The Pulpit Commentary — Exodus — Volume 2 — Section 337

Vera. 1-4.-The second set of tables. Jehovah graciously answered the supplications of Moses (xxxiii. 12-23) so far as it was possible to answer them. Supplications may be very importunate, and, therefore, so far well pleasing to God, and yet at the same time they may be faulty in two respects: first, they may ask for things which it is impos- sible altogether to grant; and, secondly, they may omit from the field of view, certain other things which form a necessary accompaniment of every Di vine gift. In all his supplications, Moses said nothing about these broken tables; it would be too much to say that they were never in his thoughts. But whether in his thoughts or not, they assuredly ho.cl to be considered and provided for. Moses had asked for the presence of God to go with Israel; and the presence of God meant for one thing the commandments of God. Furthermore, all the elaborate furniture of the tabernacle had for the centre around which it was gathered, these very tables of stone. When Moses broke them, he broke the holiest thing in all Israel's belongings; these tables, appointed to rest within the ark, and underneath the cherubim. No word of censure indeed is uttered against Moses for having broken them ; but it does not therefore follow that he is to be praised for having broken them. The action, so to speak, was one to be regarded neither with praise nor blame, but simply as an inevitable result of Moses' sudden and violent wrath. When Moses broke the tables, he was not in a mood of mind for considering anything but the monstrous transgression before his eyes. What ho.cl happened to the fr3c,"Illents we a.re not told; except this much, that they were no longer available. .All that Jehovah does is simply to co=and from Moses the preparation of new tablets. As Moses pre- pares them, he may safely be left to his own thoughts. Whatever lesson he needed in respect of self-control, the opportunity was given him to learn. Opportunity was also given to learn the need of being continually on the watch for manifestations of human weakness and instability. If Moses was in so many things the type of Christ in respect of mediatorial office, it was, alas ! also true that he was unlike Christ in respect of pene- trating insight into human nature. Moses was not like Christ; it could not be said of him that he knew what was in man.-Y. Vere. 1-10, 28.-Renewal of the tables, and fourth intercession. One more mighty effort of intercession, and Moses will bear a.way the blessing which he seeks. It neecls, however, that it be a mighty one. The covenant is not yet restored in its integrity.  THE BOOK OF EXODUS. (cH. XXXIV. 1-10,