Shalom, to you my Friend and Co-Minister in the Great Commission...
It is a potentially stunning discovery - and no matter what, a fascinating one. Archaeologists have claimed to have located the mountain where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments.
The findings go against the traditional association of the events with the Sinai peninsula. The archaeologists believe that the event took place on the Saudi Arabian side of the Red Sea. The evidence they've presented is captivating.
The Biblical account records that when the Israelites approached the site, Mount Sinai was burning, smoking and on fire. The researchers identify the mountain as Jabal Maqla. The mountain is unique in being crowned by blackened peaks as if a fire had scorched it.
The Biblical account speaks of the parting of the Red Sea and the Israelites walking through its midst. The researchers believe that the most likely crossing point is a site now known as Nuweiba Beach as studies have revealed land paths beneath the water. Further they point to the evidence uncovered by Swedish scientist Lennart Moller as the remnants of a fleeing army. Further, they point to the shapes of chariots encased in the coral beneath the sea.
The Bible records that on the way to Sinai, Moses split a rock in two and from that rock gushed forth water. On the path to the mountain Jabal Maqla is a towering rock on a large hill - split down the middle. The area receives very little rainfall - but the rock and the hill on which it rests show signs of massive water erosion.
The Biblical account records that Moses built an altar of uncut stones at the bottom of Mount Sinai and there set up twelve pillars to stand for the twelve tribes of Israel. At the bottom of Jabal Maqla are the ruins of an ancient altar of uncut stones of granite. Beside the altar appear to be small ancient pillars of marble. Nine pillar have been found and several broken pieces of marble can be found scattered throughout the site.
The Bible records that when Moses came down from Sinai, he found the Israelites worshiping a golden calf they had made. Near Jabal Maqla is a stone platform that could have served as a pedestal on which an object of worship was placed (as in a golden calf). Most fascinating is what surrounds the platform - depictions of people worshiping bulls and cows. The Bible records that those who worshiped the golden calf that day were slain. Near the pedestal are signs of an ancient graveyard.
Whether or not the evidence is born out as Biblical Mount Sinai, it remains a fascinating discovery. And more important than where the law was actually given is that we keep God's word by following it in our lives. And in a nation that has removed the Ten Commandments from its public halls, and has increasingly censored His Word, it is all the more crucial that we uphold His ways in our actions, our walks, our words, our stands, and our lives. Make that your aim this month - and may God greatly bless you as you do!
See Message: The Golden Calf Civilization
Scripture: Proverbs 3:1-2
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