Exodus 32:16 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The tablets were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, engraved on the tablets.

NIV: The tablets were the work of God; the writing was the writing of God, engraved on the tablets.

NASB: The tablets were God’s work, and the writing was God’s writing engraved on the tablets.

CSB: The tablets were the work of God, and the writing was God’s writing, engraved on the tablets.

NLT: These tablets were God’s work; the words on them were written by God himself.

KJV: And the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables.

NKJV: Now the tablets were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God engraved on the tablets.

Moses is carrying two stone tablets of unnamed size and shape (Exodus 32:15). These record the Ten Commandments which God recently gave to Israel (Deuteronomy 4:13). Western tradition usually depicts these as rectangles with arched tops. The same tradition usually portrays them as unreasonably large. Most likely, these tablets were roughly forearm-sized, possibly even smaller.

This verse credits God with the construction of the tablets and their writing. Scripture mentioned earlier that these were written with God's "finger" (Exodus 31:18). This does not mean God used some physical process to create the tablets and writing. The entire Bible is called "God's Word" (Hebrews 4:12) and He is credited as its author (2 Timothy 3:16). But that does not require Him to have put tangible pen to paper. Moses could have cut and engraved the tablets himself, and the statement would still apply.

Exodus 32:15–24 reports Moses' confrontation with Israel over their recent idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6). His assistant, Joshua, hears the noises in camp as they approach. When Moses sees the extent of the people's sin, he smashes the engraved stone tablets which God gave Him (Exodus 24:12). Moses has the golden idol disintegrated. Aaron tries to avoid blame, claiming that the people made him do it, and that the calf idol simply appeared.

During Moses' long absence (Exodus 24:18), the Israelites lose patience. They demand that Aaron (Exodus 24:14) make them a god they can see. Aaron makes a gold idol from donated jewelry and the people worship it as God. On the mountain, God is furious and sends Moses back. Moses arrives, breaks the stone tablets of God's law which he carried, and destroys the idol. Moses then calls on loyal men to execute those responsible. Aaron is spared, but Israel can anticipate more punishment.

Moses went onto Sinai to communicate with the Lord (Exodus 24:12) and has been gone a long time (Exodus 24:18). He is receiving instructions from God (Exodus 25—31). Meanwhile, Israel falls into idolatry. They break the first two commandments just given at Sinai (Exodus 20:3–6). After delivering initial consequences, God commands Israel to move along and discusses how He will renew His covenant (Exodus 33—34).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 8/17/2025 2:44:04 AM