Exodus 34:4 - Moshe ascends with new tablets

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Hebrew Text

וַיִּפְסֹל שְׁנֵי־לֻחֹת אֲבָנִים כָּרִאשֹׁנִים וַיַּשְׁכֵּם מֹשֶׁה בַבֹּקֶר וַיַּעַל אֶל־הַר סִינַי כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֹתוֹ וַיִּקַּח בְּיָדוֹ שְׁנֵי לֻחֹת אֲבָנִים׃

English Translation

And he hewed two tablets of stone like the first; and Moshe rose up early in the morning, and went up to mount Sinay, as the Lord had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tablets of stone.

Transliteration

Va'yif'sol sh'nei-luchot avanim ka'rishonim va'yash'kem Moshe ba'boker va'ya'al el-har Sinai ka'asher tziva Adonai oto va'yikach b'yado sh'nei luchot avanim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּפְסֹ֡ל שְׁנֵֽי־לֻחֹ֨ת אֲבָנִ֜ים כָּרִאשֹׁנִ֗ים וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם מֹשֶׁ֤ה בַבֹּ֙קֶר֙ וַיַּ֙עַל֙ אֶל־הַ֣ר סִינַ֔י כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֹת֑וֹ וַיִּקַּ֣ח בְּיָד֔וֹ שְׁנֵ֖י לֻחֹ֥ת אֲבָנִֽים׃

Parasha Commentary

Preparation of the Second Tablets

The verse describes Moshe Rabbeinu hewing new tablets of stone after the shattering of the first Luchos due to the sin of the Golden Calf. Rashi (Shemos 34:1) explains that Hashem commanded Moshe to carve the second tablets himself, unlike the first set which were entirely Divine handiwork (Shemos 32:16). This teaches that teshuvah (repentance) requires human effort alongside Divine mercy.

Early Morning Ascent

The Torah emphasizes that Moshe "rose up early in the morning" to ascend Har Sinai. The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 47:1) notes this demonstrates Moshe's eagerness to fulfill Hashem's command without delay. The Talmud (Berachos 6b) teaches that early morning is an auspicious time for spiritual endeavors, as the soul is refreshed.

Comparison to First Tablets

The second tablets were made "like the first" in physical dimensions (Ramban on Shemos 34:1)
However, the first tablets were entirely Divine handiwork while the second involved human participation (Rashi)
The Talmud (Bava Basra 14a) notes both sets contained identical content - the Ten Commandments

Symbolism of Stone Tablets

The Kli Yakar (Shemos 34:1) explains that stone represents durability, symbolizing that Torah would now endure despite human failings. The fact Moshe carried them in his hand (unlike the first tablets borne by angels, according to Midrash Tanchuma Ki Sisa 30) shows Torah's accessibility to those who earnestly seek it.

Lessons in Divine Mercy

The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 7:4) derives from this episode that complete repentance can restore one to their previous spiritual level. The replacement tablets demonstrate that after sincere teshuvah, the relationship with Hashem can be fully repaired, though perhaps through a different path.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 86b

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the timing of Moshe's ascent to Mount Sinai and the preparation of the second set of tablets.

📖 Yoma 4b

The verse is cited in the context of discussing the events surrounding the giving of the Torah and the breaking of the first tablets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe have to carve new stone tablets after the first ones were broken?
A: According to Rashi (Exodus 34:1), the first tablets were broken because of the sin of the Golden Calf. The second set of tablets showed Hashem's forgiveness and willingness to renew the covenant with Bnei Yisrael. The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 46:1) teaches that Moshe carved these himself to show that repentance requires human effort alongside divine mercy.

Q: Why did Moshe go up Mount Sinai early in the morning?
A: The Talmud (Berachos 5b) learns from this that important spiritual matters should be approached with zeal and alacrity ('zerizus'). Rambam (Hilchos De'os 5:1) also derives from here that one should always be eager to perform mitzvos. Moshe's early ascent demonstrates the proper attitude when serving Hashem.

Q: What is the significance of the tablets being made of stone?
A: The Talmud (Ta'anis 4a) explains that stone symbolizes permanence, representing the eternal nature of the Torah. Rashi (Exodus 31:18) notes that the tablets were made from sapphire, showing the preciousness of Torah. The Midrash (Tanchuma Ki Sisa 30) adds that the stone came from beneath Hashem's throne of glory.

Q: Why were there specifically two tablets?
A: The Talmud (Berachos 8a) explains that the two tablets correspond to two categories of mitzvos: between man and Hashem, and between man and his fellow. Rambam (Introduction to Mishneh Torah) notes they also represent the Written Torah and Oral Torah. The two tablets show the completeness of Torah guidance for all aspects of life.

Q: How does this verse teach us about repentance (teshuva)?
A: The giving of the second tablets (according to Rambam Hilchos Teshuvah 7:4) establishes the principle that after sinning and repenting, one can regain their previous spiritual level - just as the second tablets were equal to the first. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 3:17) teaches that the day Moshe received the second tablets (Yom Kippur) became the eternal day of forgiveness.