Shattered Tablets, Broken Hearts

At that critical juncture, the nation of Israel understood that exalted moments in life are fleeting; they pass us by like shadows. With that realization it became clear that not only the tablets were broken but the people of Israel were crushed; their hearts were shattered within them.

One can only imagine the sobriety of that moment; the depth of despair their sudden recognition of loss of potential. They must have achieved the profound insight into the condition of their empty lives in pursuit of vanity, which had replaced the true covenant. And despite it all, God was prepared to forgive, to begin again. He commaned, 'Carve two tablets like the first', affording them the opportunity to begin again, rebuild their relationship with God, and mend their broken hearts.