Exodus
Sites
Seeing the Exodus Sites Brings The Story of the Exodus to Life
The deserts and wilderness of Arabia has captivated the imaginations of people for generations. This enduring allure of Arabia is evident in the lasting appeal of literary works like Arabian Nights, Lawrence of Arabia, and Aladdin. The relatively recent discoveries of the Exodus Sites in Saudi Arabia merges the fascination with the region and the religious aim to deepen our understanding of the biblical narrative of the Exodus. Scroll down the page to read about the various Exodus Sites in Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
mOUNT sINAI
Mount Sinai is often referred to as the mountain of God. It is here that God revealed His name to Moses through a burning bush. At this sacred site, God descended amidst dark clouds and fire, presenting the Ten Commandments on stone tablets. Today, the summit is known as Jabal Maqla, translating to ‘Burnt Mountain’ in English, due to the distinctive black rock that crowns its peak. At the foot of the mountain lie the remnants of the Altar of Moses and the twelve pillars, which God instructed Moses to erect in Exodus 24. Nearby, ancient petroglyphs depict Egyptian calf worship, unique to this area and believed to mark the location of the Golden Calf incident. Hikers who embark on this journey will be met with the mountain's breathtaking grandeur and stunning views of the desert landscape. They will have the opportunity to visit Elijah’s Cave and stroll on the Plateau of the 70 Elders.
sPLIT rOCK OF mOSES
After witnessing their liberation from Egypt and the miraculous passage through the Red Sea, Moses guided the Israelites to a region known as Rephadim. In this arid landscape, as they heeded God's command to journey to Mount Sinai, they found themselves without water. In response, God instructed Moses to strike “the Rock of Horeb,” resulting in the rock splitting in two (Is. 48:21) and water flowing forth like a mighty river (Ps. 78:15). Amidst a desert strewn with rocks, this “Rock of Horeb” served as a notable landmark adjacent to Mount Sinai. Rising on a substantial hill and reaching 4 or 5 stories high, this remarkable and iconic site can be viewed from miles away by today’s visitors. Nearby lie potential sites of the battlefield where Israel triumphed over Amalek, supported by Aaron and Hur as they held up the hands of Moses.
Red Sea Crossing
The splitting of the Red Sea and the drowning of Pharoah's army is perhaps the grandest miracle in Scripture. When the Real Mount Sinai is accurately located near ancient Midian, a plausible site for the sea's division comes into focus with the Sea of Aqaba. Researchers including Dr. Glen A Fritz have identified a singular spot in the Sea of Aqaba where a natural bridge exists beneath the surface, which would have allowed the Israelites to cross with ease once the waters had parted. Subsequently pillars were set up on both sides of the sea to commemorate the location, which some speculate were set up by King Solomon. Though the pillar on the Saudi side has since been removed, a marker exists at the spot where it once stood. Furthermore, the Sea of Aqaba is celebrated for its extensive reefs and is ranked among the world's leading diving destinations, making it an exceptional place for snorkeling and scuba diving amidst its vibrant underwater landscapes.
Caves of jethro
When fleeing Egypt Moses came to live in Midian. Midian is located on the east side of the modern day Sea of Aqaba. Historically, there have been two primary oasis towns associated with Midian. One of those is the modern day town of Al Bad'a. Close by lies an area known in Arabic as Magha'ir Shu'ayb, translated as the Caves of Jethro, where it is believed that Jethro once resided. At the base of the hill, an ancient well, possibly the Well of Zipporah, exists, marking the spot where Moses met his wife. In subsequent years, the Nabateans carved their unique tombs into the same hillside. From this vantage point, one can gaze upon the distant Jabal Maqla.
Elim
Elim was the second stop for the ancient Israelites after crossing the Red Sea. It is described in Exodus as an oasis having 70 palm trees and 12 wells. Today, there exists an oasis not too far from one of the proposed Red Sea crossing sites that fits that brief description of Elim. It stands out in the desert landscape with palm trees and around a dozen wells. It sits at the entrance to the amazing Wadi Tayyib al Ism, a beautiful oasis gorge with an easy 3 mile walk to the Sea of Aqaba. The shade from the gorge and the water trickling down from the oasis to the sea provides the ideal natural habitat for exotic desert flora and fauna. You can imagine ancient Israelites exploring this wadi as they camped nearby. Walking through this wadi is an unforgettable experience and a highlight on the Exodus Paths tour. Recently, NEOM has closed this site to tourists while they prepare to build fantastic hotels in the cliffs overlooking the sea, but they will be made available again at some point in the future.
Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum is a protected desert wilderness in the south west of Jordan. It is famous for its natural landscapes, enormous rock formations and red sand. The beauty of Wadi Rum has long drawn the attention of people. The fascinating Lawrence of Arabia visited Wadi Rum on several occasions and is thought to have set into motion the Arabic rebellion from the Ottoman Empire during WW1 there. Many films have made their sets here. It is also likely that the Israelites made their way through some of these parts in their wanderings and on their way to the Promised Land. Umm ad Dami is the tallest mountain in Jordan and is on the far south side of the Wadi Rum wilderness. Some have identified this mountain as the biblical Mount Paran, one of the camp sites for the Israelites.
Petra
The historic city of Petra served as the capital of the Nabatean Empire. Today, it proudly holds the designation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ranks among the 7 Wonders of the World. The remnants of city extend in many directions and sparks the imagination of tourists who visit from all over the world. The renowned Treasury and Monastery evoke a sense of wonder, particularly when one considers that much of the city remains unexcavated. Located within the contemporary city of Wadi Musa, which translates to the Valley of Moses, Petra is thought by some to be near or at the biblical site of Kadesh. Close by, a rock and spring are believed to be the ones associated with the Rock Moses struck in Numbers 20. Additionally, Mount Hor, where Aaron passed away, can be seen nearby. During this time, the Edomites dwelled in the area, especially just north between Petra and the Dead Sea. The Israelites sought passage through Edom from Kadesh, but they were denied entry, which compelled Moses and the Israelites to journey around Edom instead.
Mount Nebo
The story of Moses culminates at Mount Nebo where God allows him to view the Promised Land. After shepherding Israel for 40 years, Moses and Israel encamp on the plains of Moab near the Jordan River, poised to cross into the Promised Land. It is here that Moses retells the Law to a new generation, as documented in the book of Deuteronomy. In the final chapter of Deuteronomy, we read that the Lord "showed him the whole land," yet he was forbidden from crossing into it due to his disobedience in striking the Rock as recounted Numbers 20. The great prophet and leader then passed away, and his burial site remains unknown. An ancient church and monastery, cared for by the Franciscans, commemorate the location. Close by lies the historic city of Madaba, home to the oldest mosaic map in existence. Bethany by the Jordan is also nearby, which of course is also near where Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land, ending 40 years of Exodus journey