Ten commandments, what kind of stone ?

Question

What kind of stone was the 10 commandments written on? Was it sourced directly from the mountain, stone from heaven (like moon rocks) or created from nothing? How heavy where the stones? Why wasn't steel or even more advanced material used instead of stone, which would have been more durable, and much lighter?

Stone is just not durable over time. Go to old graveyard, you'll see old grave markings have been eroded by weather over time.

Answer 1

I think it was more improtant what was written on the stone then the stone it self. No one was worried about the stones needing to be saved.

Answer 2

First, like so many others you are reading the Ten Commandments with a 21st. Century mentality as if they were written in English and for people who think the way we do. This is NOT to say that the Ten Commandments are not applicable today, only that we fail to understand how they were intended. Firstly, the Ten Commandments originally were known as "The Decalogue," or The Ten Words. These 'Ten Words' were inscribed in God's Holy Language (rather than contemporary English) and were divided into the 'do' and the 'do not' lists. Originally the Ten Commandments were ten single words written in a simpler language that conveyed a meaning nearly impossible to translate into a single English word. For example, 'thou shall not kill...' A more correct translation for this Commandment into English would be: "No-murder," if a single word existed in English that could express this meaning. None-the-less, in our own day and age 'murder' is still unacceptable while 'killing' is sometimes unavoidable and can even be very necessary. Adultery, thievery, lying and covetous conduction all defy acceptable moral norms and fall into the 'do not' category. What is so surprising about this? The first Five Commandments are addressed to a People who accepted a Covenant with God and merely point out the 'Rules of Conduct.' Again, what is so surprising about this? As an atheist you must consider yourself an urbane and sophisticated person much too intelligent to believe in God. The Ten Commandments were intended for a simplier People so why are you even bothering us simple-folk on the Religious and Spirituality forum of Yahoo Questions and Answers??? Are you perhaps not only an atheist but also a... Troll? Inquiring minds want to know! H

Answer 3

In that part of world the world the likelihood is that the stone would be some sort of limestone, or possibly the sand stone. Steel did not exist at the time, although it is possible that bronze did.
You are talking about a time that was on the edge of the Stone Age not modern times. I have seen stone carvings Egypt and other parts of the world that are more than 5000 years old and still can be read. I think stone was a reasonable choice to use and very common at the time.

Answer 4

The Ten Commandments are IN the Ark of The Covenant along with the Rod that Aaron had as the High Priest. It does not say in Scripture what kind of stone was used, but the Ten Commandments is supposed to be Engraved in your Heart today IF you are a Christian.

Answer 5

I doubt that Moses could create stone from nothing or gather moon rocks. As far as using metal, I assume that Moses was simply emulating the common ancient practice of inscribing the Law on stone tablets as a memorial.

Of course, you might recall that the tablets of stone were not meant for any kind of display. As far as we know, Moses was the last person to actually see the Ten Commandments.

Answer 6

You can rest assure that Gods word will stand through out eternity for it is written i will be your God and you will be my people and my laws shall be written in your hearts...Jesus says John 15 "If ye keep My commandments,you shall abide in my love; as i have kept my Father's commandment, and abide(obey) in his love". How do you love? From a stone or from your heart? So what I'm saying to you is whether are not they written in stone or a moon rock they were written for you out of love that you stand resting assure on that rock of love that you can freely enter in Gods rest(heaven).

Answer 7

The kind of stone tablets that any leader out to impress a new congregation finds just 'lying around' at the tops of mountains with writing on! Happens all the time...... ;)

Answer 8

The Ten Commandments haven't eroded yet. Even my three year old knows them. They weren't carved in stone, they were carved in our hearts.

Answer 9

Yes but if you kept them in the Arc of the Covenant they would have been perfectly preserved. They weren't left in a graveyard. If you left steel in a graveyard it would rust away.

Answer 10

It was probably written on the same type of stone used in the flintstones on Freds newspapers.