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Exodus 32:16 - Divine words carved eternally

Exodus 32:16 - שמות 32:16

Hebrew Text

וְהַלֻּחֹת מַעֲשֵׂה אֱלֹהִים הֵמָּה וְהַמִּכְתָּב מִכְתַּב אֱלֹהִים הוּא חָרוּת עַל־הַלֻּחֹת׃

English Translation

And the tablets were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, engraved upon the tablets.

Transliteration

Vehaluchot ma'aseh Elohim hema, vehamichtav michtav Elohim hu charut al-haluchot.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהַ֨לֻּחֹ֔ת מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה אֱלֹהִ֖ים הֵ֑מָּה וְהַמִּכְתָּ֗ב מִכְתַּ֤ב אֱלֹהִים֙ ה֔וּא חָר֖וּת עַל־הַלֻּחֹֽת׃
וְהַ֨לֻּחֹ֔ת מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה אֱלֹהִ֖ים הֵ֑מָּה וְהַמִּכְתָּ֗ב מִכְתַּ֤ב אֱלֹהִים֙ ה֔וּא חָר֖וּת עַל־הַלֻּחֹֽת׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Divine Origin of the Tablets

The verse (Shemot 32:16) emphasizes the supernatural nature of the Luchot (tablets) in two ways: their physical form and the writing upon them. Rashi explains that the phrase "מַעֲשֵׂה אֱלֹהִים הֵמָּה" ("the work of God they were") means the tablets themselves were created by God, not carved by human hands. Similarly, "מִכְתַּב אֱלֹהִים הוּא" ("the writing was the writing of God") indicates that the letters were divinely inscribed.

The Meaning of "Charut" (Engraved)

The Talmud (Eruvin 54a) derives a profound lesson from the word "חָרוּת" (engraved): Do not read it as "charut" (engraved), but rather as "cheirut" (freedom), for the only truly free person is one who engages in Torah study. Rambam (Hilchot Talmud Torah 3:1) expands on this, teaching that Torah liberates a person from subjugation to worldly desires.

The Miraculous Nature of the Writing

Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tisa 16) describes how the writing on the tablets was miraculously legible from both sides, with letters like the מ"ם and ס"ף (final mem and samech) appearing to float in place. This demonstrated that the Torah's wisdom transcends natural limitations.

Symbolism of the Tablets

  • The two tablets represent the dual aspects of Torah: between man and God, and between man and his fellow (Ramban).
  • The equal size of all Ten Commandments shows that all mitzvot are equally precious (Mechilta).
  • The sapphire material (as per Rashi on Shemot 31:18) symbolizes the heavens and the divine origin of Torah.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Avodah Zarah 44a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the nature of the tablets and the divine origin of the writing on them.
📖 Nedarim 38a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the unique qualities of the tablets and the writing as divine creations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that the tablets were 'the work of God'?
A: The verse (Exodus 32:16) teaches that both the stone tablets and the writing on them were entirely Divine creations. Rashi explains that the tablets were not merely carved by human hands—they were miraculously formed by God Himself, including the engraved letters, which were readable from both sides (Shabbat 104a). This emphasizes the supernatural nature of the Torah's transmission.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that the writing was 'engraved upon the tablets'?
A: The word 'charut' (engraved) is significant. The Midrash (Pirkei Avot 6:2) connects it to the word 'cheirut' (freedom), teaching that true freedom comes through Torah study. Unlike ink that sits on the surface, engraved letters are part of the stone itself—symbolizing how Torah must be deeply internalized (Rambam, Hilchot Talmud Torah 3:12).
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: This verse reminds us of the Divine origin of the Torah. Just as the tablets were entirely God's work, we must approach Torah study with reverence for its sacred source (Mishneh Torah, Yesodei HaTorah 1:1). The engraved letters also teach that Torah values should be permanently 'carved' into our character—not superficial knowledge, but transformative wisdom.
Q: Why is this description of the tablets important?
A: This description appears right before the sin of the Golden Calf (Exodus 32), creating a contrast between man-made idols and Divinely crafted tablets. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 54a) notes that while human creations deteriorate, God's works endure—highlighting the eternal truth of Torah versus temporary falsehoods.