/parallel/exodus/31-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=8193" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/exodus/31.htm">Moses Receives the Tablets</a> 18<a href="/hebrew/3615.htm" title="3615: kə·ḵal·lō·ṯōw (Prep-k:: V-Piel-Inf:: 3ms) -- To be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spent. A primitive root; to end, whether intransitive or transitived.">When the LORD had finished</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: lə·ḏab·bêr (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">speaking</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’it·tōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">with Moses</a> <a href="/hebrew/2022.htm" title="2022: bə·har (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Mountain, hill, hill country. A shortened form of harar; a mountain or range of hills.">on Mount</a> <a href="/hebrew/5514.htm" title="5514: sî·nay (N-proper-fs) -- The mountain where the law was given. Of uncertain derivation; Sinai, mountain of Arabia.">Sinai,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: way·yit·tên (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">He gave</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: mō·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">him</a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: šə·nê (Number-mdc) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">the two</a> <a href="/hebrew/3871.htm" title="3871: lu·ḥōṯ (N-mpc) -- A tablet, board or plank, a plate. Or luach; from a primitive root; probably meaning to glisten; a tablet, of stone, wood or metal.">tablets</a> <a href="/hebrew/5715.htm" title="5715: hā·‘ê·ḏuṯ (Art:: N-fs) -- Testimony. Feminine of ed; testimony.">of the Testimony,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3871.htm" title="3871: lu·ḥōṯ (N-mpc) -- A tablet, board or plank, a plate. Or luach; from a primitive root; probably meaning to glisten; a tablet, of stone, wood or metal.">tablets</a> <a href="/hebrew/68.htm" title="68: ’e·ḇen (N-fs) -- A stone. From the root of banah through the meaning to build; a stone.">of stone</a> <a href="/hebrew/3789.htm" title="3789: kə·ṯu·ḇîm (V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-mp) -- To write. A primitive root; to grave, by implication, to write.">inscribed</a> <a href="/hebrew/676.htm" title="676: bə·’eṣ·ba‘ (Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- A finger. From the same as tseba'; something to sieze with, i.e. A finger; by analogy, a toe.">by the finger</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of God.</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/deuteronomy/9-10.htm">Deuteronomy 9:10</a> 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. <a href="/deuteronomy/4-13.htm">Deuteronomy 4:13</a> He declared to you His covenant, which He commanded you to follow—the Ten Commandments that He wrote on two tablets of stone. <a href="/exodus/24-12.htm">Exodus 24:12</a> 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.” <a href="/exodus/32-15.htm">Exodus 32:15-16</a> 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. <a href="/deuteronomy/5-22.htm">Deuteronomy 5:22</a> 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. <a href="/2_corinthians/3-3.htm">2 Corinthians 3:3</a> 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. <a href="/hebrews/8-10.htm">Hebrews 8:10</a> For this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord. I will put My laws in their minds and inscribe them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. <a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33</a> “But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. <a href="/ezekiel/11-19.htm">Ezekiel 11:19-20</a> And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them; I will remove their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh, / so that they may follow My statutes, keep My ordinances, and practice them. Then they will be My people, and I will be their God. <a href="/ezekiel/36-26.htm">Ezekiel 36:26-27</a> I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. / And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances. <a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17-18</a> Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. / For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. <a href="/romans/2-15.htm">Romans 2:15</a> So they show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them <a href="/2_corinthians/3-7.htm">2 Corinthians 3:7</a> Now if the ministry of death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at the face of Moses because of its fleeting glory, <a href="/hebrews/9-4.htm">Hebrews 9:4</a> containing the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. <a href="/psalms/119-89.htm">Psalm 119:89</a> Your word, O LORD, is everlasting; it is firmly fixed in the heavens.