Ten Commandments Mountain
The “Ten Commandments Mountain,” widely identified as Jabal Maqla in Saudi Arabia, holds significant biblical and historical intrigue as a proposed site for Mount Sinai. This prominent peak, part of the larger Jabal al-Lawz mountain range, is characterized by its distinctive blackened, scorched summit, a feature some interpret as evidence of divine fire. The surrounding area also presents various archaeological and geological formations that proponents link to the Exodus narrative, including what are believed to be ancient altars, a split rock with water erosion, and the remains of a large encampment.
Explorers and researchers have documented numerous features around Jabal Maqla that fuel the theory of it being the true Mount Sinai. These include a large, circular enclosure at the base, potentially the golden calf altar, and the dry streambeds that could have been the “brook that descended from the mountain.” The distinctive black rock at the summit, contrasting sharply with the reddish-brown granite of the lower slopes, is a key visual argument for those who believe this is where the Law was given, suggesting a direct divine intervention.
While not universally accepted by mainstream academia, the “Ten Commandments Mountain” hypothesis has garnered a dedicated following, drawing attention to the geological and archaeological anomalies of Jabal Maqla. The sheer scale and unique characteristics of the mountain, combined with the various supporting features found in its vicinity, continue to make it a compelling subject for those exploring alternative locations for the biblical Mount Sinai and the dramatic events of the Exodus.