Deuteronomy 10:5 - Divine tablets in holy ark

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Hebrew Text

וָאֵפֶן וָאֵרֵד מִן־הָהָר וָאָשִׂם אֶת־הַלֻּחֹת בָּאָרוֹן אֲשֶׁר עָשִׂיתִי וַיִּהְיוּ שָׁם כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוַּנִי יְהוָה׃

English Translation

And I turned and came down from the mountain, and put the tablets in the ark which I had made; and there they were, as the Lord commanded me.

Transliteration

Va'efen va'ered min-hahar va'asim et-haluchot ba'aron asher asiti vayihyu sham ka'asher tzivani Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וָאֵ֗פֶן וָֽאֵרֵד֙ מִן־הָהָ֔ר וָֽאָשִׂם֙ אֶת־הַלֻּחֹ֔ת בָּאָר֖וֹן אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשִׂ֑יתִי וַיִּ֣הְיוּ שָׁ֔ם כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוַּ֖נִי יְהֹוָֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Devarim 10:5) describes Moshe Rabbeinu's actions after descending Har Sinai with the second set of Luchos (tablets). The first Luchos were shattered due to the sin of the Golden Calf, and these second Luchos were given as a sign of Hashem's forgiveness and renewed covenant with Bnei Yisrael.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "וָאֵפֶן וָאֵרֵד" ("And I turned and came down") indicates that Moshe first turned away from Hashem's presence before descending the mountain. This teaches derech eretz (proper conduct)—that one should not abruptly turn away from a superior without first taking leave properly (Rashi on Devarim 10:5).

The Significance of the Aron

The אָרוֹן (ark) mentioned here refers to a temporary wooden ark made by Moshe to hold the Luchos until Betzalel constructed the permanent Aron HaKodesh for the Mishkan (Talmud Bavli, Bava Basra 14a). The Midrash (Tanchuma, Ki Sisa 31) notes that this act demonstrated Moshe's humility—he did not wait for a more ornate vessel but immediately safeguarded the Luchos in a simple wooden ark.

Fulfillment of Hashem's Command

The verse concludes "וַיִּהְיוּ שָׁם כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוַּנִי יְהוָה" ("and there they were, as the Lord commanded me"). Ramban emphasizes that this highlights Moshe's complete obedience to Hashem's will, placing the Luchos exactly as instructed without deviation (Ramban on Devarim 10:5). The Sforno adds that this phrase underscores the eternal nature of the Torah—the Luchos remained intact in the Aron as a lasting testimony to the covenant.

Lessons from the Verse

Respect for Authority: Moshe's "turning" before descending teaches the importance of proper conduct even when leaving a sacred space.
Immediate Action for Mitzvos: Moshe did not delay in safeguarding the Luchos, teaching us zerizus (alacrity) in fulfilling mitzvos.
Humility in Service: Using a simple wooden ark before a grander one was available demonstrates prioritizing the mitzvah over personal honor.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Batra 14a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the placement of the tablets in the Ark of the Covenant, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's command.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 10:5 mean when it says Moshe put the tablets in the ark?
A: This verse describes Moshe (Moses) placing the second set of Luchos (tablets) containing the Aseres Hadibros (Ten Commandments) into the Aron (Ark) that he made. According to Rashi, this refers to the temporary wooden ark Moshe constructed before Betzalel built the permanent Mishkan's ark (Exodus 25:10).

Q: Why were there two sets of tablets mentioned in the Torah?
A: The first set was given at Har Sinai but was broken when Moshe saw the Golden Calf. The second set, mentioned here, was given after Moshe's second 40-day period on the mountain (Devarim 10:1-4). The Talmud (Bava Basra 14b) discusses how both sets were ultimately placed in the Ark.

Q: What is the significance of the ark mentioned in Deuteronomy 10:5?
A: The Aron (Ark) represents the special relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people, containing both the whole tablets and the broken ones (Yoma 52b). This teaches that we must cherish both our spiritual successes and failures that lead to growth. The Rambam (Hilchos Beis Habechira 4:1) discusses its holiness.

Q: How does Deuteronomy 10:5 connect to the Mishkan (Tabernacle)?
A: This verse bridges the giving of the Torah at Sinai to its permanent home in the Mishkan. The temporary ark mentioned here was later replaced by the gold-covered ark in the Mishkan's Kodesh Hakodashim (Holy of Holies), as described in Shemos (Exodus) 25:10-22 and throughout the Torah.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe following Hashem's command exactly in this verse?
A: The phrase 'as Hashem commanded me' teaches the importance of precise mitzvah observance. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) emphasizes that Moshe didn't alter any detail of Hashem's instructions. This sets an example for all Jews in carefully fulfilling mitzvos according to halacha (Jewish law).