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And he gave to Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him on mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.gave<a href="/exodus/24-12.htm">Exodus 24:12,18</a> And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them… <a href="/exodus/32-15.htm">Exodus 32:15,16</a> And Moses turned, and went down from the mount, and the two tables of the testimony were in his hand: the tables were written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other were they written… <a href="/exodus/34-1.htm">Exodus 34:1-4,28,29</a> And the LORD said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest… the finger<a href="/exodus/8-19.htm">Exodus 8:19</a> Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.<a href="/exodus/32-16.htm">Exodus 32:16</a> And the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables.<a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33</a> But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/18-33.htm">Communing</a> <a href="/exodus/27-13.htm">End</a> <a href="/exodus/9-34.htm">Ended</a> <a href="/exodus/29-12.htm">Finger</a> <a href="/genesis/49-33.htm">Finished</a> <a href="/genesis/49-33.htm">Finisheth</a> <a href="/exodus/24-13.htm">God's</a> <a href="/revelation/21-12.htm">Inscribed</a> <a href="/exodus/31-7.htm">Law</a> <a href="/exodus/31-12.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/exodus/28-20.htm">Mount</a> <a href="/exodus/24-16.htm">Sinai</a> <a href="/exodus/19-9.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/exodus/31-5.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/exodus/31-5.htm">Stones</a> <a href="/exodus/24-12.htm">Tables</a> <a href="/exodus/24-12.htm">Tablets</a> <a href="/exodus/29-42.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/exodus/31-7.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/exodus/24-12.htm">Writing</a> <a href="/exodus/24-12.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/18-33.htm">Communing</a> <a href="/exodus/33-13.htm">End</a> <a href="/exodus/34-33.htm">Ended</a> <a href="/leviticus/4-6.htm">Finger</a> <a href="/exodus/34-33.htm">Finished</a> <a href="/exodus/34-33.htm">Finisheth</a> <a href="/exodus/32-16.htm">God's</a> <a href="/exodus/32-15.htm">Inscribed</a> <a href="/exodus/32-15.htm">Law</a> <a href="/exodus/32-1.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/exodus/32-1.htm">Mount</a> <a href="/exodus/34-2.htm">Sinai</a> <a href="/exodus/34-29.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/exodus/34-1.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/exodus/32-15.htm">Stones</a> <a href="/exodus/32-15.htm">Tables</a> <a href="/exodus/32-15.htm">Tablets</a> <a href="/exodus/34-31.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/exodus/32-15.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/exodus/32-15.htm">Writing</a> <a href="/exodus/32-15.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 31</div>1. <a href="/exodus/31-1.htm">Bezaleel and Aholiah are appointed for the work of the tabernacle</a> 12. <a href="/exodus/31-12.htm">The observation of the Sabbath is again commanded</a> 18. <a href="/exodus/31-18.htm">Moses receives the two tablets</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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Mount Sinai is a central location in the narrative of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. It is here that God establishes His covenant with Israel, giving them the Law. The mountain is traditionally identified with Jebel Musa in the Sinai Peninsula. The communication between God and Moses on Mount Sinai underscores the unique role of Moses as a mediator between God and His people, a role that foreshadows the mediatory work of Christ (<a href="/hebrews/3.htm">Hebrews 3:1-6</a>).He gave him the two tablets of the Testimony The "two tablets of the Testimony" refer to the stone tablets on which the Ten Commandments were inscribed. These commandments form the core of the covenant between God and Israel, serving as a moral and legal foundation. The term "Testimony" indicates that these tablets are a witness to the covenant relationship. The giving of the tablets signifies the formalization of God's law, which is central to Israel's identity and mission. This act prefigures the New Covenant, where God's laws are written on the hearts of believers (<a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33</a>).tablets of stone The use of stone tablets signifies permanence and durability, indicating that God's laws are unchanging and eternal. In the ancient Near East, important legal documents were often inscribed on stone to ensure their preservation. The stone tablets contrast with the later promise of a new covenant written on the heart, highlighting the transition from external adherence to internal transformation (<a href="/2_corinthians/3-3.htm">2 Corinthians 3:3</a>).inscribed by the finger of