Old Testament
Deuteronomy 9:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I grabbed the 2 tablets and hurled them from my hands, smashing them to pieces right in front of you.
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And I took the two tables, and cast them out of my two hands, and brake them before your eyes.
What Deuteronomy 9:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, the speaker, who is Moses, is expressing a deep sense of frustration and disappointment. He had just received the Ten Commandments from God, which represented a covenant between God and the people. However, upon witnessing their disobedience and idolatry, he felt compelled to act. In a dramatic gesture, he took the two stone tablets, which held the commandments, and threw them down in anger, shattering them. This act symbolized the broken relationship between God and the people due to their unfaithfulness. It was a powerful moment that illustrated the seriousness of their actions and the consequences of turning away from God. Moses's actions were not just about the tablets; they represented a profound loss of trust and commitment. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring commitments and the impact of our choices on our relationships with others and with God. It highlights the need for reflection and repentance when we stray from our values.
How to apply Deuteronomy 9:17 to your life
When we feel frustrated or betrayed, it's important to pause and reflect before reacting. Instead of acting out in anger, consider the long-term effects of your actions. Strive to communicate openly and seek understanding. Remember that our choices can deeply affect our relationships with others and ourselves. Take time to reconnect with your values and commitments to avoid breaking trust with those around you.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: The Golden Calf (Deuteronomy 9:7–21)
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Moses
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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Keep studying Deuteronomy 9:17
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At a Glance — the Book of Deuteronomy
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites about to enter the Promised Land
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Deuteronomy 9:17 mean?
Deuteronomy 9:17 describes Moses expressing his anger and disappointment by breaking the tablets containing the Ten Commandments. This act symbolizes the broken relationship between God and the Israelites due to their disobedience.
What is the significance of Moses breaking the tablets in Deuteronomy 9:17?
Moses breaking the tablets signifies the seriousness of the Israelites' idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. It represents a dramatic moment of loss and the consequences of their actions.
What does the phrase 'cast them out of my hands' in Deuteronomy 9:17 mean?
The phrase 'cast them out of my hands' indicates Moses's impulsive reaction to the people's disobedience. It shows his frustration and the gravity of the situation as he physically demonstrates the breaking of the covenant.
How does Deuteronomy 9:17 relate to the themes of commitment and trust?
This verse illustrates the impact of broken commitments, as Moses's act of breaking the tablets symbolizes the shattered trust between God and the Israelites due to their disobedience.
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