Introduction to Deuteronomy 10:1: Covenant Renewal and Divine Instruction
Deuteronomy 10:1 opens a pivotal moment in Israel’s story—after the breaking of the first tablets, YHWH commands Mosheh to ascend the mountain again and receive a renewed copy of the covenant law. The verb פְסָל (“carve”) is the first directive given. This command encapsulates the urgency of restoration, the tangible embodiment of revelation, and the human participation in the divine process of covenant renewal. In this article, we will explore the grammar, syntax, and theological depth of פְסָל as the opening imperative of divine instruction.
בָּעֵ֨ת הַהִ֜וא אָמַ֧ר יְהוָ֣ה אֵלַ֗י פְּסָל־לְךָ֞ שְׁנֵֽי־לוּחֹ֤ת אֲבָנִים֙ כָּרִ֣אשֹׁנִ֔ים וַעֲלֵ֥ה אֵלַ֖י הָהָ֑רָה וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ לְּךָ֖ אֲרֹ֥ון עֵֽץ׃
Grammatical Analysis of פְסָל
The verb פְסָל is an imperative, second person masculine singular, from the root פָּסַל (p-s-l), which means “to hew, carve, chisel.” It refers to the act of physically shaping or cutting stone, often in preparation for receiving writing or engraving. In this context, it is a directive from YHWH to Mosheh to prepare the second set of tablets after the first were broken (cf. Exodus 32:19).
- Root: פָּסַל (p-s-l) – “to chisel, cut, carve”
- Form: Qal imperative, 2nd person masculine singular
- Object: שְׁנֵי־לוּחֹת אֲבָנִים – “two tablets of stone”
- Modification: כָּרִאשֹׁנִים – “like the first ones” – indicating restoration of the original
- Personal phrase: לְךָ – “for yourself” – an emphatic expression often indicating personal responsibility or initiative
This opening command sets the tone: YHWH does not merely restore the tablets Himself, but commands Mosheh to actively participate in the re-establishment of covenant relationship.
Phrase-by-Phrase Commentary
בָּעֵ֨ת הַהִ֜וא אָמַ֧ר יְהוָ֣ה אֵלַ֗י
- בָּעֵ֨ת הַהִ֜וא – “At that time” – temporal marker linking this command to the aftermath of the golden calf episode.
- אָמַ֧ר יְהוָ֣ה אֵלַ֗י – “YHWH said to me” – typical prophetic introduction framing divine speech.
פְּסָל־לְךָ֞ שְׁנֵֽי־לוּחֹ֤ת אֲבָנִים֙ כָּרִ֣אשֹׁנִ֔ים
- פְּסָל – “Carve!” – Qal imperative, command to shape stone.
- לְךָ – “for yourself” – indicating personal initiative, perhaps implying the human side of covenant responsibility.
- שְׁנֵי־לוּחֹת אֲבָנִים – “two tablets of stone” – the physical vessels for divine inscription.
- כָּרִאשֹׁנִים – “like the first ones” – emphasizes restoration rather than replacement. Continuity of covenant despite rupture.
וַעֲלֵ֥ה אֵלַ֖י הָהָ֑רָה
Another imperative: “Go up to Me on the mountain”. The use of הָהָרָה (directional heh on הָהָר) marks motion toward the mountain, showing that covenantal restoration requires drawing near to YHWH.
וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ לְּךָ֖ אֲרֹ֥ון עֵֽץ
This final clause adds another command: “And you shall make for yourself an ark of wood.” The phrase לְּךָ appears again, showing Mosheh’s personal role. This ark will house the new tablets, replacing the broken covenant not only with a fresh copy but with a secure vessel—symbolizing preservation of revelation.
Theological and Symbolic Dimensions of פְסָל
1. Human Participation in Covenant Restoration
Unlike the first set of tablets, which were carved and inscribed by YHWH (Exodus 31:18), Mosheh must now chisel the tablets himself. This shift underscores a theological truth: humans must take part in restoring what they have broken. Divine mercy provides restoration, but not without human action.
2. Echoes of Sinai and Continuity of Revelation
The command to carve the tablets כָּרִאשֹׁנִים – “like the first ones” – ties this moment back to Sinai. Though the original tablets were shattered in judgment, their form is restored. The covenant is renewed, not replaced. The message is clear: YHWH’s faithfulness endures even when Israel falters.
3. Materiality of the Word
In commanding Mosheh to physically carve stone, the Torah emphasizes that divine instruction is not abstract—it is engraved into physical reality. The covenant is etched into the very medium of permanence, symbolizing its binding and enduring nature.
The Role of פְסָל in Deuteronomy 10:1
The imperative פְסָל anchors Deuteronomy 10:1 as a moment of divine-human cooperation in the process of covenant renewal. It encapsulates:
- Grammatically: Qal imperative 2ms – a direct divine command
- Syntactically: Modified with לְךָ and followed by object and comparison
- Theologically: Restoration, continuity, and human responsibility in repairing the covenant relationship
Through the command פְסָל, YHWH invites Mosheh—and by extension Israel—into the sacred work of re-establishing what was broken. It is an act of both obedience and hope, chiseling stone as an act of carving space for grace.
