The book of Exodus recounts that some of Moses’ followers rebelled after he was on Mount Sinai longer than expected. Apparently believing that Moses died or gone missing, they pressured Aaron into creating a golden calf to worship as a representation of God.
According to Exodus chapters 20 and 24, Moses set up an altar “at the foot of the mountain” after writing down God’s Laws in the Book of the Covenant. The altar was for burnt sacrifices and peace offerings of sheep and cattle and must be constructed without steps, and without cut or chiseled stone. The …
Jabal Maqla is recognizable by its distinct blackened peak, which some say may be the evidence of God descending on Mount Sinai as a fire. Researchers have tried to figure out what may have caused this strange color pattern, and theories range from ancient volcanic activity to an external source of “burning.” Josephus’ Description The …