Who wrote the second pair of tablets? We all know when God gave Moses the first pair of tablets containing the Commandments, they were “written with the finger of God” (Ex. 31:18; also see: Ex. 24:12; 32:16). However, when Moses went down the mountain to deliver the tablets to the people, he saw the great evil and wickedness in the camp, and his “anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and broke them” (Ex. 32:19). Thus, these were destroyed. Yet, we later see Moses coming down the mount with a second pair (Ex. 34:29). Who wrote the second pair? Moses or God?
I had believed the wrong answer to that question so convincingly for so long, I was astonished to learn the contrary to be true. Yet, did the length of time and the firmness of my erroneous belief give me the right to continue in that error. No! Although this question concerning the tablets of stone may be a trivial question, it is a sad fact that there are precious souls who believe they have the right and that it is harmless to believe a false, soul-damning doctrine. They seem to think, “I believe in God and everything will work out.”
Ask those in Matthew 7:21-23 if one has such a right. These believed in Jesus and were even active in their profession, but, had they been told and subsequently believed wrongly on what to do to be saved? Most definitely. Were they saved? No. Jesus said He never even knew them, which means they never were Christians. Thus, did they have the right to be wrong? No.
Having to change my conviction concerning the physical authorship of the second tablets is admittedly very minor in comparison to what many must go through to make corrections concerning many of their beliefs and practices. Yet, Jesus graphically impressed us with its importance: “And if thy right eye causeth thee to stumble, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: For it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not thy whole body be cast into hell” (Mat. 6:29). Jesus is emphasising, that hell is so horrible, do whatever it takes to miss having to go there! If you have to change a belief–change it! (Acts 19:1-5). If you have to swallow your pride–swallow it! (Gal. 2:20). Just do what ever it takes!
Consider this: If a change is needed, a change will come. However, one will either change his mind now…or in hell. Hell will be too late. Do it now!
[Who wrote the second pair of tablets? The answer is in Exodus 34:1 and Deut. 10:1-4.
Gary Henson