Definition: And it came to pass at the end of forty days and forty nights, [that] the LORD gave me the two tables of stone, [even] the tables of the covenant.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 9:11. It’s a really significant passage about God’s relationship with His people. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is giving two sets of tablets – basically, two big pieces of stone – to him. These tablets are filled with the rules and promises He made to Israel as a nation. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And it came to pass…” : This just means something happened – God is making this happen. “…at the end of forty days and forty nights…” : This describes how long it took God to prepare for this. It's a long time, showing how much he was considering. “[that] the LORD gave me the two tables of stone…” : This is the key part! “Tables of stone” refers to specific sets of tablets. They’re like official documents that hold important rules and promises. “even” : This word means "even," so it's including these two sets of tablets. What are the ‘tables of covenant’? These tables were incredibly important in Jewish tradition. They represented: God’s promise: God promised to bless Israel and protect them. The Law: These tablets contained the laws – rules – that would govern how they should live as a nation. Think of it like a set of guidelines for right and wrong behavior. A covenant: A covenant is a special agreement or promise between God and his people, usually involving loyalty and obedience. So, what’s the big picture? This verse tells us that God is establishing a new covenant with Israel – a covenant where He promises to bless them and protect them for generations to come. He's giving them these tablets as a reminder of this promise and a way to live according to His will. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a sign of God’s judgment upon the nation of Israel, but it also emphasizes that God’s covenant with them is still valid and ongoing. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or theme in biblical history? Discuss its significance for modern Christians?