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Deuteronomy 9:17 - Moses shatters divine tablets—why?

Deuteronomy 9:17 - דברים 9:17

Hebrew Text

וָאֶתְפֹּשׂ בִּשְׁנֵי הַלֻּחֹת וָאַשְׁלִכֵם מֵעַל שְׁתֵּי יָדָי וָאֲשַׁבְּרֵם לְעֵינֵיכֶם׃

English Translation

And I took the two tablets, and cast them out of my two hands, and broke them before your eyes.

Transliteration

Va'etposh bishnei haluchot va'ashlicheim me'al shtei yadai va'ashabreim le'eineichem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וָאֶתְפֹּשׂ֙ בִּשְׁנֵ֣י הַלֻּחֹ֔ת וָֽאַשְׁלִכֵ֔ם מֵעַ֖ל שְׁתֵּ֣י יָדָ֑י וָאֲשַׁבְּרֵ֖ם לְעֵינֵיכֶֽם׃
וָאֶתְפֹּשׂ֙ בִּשְׁנֵ֣י הַלֻּחֹ֔ת וָֽאַשְׁלִכֵ֔ם מֵעַ֖ל שְׁתֵּ֣י יָדָ֑י וָאֲשַׁבְּרֵ֖ם לְעֵינֵיכֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 9:17) describes Moshe Rabbeinu's reaction upon descending from Har Sinai and witnessing Bnei Yisrael worshipping the Golden Calf. This moment is a pivotal event in the Torah, reflecting both Moshe's leadership and the severity of the sin.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 9:17) explains that Moshe broke the Luchot (tablets) deliberately to demonstrate that the covenant between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael was nullified due to their idolatry. He compares this to a bride who is unfaithful under the chuppah—her ketubah (marriage contract) is torn to symbolize the broken relationship.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (1:54), Rambam suggests that Moshe acted independently, recognizing that the people were not yet ready to receive the Torah. His breaking of the Luchot was a calculated decision to prevent Bnei Yisrael from transgressing with the tablets in their possession, which would have compounded their sin.

Talmudic Insight

The Talmud (Shabbat 87a) states that Moshe was later praised by Hashem for breaking the Luchot, as it demonstrated his deep understanding of the situation. The Gemara compares this to a king who tells his servant to destroy a precious object to prevent greater harm, showing that Moshe's action aligned with divine wisdom.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 46:1) elaborates that Moshe's breaking of the Luchot was an act of mercy. By shattering them, he gave Bnei Yisrael a chance to repent, as holding onto the tablets while they were sinning would have brought immediate divine punishment.

Symbolism of the Two Hands

Commentators note that Moshe used "both hands" to break the Luchot, symbolizing:

  • The dual nature of the sin—both in action (the Golden Calf) and in thought (lack of faith in Hashem).
  • The complete severance of the covenant at that moment, requiring a full renewal (as seen later with the second set of Luchot).

Lessons for Leadership

This episode teaches about the responsibility of leaders to make difficult decisions for the spiritual welfare of the people, even if it involves drastic measures. Moshe's actions were not impulsive but rooted in a profound understanding of Torah values and the needs of Klal Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Taanit 4b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the breaking of the tablets by Moses, illustrating the gravity of the sin of the golden calf.
📖 Yevamot 62a
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the actions of Moses and the consequences of the Israelites' idolatry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe break the tablets?
A: Moshe broke the tablets when he saw the Jewish people worshipping the Golden Calf (Exodus 32:19). According to Rashi (Deuteronomy 9:17), he did this to demonstrate that the covenant with Hashem was broken due to their sin, similar to how a marriage contract (ketubah) is torn when the marriage is invalid.
Q: Was Moshe allowed to break the tablets?
A: The Talmud (Shabbat 87a) explains that Moshe acted on his own initiative, but Hashem later approved his decision. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 46:1) compares this to a king who tells his messenger to break the wedding canopy when the bride is unfaithful - showing that Moshe understood Hashem's will in that moment.
Q: What is the significance of breaking the tablets 'before your eyes'?
A: Rashi (Deuteronomy 9:17) explains that Moshe wanted the people to witness the dramatic act of the broken covenant, making them realize the gravity of their sin with the Golden Calf. This public demonstration was meant to awaken them to repentance.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe breaking the tablets?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 1:4) teaches that this episode demonstrates how even great sins can be atoned for through sincere repentance. Though the tablets were broken, Hashem later gave a second set, showing that the relationship could be repaired through teshuvah (repentance).
Q: Why does the Torah mention Moshe holding the tablets in 'two hands'?
A: The Talmud (Nedarim 38a) explains that the tablets were extremely heavy, but a miracle made them light for Moshe to carry. When the Jewish people sinned, this Divine assistance was withdrawn, making the tablets physically heavy again - emphasizing how sin weighs us down spiritually.