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Exodus 32:15 - Tablets divinely inscribed both sides

Exodus 32:15 - שמות 32:15

Hebrew Text

וַיִּפֶן וַיֵּרֶד מֹשֶׁה מִן־הָהָר וּשְׁנֵי לֻחֹת הָעֵדֻת בְּיָדוֹ לֻחֹת כְּתֻבִים מִשְּׁנֵי עֶבְרֵיהֶם מִזֶּה וּמִזֶּה הֵם כְּתֻבִים׃

English Translation

And Moshe turned, and went down from the mountain, and the two tablets of the Testimony were in his hand: tablets written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other were they written.

Transliteration

Va'yifen va'yered Moshe min-hahar ushnei luchot ha'edut b'yado, luchot ktuvim mishene evreihem mize umize hem ktuvim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּ֜פֶן וַיֵּ֤רֶד מֹשֶׁה֙ מִן־הָהָ֔ר וּשְׁנֵ֛י לֻחֹ֥ת הָעֵדֻ֖ת בְּיָד֑וֹ לֻחֹ֗ת כְּתֻבִים֙ מִשְּׁנֵ֣י עֶבְרֵיהֶ֔ם מִזֶּ֥ה וּמִזֶּ֖ה הֵ֥ם כְּתֻבִֽים׃
וַיִּ֜פֶן וַיֵּ֤רֶד מֹשֶׁה֙ מִן־הָהָ֔ר וּשְׁנֵ֛י לֻחֹ֥ת הָעֵדֻ֖ת בְּיָד֑וֹ לֻחֹ֗ת כְּתֻבִים֙ מִשְּׁנֵ֣י עֶבְרֵיהֶ֔ם מִזֶּ֥ה וּמִזֶּ֖ה הֵ֥ם כְּתֻבִֽים׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Dual-Sided Writing on the Luchot

The verse describes the Luchot HaBrit (Tablets of the Covenant) as being written "מִשְּׁנֵי עֶבְרֵיהֶם"—"on both their sides." Rashi (Exodus 32:15) explains that this means the writing was miraculously engraved through the entire thickness of the tablets, so that it could be read identically from both sides. This was a divine miracle, as the letters מ"ם and ס"ף (which are closed shapes in Hebrew) were suspended in place without natural support.

The Significance of the Writing

The Talmud (Shabbat 104a) teaches that the words were not merely inscribed on the surface but were carved through the stone, demonstrating that the Torah is not bound by physical limitations. Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:8) emphasizes that this miracle affirmed the divine origin of the Torah, as human engraving could not produce such a phenomenon.

The Two Tablets as a Symbol

Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tisa 30) notes that the two tablets correspond to two categories of mitzvot:

  • Bein Adam LaMakom (between man and G-d)
  • Bein Adam LeChavero (between man and his fellow)

The fact that both sides were equally legible symbolizes that these two aspects of Torah are inseparable and equally essential.

Moshe's Descent from Har Sinai

The Mechilta (Beshalach 3) highlights that Moshe descended with the Luchot "בְּיָדוֹ"—"in his hand," indicating his personal role as the transmitter of Torah to Israel. The Kli Yakar (Exodus 32:15) adds that this emphasizes Moshe's humility, as he carried the heavy tablets himself rather than delegating the task.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 104a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the writing on the tablets, specifically how the letters were miraculously legible from both sides.
📖 Nedarim 38a
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the unique qualities of Moses and the divine nature of the tablets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What were the 'two tablets of the Testimony' that Moshe carried down from the mountain?
A: The 'two tablets of the Testimony' (Luchot HaEdut) contained the Ten Commandments, which were given by Hashem at Mount Sinai. According to Rashi (Exodus 31:18), they were made of sapphire-like stone and were inscribed by the 'finger of G-d.' They served as physical evidence of the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people.
Q: Why does the verse say the tablets were written 'on both their sides'?
A: The Talmud (Shabbat 104a) explains that the writing miraculously went completely through the stone tablets, yet was equally legible from both sides. Ramban (Exodus 32:15) adds that this demonstrated the divine nature of the writing, as human engraving cannot achieve this. Some Midrashim suggest this symbolizes that Torah wisdom should be accessible from all perspectives.
Q: Why is this moment of Moshe descending with the tablets significant?
A: This moment marks the first giving of the Torah in physical form to the Jewish people. However, as the following verses describe, Moshe would soon break these tablets upon seeing the Golden Calf. The Talmud (Eiruvin 54a) teaches that even the broken tablets were later kept in the Ark to show that Torah remains sacred even when its bearers falter. This teaches us about the eternal value of Torah.