The Bible recounts how Moses climbed a mysterious mountain, met with God face-to-face and descended carrying the Ten Commandments etched in stone.
The true location of this sacred site has been lost to history, sparking debate over whether Mount Sinai lies in Egypt or across the border in Saudi Arabia.
Biblical researcher Joel Richardson is among those who support the Saudi theory, arguing that a remote peak known as Jabal al-Lawz matches the Bible’s description more closely than any other site.
The mountain features what he describes as a two-tiered structure—a massive peak rising behind a broad, bowl-shaped plateau, just as the Bible describes Moses ascending alone while others remained below.
The story of Moses is told in the Book of Exodus, which narrates how the Israelites were led out of slavery in Egypt toward the Promised Land.
According to scripture, God called Moses to Mount Sinai, where he gave instructions for building the tabernacle and performing offerings.
When God finished speaking, he gave Moses two stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments.
Nearby Jabal al-Lawz, a massive split rock stands like a monument, which Richardson links to the story of Moses striking the stone to bring forth water.
He also pointed to a dry riverbed running beside the mountain, another detail from scripture that provides ‘evidence’ that Jabal al-Lawz could be the true location.
A Biblical researcher has shared ancient clues found at a mountain in Saudi Arabia, which he believes points to it being where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God
According to scripture, God called Moses to Mount Sinai, where he gave instructions for building the tabernacle and performing offerings. When God finished speaking, he gave Moses two stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments
Richardson’s view on the location, however, is among the minority.
Most researches are sure Mount Sinai is in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula because the biblical description of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness aligns closely with the region.
One of the most influential factors is the presence of St Catherine’s Monastery, built in the 6th century at the base of a mountain long identified as Mount Sinai, also known as Jebel Musa, or ‘Mountain of Moses.’
Early Christian historians and Byzantine monks helped establish this site as the biblical mountain through maps and pilgrimage routes
But modern scholars are taking another look at where the location could be, suggesting it is the mountain in Saudi Arabia, located nearly 200 miles away.
Richardson first visited Jebel al-Lawz in 2018 and recalled thinking, ‘This is exactly what you would expect to find simply reading the biblical text.’
‘Deuteronomy says there’s a river that comes down the mountain right next to the altar, and it’s right there. It’s mostly a dry riverbed today,’ he said.
There have also been archaeological discoveries at the Saudi mountain, including 12 stone pillars found in 1984.
Many people believe Mount Sinai is in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula because the biblical description of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness aligns closely with the region. There is also an ancient monastery built at the site
Another clue is the ‘Split Rock’ near the mountain, which would align with the Biblical story that Moses struck a rock at Horeb to provide water for the Israelites, who were thirsty and complaining
In Exodus 24:4, the Bible recounts how Moses built an altar and erected twelve pillars to represent the twelve tribes of Israel.
Also on the side of the mountain are ancient petroglyphs of domestic cattle that are said to date back to before 1000BC.
Petroglyphs of cows have been found near the mountain, some showing figures holding large animals above their heads.
These images align with the Book of Exodus , which describes the Israelites building a golden calf to worship while Moses was on top of the mountain for 40 days and 40 nights.
But other experts point to the mountain in Saudi Arabia due to archaeological discoveries like the 12 pillars that are mentioned in the Bible
Petroglyphs of cows have also been found near the mountain, some showing figures holding large animals above their heads. The images align with scripture that tells how the Israelites built an altar for a golden calf
While Richardson is very knowledgeable when it comes to Biblical text and Jabal al-Lawz, he said he approaches all this ‘evidence’ caution.
One example is the ‘Split Rock’ near the mountain, which would align with the Biblical story that Moses struck a rock at Horeb to provide water for the Israelites, who were thirsty and complaining.
However, God had commanded him to speak to the rock to bring forth water.
Scripture says that Moses did not trust God’s power and holiness and instead, hit the rock. This act banned him from entering the Promised Land with the Israelites.
The rock in questions stands about 65 feet tall on top of a pile of rocks that measure about 100 feet high.
‘This particular rock matches the [Biblical] criteria. It is split down the middle, massive water erosion and it is in the right location,’ Richardson said.
‘It could be the Split Rock, but it might not be. It could be an incredible coincidence.’
