The answer is: 2

Deut 5:22

The Ten Commandments, etched on two stone tablets, have become symbolic not just of divine law, but of ethical principles that transcend time. Interestingly, these stone tablets highlight a key biblical concept: the importance of duality. With two tablets, we could also think about moral balance—like how every principle often has a corresponding counterpart. For example, the command “You shall not murder” brings forth the positive notion of valuing life.

Historical trivia points out that tradition holds that Moses received these commandments from God on Mount Sinai after the dramatic scene of thunder, lightning, and smoke. This event wasn’t just a personal story; it echoed throughout Hebrew culture, emphasizing obedience and covenant with the divine. The approach to these commandments varied as interpretations evolved over centuries—a reminder of the interplay between divine dictates and human understanding.

Moreover, the story of the tablets illustrates how intricacies of life shape religious doctrine. For instance, when Moses descends and finds the Israelites worshipping the golden calf, anger leads him to break the initial tablets. That act became symbolic itself—a reflection on how human failure often necessitates reflection and redirection towards ideals.

Even after thousands of years, the Ten Commandments challenge us to think about justice and morality, sparking conversations that resonate well beyond ancient times. Whether viewed through historical or ethical lenses, these commandments invite us into a deeper examination of how we live and relate to one another.