Denver Seminary

Exodus 34:1 - "Then the Lord said to Moses:
Carve two stone tablets like the first ones!"

Enraged at the sight of the Israelites worshipping and dancing before a golden calf, Moses took the tablets of stones that contained the Ten Commandments, and threw them on the ground at the foot of the Mt Sinai (Ex 32:19). After witnessing idolatry and debauchery from the very people whom God had recently delivered from horrendous bondage, Moses was unable to contain his fury. He destroyed the precious tablets of the covenant, cremated the golden calf, and challenged the Israelites to repent of their evil deeds. Shortly thereafter, God called Moses back into his presence and gave him an opportunity to vent his frustrations and to intercede on the behalf of those who had transgressed.

Although God was not pleased with the behavior of the Israelites, He was not about to give up on them. He instructed Moses to carve a second set of tablets and, with His own finger, He inscribed once again the commandments He had given to Moses during his previous excursion to the top of Mt Sinai.

Out of anger, we break things, people, and ourselves. Out of anger, we lose control and mar the image of God in us and in others. Yet, God, who excels in restoring and healing what is broken, is always ready to provide a second chance. God commanded Moses to carve a new set of tablets like the first ones, with the purpose of redeeming what was lost and with the intention of restoring what was near and dear to His heart.

“Like the first ones!” God had formed the first tablets and written on them with His own fingers. In Exodus 34, Moses carves and God restores what was broken. Once again, Moses becomes the hand of God and a divine instrument of reconciliation. Even leaders can count on second chances!