On what were the Ten Commandments written?

The Ten Commandments, a cornerstone of moral teaching found in Deuteronomy, were inscribed on two tables of stone. It's interesting to note that stone tablets are a powerful symbol. They represent permanence—unlike parchment or paper, stone stands the test of time. The act of engraving commandments intended they would endure, just like the concepts of justice and morality they encode would be relevant across generations.

These commandments were delivered directly from God, setting a framework for a community shaped by ethical principles. Pedantically, Moses received these tablets after an intense encounter on Mount Sinai, which is often romanticized in art and film, invigorating imaginations about that divine union between the sacred and the mortal.

If we look at history, similar love of laws uncovered from ancient Mesopotamian societies around the same time hint at humanity’s habitual search for justice and social order. The famous Code of Hammurabi, which predates the Ten Commandments, had laid out over 280 laws carved into stone as well—a shared cultural pursuit of justice that transcends time and geography.

Lastly, while many cite the Ten Commandments as part of a covenant specific to the Hebrew people, their moral essence concerning respect, loyalty, and integrity echoes universally throughout many philosophies, highlighting mankind's intrinsic drive toward understanding ethical living—demonstrating how foundational truths can resonate through history and inspire diverse groups across the globe!