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Exodus 34:1 - Divine second chance tablets.

Exodus 34:1 - שמות 34:1

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה פְּסָל־לְךָ שְׁנֵי־לֻחֹת אֲבָנִים כָּרִאשֹׁנִים וְכָתַבְתִּי עַל־הַלֻּחֹת אֶת־הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר הָיוּ עַל־הַלֻּחֹת הָרִאשֹׁנִים אֲשֶׁר שִׁבַּרְתָּ׃

English Translation

And the Lord said to Moshe, Hew for thyself two tablets of stone like the first: and I will write upon these tablets the words that were on the first tablets, which thou didst break.

Transliteration

Vayomer Adonai el-Moshe pesal-lecha shnei-luchot avanim karishonim vechatavti al-haluchot et-hadevarim asher hayu al-haluchot harishonim asher shibarta.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה פְּסׇל־לְךָ֛ שְׁנֵֽי־לֻחֹ֥ת אֲבָנִ֖ים כָּרִאשֹׁנִ֑ים וְכָתַבְתִּי֙ עַל־הַלֻּחֹ֔ת אֶ֨ת־הַדְּבָרִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָי֛וּ עַל־הַלֻּחֹ֥ת הָרִאשֹׁנִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר שִׁבַּֽרְתָּ׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה פְּסׇל־לְךָ֛ שְׁנֵֽי־לֻחֹ֥ת אֲבָנִ֖ים כָּרִאשֹׁנִ֑ים וְכָתַבְתִּי֙ עַל־הַלֻּחֹ֔ת אֶ֨ת־הַדְּבָרִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָי֛וּ עַל־הַלֻּחֹ֥ת הָרִאשֹׁנִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר שִׁבַּֽרְתָּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Command to Hew New Tablets

The verse (Shemot 34:1) describes Hashem instructing Moshe to carve new tablets after the breaking of the first set. Rashi explains that the phrase "פְּסָל־לְךָ" ("hew for yourself") implies that the remnants of the first tablets were to be kept in Moshe's possession as a merit, as the Gemara (Bava Batra 14b) states that the broken tablets were later stored in the Aron alongside the new ones. This teaches that Torah scholars who have stumbled in learning should not be disregarded, as their past efforts retain value.

Comparison to the First Tablets

Hashem specifies that the new tablets should be "כָּרִאשֹׁנִים" ("like the first ones"). The Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tisa 30) notes that this refers not only to their physical dimensions but also to their spiritual quality. However, Ramban points out a key difference: the first tablets were entirely crafted by Hashem (Shemot 32:16), while these required Moshe's participation. This reflects the principle that after sin, human effort becomes necessary in the teshuvah process.

Divine Inscription on the Second Tablets

The verse emphasizes that Hashem would inscribe "אֶת־הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר הָיוּ עַל־הַלֻּחֹת הָרִאשֹׁנִים" - the same words as the first tablets. The Sforno explains this demonstrates that despite the sin of the golden calf, the Torah's content remained unchanged. The Ohr HaChaim adds that this reaffirmed the eternal covenant, showing that Hashem's commitment to Israel endured even after their failure.

Mention of the Broken Tablets

By referencing "אֲשֶׁר שִׁבַּרְתָּ" ("which you broke"), the Torah highlights Moshe's decisive action. The Talmud Yerushalmi (Taanit 4:5) praises Moshe's breaking of the tablets as justified, comparing it to a king who tears up the marriage contract when his bride proves unfaithful. Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 7:4) derives from this episode that sincere repentance can elevate a person to even greater spiritual heights than before the sin.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 87a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about Moses breaking the first tablets and receiving the second set, highlighting God's instruction to Moses to carve new tablets.
📖 Taanit 26b
The verse is mentioned in the context of the events surrounding the giving of the Torah and the breaking of the first tablets, emphasizing the renewal of the covenant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe break the first tablets?
A: Moshe broke the first tablets when he saw the Jewish people worshipping the Golden Calf (Exodus 32:19). According to Rashi, he did this to protect the people—since the tablets were a covenant with Hashem, breaking them showed that the covenant was temporarily suspended due to their sin, giving them a chance to repent.
Q: Why did Hashem command Moshe to carve the second tablets himself?
A: The first tablets were entirely made by Hashem (Exodus 32:16), but the second ones required Moshe’s effort. The Midrash (Tanchuma Ki Tisa 31) teaches that this shows the importance of human participation in Torah—Hashem gives wisdom, but we must put in effort to receive it.
Q: Were the second tablets exactly the same as the first ones?
A: Yes, the words were the same, but the Talmud (Bava Batra 14b) explains that the second tablets also included the Oral Torah (explained later in the Talmud and Midrash). Additionally, the first tablets were a pure gift from Hashem, while the second set came after repentance, showing the power of teshuvah (returning to Hashem).
Q: What lesson can we learn from the second tablets?
A: The second tablets teach that even after mistakes, there is always an opportunity for renewal. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah) emphasizes that true repentance brings a person closer to Hashem, just as the Jewish people were given a second chance after the sin of the Golden Calf.
Q: Why were the tablets made of stone?
A: Stone symbolizes permanence, showing that the Torah’s words are eternal (Rashi on Exodus 34:1). Additionally, the Talmud (Eruvin 54a) explains that just as stone is hard to shape but lasts forever, Torah study requires effort but brings everlasting reward.