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Deuteronomy 10:4 - Divine words rewritten on stone

Deuteronomy 10:4 - דברים 10:4

Hebrew Text

וַיִּכְתֹּב עַל־הַלֻּחֹת כַּמִּכְתָּב הָרִאשׁוֹן אֵת עֲשֶׂרֶת הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר יְהוָה אֲלֵיכֶם בָּהָר מִתּוֹךְ הָאֵשׁ בְּיוֹם הַקָּהָל וַיִּתְּנֵם יְהוָה אֵלָי׃

English Translation

And he wrote on the tablets, according to the first writing, the ten Words, which the Lord spoke to you in the mountain out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly: and the Lord gave them to me.

Transliteration

Vayichtov al-haluchot kamichtav harishon et aseret hadvarim asher diber Adonai aleichem bahar mitoch ha'esh beyom hakahal vayitnem Adonai elai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּכְתֹּ֨ב עַֽל־הַלֻּחֹ֜ת כַּמִּכְתָּ֣ב הָרִאשׁ֗וֹן אֵ֚ת עֲשֶׂ֣רֶת הַדְּבָרִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֣ר דִּבֶּר֩ יְהֹוָ֨ה אֲלֵיכֶ֥ם בָּהָ֛ר מִתּ֥וֹךְ הָאֵ֖שׁ בְּי֣וֹם הַקָּהָ֑ל וַיִּתְּנֵ֥ם יְהֹוָ֖ה אֵלָֽי׃
וַיִּכְתֹּ֨ב עַֽל־הַלֻּחֹ֜ת כַּמִּכְתָּ֣ב הָרִאשׁ֗וֹן אֵ֚ת עֲשֶׂ֣רֶת הַדְּבָרִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֣ר דִּבֶּר֩ יְהֹוָ֨ה אֲלֵיכֶ֥ם בָּהָ֛ר מִתּ֥וֹךְ הָאֵ֖שׁ בְּי֣וֹם הַקָּהָ֑ל וַיִּתְּנֵ֥ם יְהֹוָ֖ה אֵלָֽי׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Second Tablets and Their Significance

The verse (Devarim 10:4) describes Moshe receiving the second set of Luchot HaBrit (Tablets of the Covenant), inscribed with the Aseret HaDibrot (Ten Commandments). Rashi explains that this second set was identical to the first in content and form, emphasizing that Hashem's covenant with Bnei Yisrael remained unbroken despite the sin of the Golden Calf. The phrase "כַּמִּכְתָּב הָרִאשׁוֹן" ("according to the first writing") underscores this continuity.

The Divine Origin of the Tablets

The verse highlights that the words were those "אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר ה' אֲלֵיכֶם בָּהָר" ("which Hashem spoke to you on the mountain"), reinforcing that the Torah's authority stems from divine revelation at Har Sinai. Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 8:1) teaches that this event established the incontrovertible truth of Torah MiSinai, witnessed by the entire nation.

The Fire and the Assembly

The mention of "מִתּוֹךְ הָאֵשׁ בְּיוֹם הַקָּהָל" ("out of the midst of the fire on the day of the assembly") recalls the awe-inspiring revelation at Sinai. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 5:9) describes how the divine voice emerged from the fire, symbolizing both the purifying and consuming nature of Torah. The "יוֹם הַקָּהָל" refers to the gathering of all Israel, emphasizing the communal acceptance of the covenant.

Moshe as the Intermediary

The concluding phrase "וַיִּתְּנֵם ה' אֵלָי" ("and Hashem gave them to me") reflects Moshe's unique role as the conduit for Torah. The Talmud (Berachot 5a) teaches that Moshe's humility and dedication made him worthy to receive the tablets, serving as a model for Torah leadership.

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Divine Forgiveness: The second tablets signify teshuvah and Hashem's mercy after the sin of the Golden Calf.
  • Permanence of Torah: The identical inscription demonstrates the unchanging nature of divine law.
  • Communal Covenant: The revelation at Sinai was a national experience, binding all generations to Torah.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 104a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the writing on the tablets and the nature of the Ten Commandments.
📖 Megillah 2b
Mentioned in the context of public readings and the significance of the Ten Commandments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the 'ten Words' mentioned in Deuteronomy 10:4?
A: The 'ten Words' refer to the Ten Commandments (עֲשֶׂרֶת הַדְּבָרִים) that Hashem gave to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai. These commandments are the foundation of the Torah and Jewish law, covering our relationship with Hashem and with other people.
Q: Why does the verse say the tablets were written 'according to the first writing'?
A: Rashi explains that this means the second set of tablets (given after Moshe broke the first set) contained the exact same words as the first. This teaches that Hashem's covenant with the Jewish people remained unchanged despite the sin of the golden calf.
Q: What is the significance of the tablets coming 'out of the midst of the fire'?
A: The Midrash teaches that the fire represents both the divine origin of the Torah (coming from Hashem's presence) and the idea that Torah must be studied with fiery enthusiasm. Just as fire gives light and warmth, the Torah illuminates our lives.
Q: What does 'the day of the assembly' refer to in this verse?
A: This refers to the historic day when all the Jewish people gathered at Mount Sinai to receive the Torah (Shavuot). The Talmud (Megillah 29a) notes this establishes the principle that Torah study is most powerful when done communally, not just individually.
Q: Why is it important that Hashem gave the tablets to Moshe?
A: This shows Moshe's unique role as the transmitter of Torah to the Jewish people. The Rambam explains this establishes the chain of Torah transmission from Hashem to Moshe to the elders to the prophets, and ultimately to the rabbis who teach Torah in every generation.