Deuteronomy 9:11 - Divine tablets after forty days?

The Significance of Forty Days and Nights

Rashi (Devarim 9:11) explains that the forty days and nights correspond to the time Moshe spent on Har Sinai receiving the Torah. This duration reflects the complete process of Torah transmission, as the number forty symbolizes transformation and renewal (e.g., the flood in Noach's time lasted forty days, and a fetus develops fully in forty days, as noted in Talmud, Sanhedrin 99b). The dual mention of "days and nights" emphasizes Moshe's total immersion in Torah study without interruption, as the Gemara (Eruvin 65a) teaches that Torah is acquired through day and night devotion.

The Two Tablets of Stone

The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 1:8) highlights that the tablets were inscribed by Hashem Himself, demonstrating the divine origin of the Torah. The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 46:1) notes that the two tablets represent two categories of mitzvos: bein adam la'Makom (between man and G-d) and bein adam l'chaveiro (between man and his fellow). The term "luchos ha'bris" (tablets of the covenant) underscores that the Torah is an eternal bond between Hashem and Klal Yisrael, as emphasized in the Talmud (Berachos 5a).

The Timing of the Gift

The Kli Yakar (Devarim 9:11) observes that the tablets were given after forty days, not during, teaching that Torah must be earned through preparation. The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) adds that this mirrors the natural world, where seeds take time to bear fruit—similarly, Torah wisdom requires patience and investment before yielding spiritual growth.

• Divine Craftsmanship: Ibn Ezra notes the tablets were made of sapphire (Exodus 24:10), symbolizing the heavens and the Torah's celestial nature.
• Physical and Spiritual Unity: The Ohr HaChaim (Devarim 9:10) explains the stone tablets' durability represents the eternal nature of Torah, while their physical form shows Torah must be grounded in earthly life.