Moses broke the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments as a symbolic act of anger and frustration in response to the disobedience of the Israelites. The account of this event is found in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Exodus, chapter 32.
After leading the Israelites out of Egypt and receiving the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai, Moses descended from the mountain and found the people engaged in idolatry. They had crafted a golden calf and were worshiping it as a god. This idolatrous behavior was a direct violation of the first and second commandments, which prohibited the worship of any other gods and the making of graven images.
Upon seeing the people's sin, Moses became angry and shattered the tablets of the Ten Commandments at the base of the mountain (Exodus 32:19). This action symbolized the breaking of the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites due to their disobedience and rebellion. It was a dramatic gesture intended to demonstrate the seriousness of their sin and the consequences of turning away from God.
After breaking the tablets, Moses confronted the people about their sin and interceded on their behalf before God. He pleaded for God's mercy and forgiveness, seeking reconciliation between God and the people (Exodus 32:30-32). Ultimately, God showed mercy and spared the Israelites from destruction, but the incident served as a sobering reminder of the importance of obedience and fidelity to God's commands.