The LORD said to Moses, of course, introduces the words of Yahweh, but the more common word for said (ʾamar) is used, which does not usually mark a major division. Verses 1-3 may therefore be understood as the conclusion to the fourth dialogue exchange that begins at 33.18. (See the comment at 32.7.) However, since this verse marks the beginning of a new chapter, some translators will need to add some words to connect this verse to the previous chapter; for example, “After Yahweh appeared to Moses, he said to him ….”

Cut two tables of stone like the first is literally “You [singular] carve for yourself two tablets of stone like the first ones.” The word for cut is the verb form of the noun for “graven image” in 20.4. New International Version has “chisel out.” (For tables of stone see the comment at 24.12.) Jerusalem Bible and New Jerusalem Bible add the words “and come up to me on the mountain,” on the basis of the Septuagint, but the Hebrew does not have these words.

And I will write upon the tables means that Yahweh will again do the writing. (See 24.12 and 31.18.) The words that were on the first tables uses the usual word devarim for words, which probably is intended to refer to the ten words introduced in 20.1. (See also verse 28 below.) So Contemporary English Version has “I will write on them the same commandments….” Which you broke uses the same verb as 32.19, meaning “which you broke in pieces” (Translator’s Old Testament). The you, of course, is singular, since it refers to Moses.

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .