What type of stone did God write the Law on?

The type of stone that God used to write the Law on has been a subject of interest and discussion among biblical scholars, rabbis, and theologians for centuries. The Bible provides specific references to the tablets of stone in passages such as Exodus 24:10 and Numbers 15:37-39, which will be examined in detail using the New King James Version (NKJV). Additionally, rabbinical literature offers further insights into the nature and significance of these stones.

Biblical References

Exodus 24:10-12 (NKJV)

“and they saw the God of Israel. And there was under His feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone, and it was like the very heavens in its clarity. But on the nobles of the children of Israel He did not lay His hand. So they saw God, and they ate and drank. Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Come up to Me on the mountain and be there; and I will give you tablets of stone, and the law and commandments which I have written, that you may teach them.'”

This passage describes the vision of God seen by Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel. They saw something like a paved work of sapphire stone under God’s feet, which is often interpreted as a manifestation of divine glory and purity. This context sets the stage for the giving of the tablets of stone.

Exodus 31:18 (NKJV)

“And when He had made an end of speaking with him on Mount Sinai, He gave Moses two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God.”

This verse explicitly states that the tablets were stone and were written by the finger of God, highlighting their divine origin and sacredness.

Rabbinical Insights

Rabbinical literature provides additional perspectives on the nature of the stone used for the tablets. Several sources suggest that the tablets were made of sapphire, a precious stone, based on the description in Exodus 24:10.

Targum Jonathan on Exodus 24:10

The Targum Jonathan, an Aramaic paraphrase of the Hebrew Bible, suggests that the sapphire stone seen under God’s feet is related to the material of the tablets. This interpretation aligns with the view that the tablets were made of sapphire.

Midrash Rabbah on Exodus 41:3

The Midrash Rabbah, a collection of Jewish commentaries, also supports the idea that the tablets were made of sapphire. It explains that the sapphire used for the tablets was hewn from God’s throne of glory, symbolizing the divine and heavenly origin of the Law.

Rashi’s Commentary on Exodus 31:18

Rashi, a renowned medieval Jewish commentator, elaborates on the nature of the tablets in his commentary on Exodus 31:18. He discusses the miraculous qualities of the tablets, emphasizing their divine craftsmanship and the clarity of the writing.

The Significance of Sapphire

Sapphire, a precious blue gemstone, holds significant symbolism in biblical and rabbinical contexts. It is associated with purity, holiness, and divine revelation. The choice of sapphire for the tablets of the Law underscores the sacred and eternal nature of God’s commandments.

1. Purity and Holiness: The clarity and brilliance of sapphire represent the purity and holiness of God’s Law. Just as sapphire is free from impurities, the commandments are perfect and righteous.
2. Divine Revelation: Sapphire’s association with the heavenly realm, as described in Exodus 24:10, emphasizes the divine origin of the Law. The tablets are not merely human artifacts but are given directly by God.
3. Eternality: The durability and preciousness of sapphire symbolize the eternal and unchanging nature of God’s commandments. They are meant to endure through all generations, as affirmed in Psalm 119:89 (NKJV): “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.”

Additional Biblical Context

Numbers 15:37-39 (NKJV)

“Again the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to the children of Israel: Tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a blue thread in the tassels of the corners. And you shall have the tassel, that you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them, and that you may not follow the harlotry to which your own heart and your own eyes are inclined.'”

While this passage does not directly discuss the stone tablets, it reinforces the use of blue (often associated with sapphire) in reminding the Israelites of God’s commandments. The blue thread in the tassels serves as a visual reminder of the divine Law, linking back to the sapphire stone imagery.

Theological Implications

The use of sapphire for the tablets of the Law carries profound theological implications:

1. Divine Authority: The sapphire tablets underscore the divine authority of the commandments. They are not merely human inventions but come from the highest authority—God Himself.
2. Covenant Relationship: The tablets represent the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The precious nature of sapphire highlights the value and sacredness of this relationship.
3. Moral and Ethical Standards: The purity of sapphire reflects the moral and ethical standards set by the Law. God’s commandments are designed to lead His people into a life of righteousness and holiness.
4. Endurance and Permanence: The enduring nature of sapphire symbolizes the permanence of God’s Law. It is not subject to change or decay but remains steadfast and unalterable.

Practical Applications

1. Reverence for God’s Word: Understanding the divine origin and sacredness of the Law encourages believers to approach them with reverence and awe.
2. Commitment to Obedience: Recognizing the eternal nature of God’s commandments motivates believers to commit to living according to obeying them, knowing that they are grounded in divine authority.
3. Symbolic Reminders: Just as the Israelites used tassels with blue threads to remember God’s commandments, modern believers can find ways to keep God’s commandments at the forefront of their lives.
4. Moral Clarity: The clarity and purity of sapphire serve as a reminder of the clear and pure moral direction provided by God’s Law. Believers are called to live lives that reflect these qualities.

Conclusion

The type of stone that God used to write the Law on, as suggested by biblical passages and rabbinical references, is likely sapphire. This precious stone symbolizes the purity, holiness, divine origin, and eternal nature of God’s commandments. Key passages such as Exodus 24:10 and rabbinical insights highlight the significance of sapphire in conveying the sacredness and authority of the Law.

Understanding the symbolism and theological implications of the sapphire tablets deepens our appreciation for God’s law and encourages a life of reverence, obedience, and moral adherence. The imagery of sapphire serves as a powerful reminder of the divine nature of the law and the enduring covenant relationship between God and His people.

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In His service,
BibleAsk Team