Deuteronomy 9:17 Meaning and Explanation
“And I took the two tables, and cast them out of my two hands, and brake them before your eyes.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →In response to Israel's violation, Moses breaks the two covenant tablets before the people.
The Context of Deuteronomy 9:17
Moses breaks the covenant tablets in response to Israel's sin, symbolizing the broken covenant.
What Does Deuteronomy 9:17 Mean?
Moses's act of breaking the tablets is dramatic and symbolic. He casts the physical embodiment of the covenant from his hands and shatters them. The breaking happens 'before your eyes'—the people witness the destruction of the covenant tablets as a consequence of their covenant violation.
This breaking is not impulsive destruction but a prophetic action. The shattered tablets represent the shattered covenant relationship. Israel has broken covenant with God; now the tablets themselves are broken. The visible destruction communicates the severity of their transgression in a way words cannot.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 9:17
What does Deuteronomy 9:17 mean?
In response to Israel's violation, Moses breaks the two covenant tablets before the people.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 9:17?
Moses breaks the covenant tablets in response to Israel's sin, symbolizing the broken covenant.