Deuteronomy 10:1 - Second chance for divine tablets?

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Hebrew Text

בָּעֵת הַהִוא אָמַר יְהוָה אֵלַי פְּסָל־לְךָ שְׁנֵי־לֻוחֹת אֲבָנִים כָּרִאשֹׁנִים וַעֲלֵה אֵלַי הָהָרָה וְעָשִׂיתָ לְּךָ אֲרוֹן עֵץ׃

English Translation

At that time the Lord said to me, Hew for thyself two tablets of stone like the first, and come up to me into the mountain, and make for thyself an ark of wood.

Transliteration

Ba'et hahi amar Adonai elai pesal-lecha shnei-luchot avanim karishonim va'aleh elai haharah ve'asita lecha aron etz.

Hebrew Leining Text

בָּעֵ֨ת הַהִ֜וא אָמַ֧ר יְהֹוָ֣ה אֵלַ֗י פְּסׇל־לְךָ֞ שְׁנֵֽי־לוּחֹ֤ת אֲבָנִים֙ כָּרִ֣אשֹׁנִ֔ים וַעֲלֵ֥ה אֵלַ֖י הָהָ֑רָה וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ לְּךָ֖ אֲר֥וֹן עֵֽץ׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Devarim 10:1) appears in Moshe's recounting of the events following the sin of the Golden Calf, where the first set of Luchot (tablets) were shattered. Hashem commands Moshe to carve new tablets and ascend Har Sinai again, along with instructing him to make an Aron Etz (wooden ark) to house them.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 10:1) emphasizes that the phrase "פְּסָל־לְךָ" ("hew for yourself") indicates that the material for the second tablets came from Moshe's own possession, unlike the first tablets which were entirely a divine creation. This teaches that teshuvah (repentance) requires personal effort.

Rashi also notes that the command to make an aron etz (wooden ark) refers to a temporary ark used until Betzalel constructed the permanent Aron HaKodesh in the Mishkan.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Teshuvah, Rambam (Maimonides) draws from this episode to highlight the power of repentance. The second tablets—though necessitated by sin—endured, symbolizing that sincere teshuvah can restore one's relationship with Hashem.

Midrashic Insights

Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tisa 30) states that Moshe carved the second tablets to demonstrate that human effort is integral to spiritual repair after failure.
Midrash Rabbah (Devarim 3:17) contrasts the first tablets (made by Hashem) with the second (made by Moshe), teaching that Torah must be "carved" into one's heart through labor.

The Significance of the Wooden Ark

The Kli Yakar (Devarim 10:1) explains that the temporary wooden ark symbolizes humility—a trait essential for receiving Torah anew after the sin of arrogance (the Golden Calf). Wood, a modest material, contrasts with the gold of the permanent ark, reflecting the need for sincerity in teshuvah.

Halachic Implications

The Chizkuni notes that this command preceded the Mishkan's construction, indicating that the Torah’s preservation (via the tablets) takes precedence even over the dwelling place of the Shechinah (Divine Presence).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Batra 14b

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the dimensions and materials of the Ark of the Covenant, comparing the wooden ark mentioned here with the gold-covered ark described elsewhere.

📖 Menachot 99a

The verse is cited in a discussion about the second set of tablets and the wooden ark, emphasizing the importance of Torah study and the vessels used to house the Torah.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of Moshe carving the second set of tablets?
A: The second set of tablets, carved by Moshe (Moses), represents renewal and forgiveness after the sin of the Golden Calf. Unlike the first tablets which were made entirely by Hashem (Exodus 32:16), these involved human effort, showing our partnership in Torah observance (Rashi on Deuteronomy 10:1).

Q: Why did Hashem command Moshe to make an ark of wood?
A: The wooden ark (aron etz) was a temporary container for the second tablets until the permanent Ark of the Covenant (Aron HaKodesh) was built in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). This teaches that we must safeguard the Torah even with temporary measures when necessary (Midrash Tanchuma, Ki Tisa 31).

Q: Why did Moshe have to carve the tablets himself this time?
A: Hashem wanted Moshe to participate in the renewal process to show that Torah requires human effort. The first tablets were entirely Divine, but after the sin, we learn that Torah must be earned through our labor (Talmud, Nedarim 38a).

Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: This teaches that even after failure (like the Golden Calf), there's always opportunity for teshuvah (repentance) and renewal. Just as Moshe was commanded to ascend the mountain again, we too can always 'ascend' spiritually (Rambam, Hilchot Teshuvah 1:1).

Q: Why were the tablets made of stone?
A: Stone symbolizes permanence, showing that Torah is eternal. The Midrash (Exodus Rabbah 41:1) compares the tablets to a marriage contract between Hashem and Israel - written on durable material to represent an everlasting covenant.