The Broken Tablets: A Symbol of God's Justice and Moses' Obedience
Verse:Exodus 34:1
The Lord said to Moses, "Cut two tablets of stone like the first, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke."
In this crucial moment, God instructs Moses to create new tablets, replacing the ones he shattered in response to Israel's idolatry. God's silence on Moses' actions speaks volumes, implying approval and understanding of Moses' righteous indignation.
Just as Jesus cleansed the temple, driving out those who defiled it (John 2:13-17), Moses' actions mirrored God's own displeasure towards Israel's transgression. This parallel underscores God's consistency in condemning injustice.
God's emotional state, "The Lord's anger burned against Israel" (Exodus 32:10), demonstrates His alignment with Moses' sentiment. This harmony highlights God's justice and Moses' obedience.
Notably, God does not hypocritically condemn His servants for actions taken in righteous indignation. Instead, He acknowledges and validates their boldness in defending His name. Moses' actions were not judged as reckless or impulsive but as a genuine reflection of God's own heart for justice.
God sees the intentions and motivations of His servants, distinguishing between self-serving actions and those driven by a desire for righteousness. He empowers and affirms those who stand for justice, even when it requires difficult choices.
The new tablets, made by Moses, would serve as a reminder of God's mercy and willingness to reestablish covenant, as well as Moses' obedience and intercession on Israel's behalf.
This narrative teaches us that righteous indignation can be a holy response to injustice, obedience to God's will can involve difficult choices, God's justice and mercy are intertwined, and God validates and empowers His servants who stand for justice.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
May our hearts burn with righteous indignation against injustice, as Moses' did. Grant us courage to stand for Your truth, even when it's difficult. May our actions align with Your justice and covenant requirements. As we journey through life, may Your presence be our comfort, Your guidance our confidence, and Your love our strength.
Amen.