Summary
In verses 1‑5 Moses receives a divine commission to hew new tablets of stone, mirroring the original covenant, and places them in an Ark of wood made from shittim. He recounts the journey of Israel from Beeroth to Mosera, noting Aaron’s burial and Eleazar’s assumption of the priesthood. The text continues with Israel’s travels to Gudgodah and Jotbath, a riverine land, and explains God’s separation of the tribe of Levi to bear the Ark and serve as priests, noting their lack of inheritance. Moses’ 40‑day stay in the mount echoes the first covenant encounter, and he orders Israel to take possession of the promised land. The passage concludes with exhortations: fear, walk, love, and serve God; the heavens, earth, and God’s greatness are praised; the heart is urged to be circumcised; God’s impartiality, justice, and love for strangers are highlighted, reminding Israel of their own past as foreigners in Egypt.