God This phrase emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the commandments. The "finger of God" is a metaphorical expression indicating direct divine action. It underscores the idea that the law is not of human origin but is given by God Himself. This divine authorship is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus refers to the "finger of God" in the context of His miracles, signifying divine power and authority (<a href="/luke/11-20.htm">Luke 11:20</a>). The inscribing by God's finger also points to the ultimate fulfillment of the law in Christ, who perfectly embodies and fulfills God's commandments (<a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The divine author of the Law, who inscribed the tablets with His own finger, signifying divine authority and the sacredness of the Law. 2. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The chosen leader of the Israelites, who received the tablets on Mount Sinai, acting as a mediator between God and His people. 3. <a href="/topical/m/mount_sinai.htm">Mount Sinai</a> The holy mountain where God communicated with Moses, a place of divine revelation and covenant establishment. 4. <a href="/topical/t/two_tablets_of_the_testimony.htm">Two Tablets of the Testimony</a> Stone tablets inscribed by God, representing the covenant and the moral law given to the Israelites. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_finger_of_god.htm">The Finger of God</a> A metaphorical expression indicating the direct action and authority of God in inscribing the tablets.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/divine_authority_of_scripture.htm">Divine Authority of Scripture</a> The fact that the tablets were inscribed by the finger of God underscores the divine authority and inerrancy of Scripture. Believers are called to respect and adhere to God's Word as the ultimate guide for life. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_mediators.htm">The Role of Mediators</a> Moses acted as a mediator between God and the Israelites. In the New Testament, Jesus is our ultimate mediator, bridging the gap between humanity and God. <a href="/topical/t/the_permanence_of_god's_law.htm">The Permanence of God's Law</a> The use of stone tablets signifies the enduring nature of God's commandments. Believers are encouraged to view God's moral law as timeless and applicable to all generations. <a href="/topical/t/the_heart_of_the_law.htm">The Heart of the Law</a> While the Law was given on stone tablets, the New Covenant emphasizes the importance of having God's law written on our hearts, leading to genuine transformation and obedience. <a href="/topical/r/reverence_for_sacred_spaces.htm">Reverence for Sacred Spaces</a> Mount Sinai was a place of divine encounter. Believers are reminded to approach sacred spaces and moments with reverence and openness to God's voice.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_31.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 31</a> <a href="/q/exodus_31_18__how_can_god_write_physically.htm">Exodus 31:18 – Does the description of God literally writing the tablets “with His finger” conflict with the idea of a non-physical deity, and how can this be explained logically?</a> <a href="/q/how_was_the_law_preserved_after_exodus_32_19.htm">If Moses physically destroyed the original stone tablets in Exodus 32:19, how did the Law continue to be preserved without alteration? </a> <a href="/q/why_worship_the_golden_calf.htm">Why did the Israelites worship the golden calf?</a> <a href="/q/proof_of_god's_judgments_in_history.htm">(Jeremiah 17:13) Is there any historical or archaeological proof that God’s judgments, such as the writing of names in the dust, were visibly carried out? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/31.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>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 (<a href="/exodus/24-18.htm" title="And Moses went into the middle of the cloud, and got him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights.">Exodus 24:18</a>) was the committal to his hands of the two tables of testimony which had been promised before the ascent into the mount was made (<a href="/exodus/24-12.htm" title="And the LORD said to Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give you tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that you may teach them.">Exodus 24:12</a>), 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 <a href="/exodus/25-21.htm" title="And you shall put the mercy seat above on the ark; and in the ark you shall put the testimony that I shall give you.">Exodus 25:21</a>, and distinctly promised in <a href="/exodus/24-12.htm" title="And the LORD said to Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give you tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that you may teach them.">Exodus 24:12</a>.Written with the finger of God.