Book of Exodus - Chapter 31 - Verse 18

After Moses finished receiving instructions from God on Mount Sinai, he was given two stone tablets with the Ten Commandments written on them. These tablets were considered the "tables of testimony" because they bore witness to the covenant between God and the Israelites. The fact that these tablets were written by the finger of God symbolized their divine origin and authenticity. The commandments inscribed on the tablets served as a moral code for the Israelites, outlining their obligations to God and their fellow human beings. The Ten Commandments are foundational principles that are still regarded as essential guidelines for ethical living by many today. By giving the tablets to Moses, God demonstrated his authority and power, reinforcing the importance of obedience and faithfulness among his people.

One theological interpretation of the verse in Exodus 31:18 emphasizes the divine origin of the Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai. The two tables of testimony, written by the finger of God on stone, carry significant weight in the Judeo-Christian tradition as the foundational moral code for believers. This act is a demonstration of God's direct communication with his people and his desire for them to live holy lives. The permanence of the writing on stone tablets signifies the enduring nature of the commandments and their relevance for all generations. The phrase "tables of testimony" underscores the importance of these laws as a witness to God's covenant with his people.

Delving into a word study of the verse, the choice of the term "finger of God" carries symbolic significance. Throughout the Bible, the finger of God is associated with divine power and authority. In this context, the phrase highlights the supernatural origin of the commandments and the ultimate authority behind them. By specifying that the tablets were written with the finger of God, the text emphasizes the direct involvement of God in establishing these laws. This word choice underscores the sacred nature of the commandments and emphasizes the need for obedience and reverence towards them.