Meaning of Exodus 31:18

This verse marks the climactic conclusion of God's direct communication with Moses on Mount Sinai, signifying the formal establishment of the covenant between God and Israel. The "tablets of the covenant law" represent the foundational principles and stipulations by which Israel was to live as God's chosen people, embodying His will and character. The inscription "by the finger of God" emphasizes the divine origin and authority of these laws, distinguishing them from human legislation and highlighting their sacred and immutable nature. This act solidifies the covenant relationship, which had been initiated with Abraham and further ratified at Sinai, and it lays the groundwork for Israel's identity and mission in the land God was preparing for them.

Context and Background

Exodus 31:18 concludes a lengthy section of Exodus detailing God's instructions for the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings, as well as the consecration of priests. Prior to this, Moses had spent a significant period on Mount Sinai, receiving God's detailed commands, including the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20). The interruption of this divine discourse by the Israelites' sin in making the golden calf (Exodus 32) led to a period of judgment and renewal of the covenant, culminating in God's re-ascension of the mountain to re-inscribe the law (Exodus 34). This verse signifies the second presentation of the tablets, ensuring their permanence and divine authentication after the initial covenant had been broken and then re-established.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Authority and Origin: The phrase "inscribed by the finger of God" unequivocally asserts that these laws are not human constructs but directly from the divine source, carrying absolute authority.
• Covenant Foundation: The "tablets of the covenant law" are the physical embodiment of the covenant agreement, outlining the terms of relationship between God and His people.
• Divine Revelation: This event represents a profound moment of direct divine revelation, where God's will is made known in a tangible and enduring form.
• Endurance and Permanence: The stone tablets, inscribed by God, symbolize the enduring and immutable nature of His law and His covenant promises.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The Ten Commandments, inscribed on these tablets, are not merely historical artifacts but represent timeless moral and spiritual principles that continue to guide believers. They reveal God's character, His expectations for humanity, and the framework for a just and holy society. Understanding that these laws originate from God's "finger" encourages a profound respect and obedience, recognizing that adherence to them is an act of worship and a pathway to experiencing God's blessings. For believers today, these commands serve as a plumb line for righteous living and a foundation for understanding God's will, even as Christ's teachings fulfill and expand upon them.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Exodus 31:18 is a pivotal moment that bridges the wilderness wanderings with the establishment of Israel as a nation under God's direct governance. The covenant law provided the legal and moral framework for Israel's existence, shaping their identity and their interactions with both God and surrounding nations. This event sets the stage for the subsequent history of Israel, their successes and failures in keeping the covenant, and the prophetic calls for covenant faithfulness. Ultimately, it points forward to Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the law, fulfilled its demands, and established a new covenant based on His atoning sacrifice, as described in passages like Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Hebrews 8:8-12.

Analogies

The tablets of stone can be likened to an irrevocable contract or a foundational blueprint. Just as a builder relies on a meticulously drawn blueprint to construct a stable and functional building, Israel was to build their lives and society upon the divine blueprint of God's law. The inscription by God's finger is akin to a royal seal or signature on a decree, signifying its absolute authority and unalterable nature, leaving no room for questioning its legitimacy.

Relation to Other Verses

• Exodus 20:1-17: This passage directly records the Ten Commandments, which are the content of the law inscribed on the tablets.
• Deuteronomy 5:6-21: Moses recounts the Ten Commandments to the new generation of Israelites, emphasizing their importance and the covenant's continuity.
• Jeremiah 31:31-34: The prophet Jeremiah foretells a "new covenant" where God's law will be written on the hearts of His people, contrasting with the external tablets of stone.
• Matthew 5:17-20: Jesus states that He did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them, highlighting the enduring significance of the Law even as He inaugurates a new era.
• 2 Corinthians 3:3: Paul refers to believers as a "letter from Christ" written not with ink but with the Spirit of God, drawing a parallel to the divine inscription of the law.