OBJECTION 41. — THE TABLES OF STONE

“In the ark was the golden pot of manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of stone which folded together like a book. Jesus opened them, and I saw the ten commandments written on them with the finger of God. On one table were four, on the other six.” Experience & Views, page 16. This, says the objector, contradicts Exodus 32:15, which reads, “The tables were written on both of their sides; on the one side and on the other were they written.” He interprets this passage to mean that both sides of each table were written over, and that the visions asserts that only one side of each was written upon; and hence he claims a contradiction. The vision does not say that the writing was confined to one side of each table; but for the sake of making an objection, we will grant that it does. Then we would ask the objector if he is sure that the language of Moses is meant to convey the idea that both tables were written on both sides; for it will be noticed that the expression does not directly affirm this. On Exodus 32:15, Dr. Clarke remarks:VEGW 105.2

”[The tables were written on both their sides,] If we take this literally, it was certainly a very unusual thing; for in ancient times, the two sides of the same substance were never written over. However some rabbis suppose that by the writing on both sides is meant the letters were cut through the tables, so that they might be read on both sides, though on one side they would appear reversed.”VEGW 106.1

Not a very plausible supposition, we think. Scott, on the same passage, remarks:VEGW 106.2

”[On both their sides.] This is differently interpreted. Some think that the ten commandments were written on only one side of each table, part on the one, and part on the other; so that they might close together as a book when laid in the ark; but others are of opinion that each table was written on both sides.”VEGW 106.3

Prof. Bush, who stands at the head of his profession as a Hebrew scholar, and who is therefore well qualified to judge of the meaning of the original, is still more definite, and says:VEGW 106.4

“The two tables were probably designed to close together like the lids of a book and by their being written on both sides is meant that their right and left hand leaf or side, were each of them to be occupied with letters. — Note on Exodus 32:15.VEGW 107.1

On these authorities, we see that there is perfect harmony between the visions and the Bible on this point.VEGW 107.2