--Comp. <a href="/exodus/24-12.htm" title="And the LORD said to Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give you tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that you may teach them.">Exodus 24:12</a>, 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. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/31.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 18. - THE TABLES OF TESTIMONY. It had been assumed, in the directions given for the construction of the ark, that God would give, in some material form, a document to be called "the testimony," which was to be laid up inside it (<a href="/exodus/25-16.htm">Exodus 25:16</a>). It is not too much to say that the tabernacle, with its various appurtenances, was constructed for this purpose; the rest of the tabernacle was designed with a view to the holy of holies the holy of holies was designed as a receptacle for the ark - and the ark was designed as a receptacle for the tables of testimony. This section could, therefore, scarcely be concluded without some definite account of the document which was to give the ark and the tabernacle itself, its main significance. Verse 18. - When he had made an end of communing. Literally, "when he had finished speaking." Two tables. Rather, "the two tables" - i.e., the tables promised when he went up into the mount (<a href="/exodus/24-12.htm">Exodus 24:12</a>). Of stone. Stone was the ordinary material on which Egyptian documents were engraved, both at the time of the Exodus, and before and after. They were, however, for the most part, either inscribed upon the natural rock, or engraved on the walls of temples or tombs. Inscriptions upon slabs of stone are rare, more especially in the early times, and would scarcely have occurred to Moses himself. Written with the finger of God - i.e., "inscribed supernaturally" - not cut by any human hand. Compare <a href="/exodus/32-16.htm">Exodus 32:16</a>. It is idle to speculate on the exact mode of the Divine operation. <a href="/commentaries/exodus/31-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>When [the LORD] had finished כְּכַלֹּתוֹ֙ (kə·ḵal·lō·ṯōw) Preposition-k | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3615.htm">Strong's 3615: </a> To be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spent speaking לְדַבֵּ֤ר (lə·ḏab·bêr) Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue with him אִתּוֹ֙ (’it·tōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_854.htm">Strong's 854: </a> Nearness, near, with, by, at, among on Mount בְּהַ֣ר (bə·har) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2022.htm">Strong's 2022: </a> Mountain, hill, hill country Sinai, סִינַ֔י (sî·nay) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5514.htm">Strong's 5514: </a> Sinai -- the mountain where the law was given He gave וַיִּתֵּ֣ן (way·yit·tên) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set Moses מֹשֶׁ֗ה (mō·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver the two שְׁנֵ֖י (šə·nê) Number - mdc <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> Two (a cardinal number) tablets לֻחֹ֣ת (lu·ḥōṯ) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3871.htm">Strong's 3871: </a> To glisten, a tablet, of stone, wood, metal of the Testimony, הָעֵדֻ֑ת (hā·‘ê·ḏuṯ) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5715.htm">Strong's 5715: </a> Testimony tablets לֻחֹ֣ת (lu·ḥōṯ) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3871.htm">Strong's 3871: </a> To glisten, a tablet, of stone, wood, metal of stone אֶ֔בֶן (’e·ḇen) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_68.htm">Strong's 68: </a> A stone inscribed כְּתֻבִ֖ים (kə·ṯu·ḇîm) Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3789.htm">Strong's 3789: </a> To grave, to write by the finger בְּאֶצְבַּ֥ע (bə·’eṣ·ba‘) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_676.htm">Strong's 676: </a> Something to sieze with, a finger, a toe of God. אֱלֹהִֽים׃ (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/31-18.htm">Exodus 31:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/exodus/31-18.htm">Exodus 31:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/exodus/31-18.htm">Exodus 31:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/exodus/31-18.htm">Exodus 31:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/exodus/31-18.htm">Exodus 31:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/31-18.htm">Exodus 31:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/31-18.htm">Exodus 31:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/31-18.htm">Exodus 31:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/31-18.htm">Exodus 31:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/exodus/31-18.htm">Exodus 31:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/exodus/31-18.htm">OT Law: Exodus 31:18 He gave to Moses when he finished (Exo. 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