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Deuteronomy 10:2 - Divine mercy renews broken tablets

Deuteronomy 10:2 - דברים 10:2

Hebrew Text

וְאֶכְתֹּב עַל־הַלֻּחֹת אֶת־הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר הָיוּ עַל־הַלֻּחֹת הָרִאשֹׁנִים אֲשֶׁר שִׁבַּרְתָּ וְשַׂמְתָּם בָּאָרוֹן׃

English Translation

And I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets which thou didst break, and thou shalt put them in the ark.

Transliteration

Ve'echtov al-haluchot et-hadevarim asher hayu al-haluchot harishonim asher shibarta vesamtam ba'aron.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶכְתֹּב֙ עַל־הַלֻּחֹ֔ת אֶ֨ת־הַדְּבָרִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָי֛וּ עַל־הַלֻּחֹ֥ת הָרִאשֹׁנִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֣ר שִׁבַּ֑רְתָּ וְשַׂמְתָּ֖ם בָּאָרֽוֹן׃
וְאֶכְתֹּב֙ עַל־הַלֻּחֹ֔ת אֶ֨ת־הַדְּבָרִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָי֛וּ עַל־הַלֻּחֹ֥ת הָרִאשֹׁנִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֣ר שִׁבַּ֑רְתָּ וְשַׂמְתָּ֖ם בָּאָרֽוֹן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Devarim 10:2) appears in the context of Moshe recounting the events following the sin of the Golden Calf, when he shattered the first set of Luchos (tablets). Hashem commands Moshe to carve a second set of tablets, upon which the same words would be inscribed, and to place them in the Aron (Ark).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 10:2) emphasizes that the second Luchos contained the same words as the first, indicating that despite Bnei Yisrael's sin, the covenant was renewed in its entirety. He also notes that the broken tablets were stored in the Aron alongside the new ones, teaching that a Torah scholar who has forgotten his learning due to circumstances beyond his control is still deserving of honor.

Symbolism of the Broken Tablets

  • Talmudic Insight (Bava Basra 14b): The Gemara states that both the whole and broken tablets were placed in the Aron, symbolizing that even when a person stumbles in their Torah observance, they remain connected to the covenant.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Sisa 30): The broken tablets represent teshuvah (repentance), showing that Hashem values sincere return even after failure.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah (8:1), the Rambam explains that the second Luchos were a sign of divine forgiveness and the enduring nature of the Torah. Unlike the first set, which were entirely Hashem's work, the second set required Moshe's participation (carving the tablets), teaching that human effort is integral to Torah observance.

Lessons for Torah Study

  • The preservation of both sets teaches that Torah is eternal, whether in times of spiritual wholeness or struggle.
  • The Aron's dual contents remind us that brokenness does not negate one's connection to Torah—rather, it can deepen commitment through teshuvah.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Batra 14b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the contents of the Ark of the Covenant, specifically mentioning the second set of tablets that Moses received.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 10:2 mean when it says Hashem will rewrite the tablets?
A: This verse refers to the second set of tablets that Hashem gave to Moshe after the first set was broken due to the sin of the Golden Calf. According to Rashi, this shows Hashem's forgiveness—He was willing to renew the covenant with Bnei Yisrael despite their mistake. The words were the same as the first tablets, demonstrating that the Torah's laws remain eternal.
Q: Why were the second tablets placed in the Ark?
A: The Ark (Aron HaKodesh) held both the second tablets and the broken pieces of the first tablets (as taught in Bava Batra 14b). This teaches us that even when we fail, our past efforts and repentance are still valued before Hashem. The Rambam explains that this symbolizes the importance of preserving both our achievements and our lessons from failure.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the fact that the second tablets were given?
A: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 46:1) teaches that this event highlights the power of teshuvah (repentance). Even after Bnei Yisrael sinned with the Golden Calf, they were given another chance. This teaches us that Hashem always accepts sincere repentance, and we should never despair from improving ourselves.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 10:2 apply to us today?
A: Just as the second tablets were placed in the Ark alongside the broken first ones, we learn that our past mistakes don’t disqualify us from spiritual growth. The Talmud (Yoma 86b) says sincere repentance transforms sins into merits. This verse encourages us to keep striving in Torah and mitzvot, no matter our past.