Horeb—God’s mountain
Throughout the Bible, mountaintops are considered holy places. Noah’s ark comes to rest on Mount Ararat; the prophet Elijah demonstrates God’s supremacy on Mount Carmel; and Christ Jesus’ transfiguration takes place on a mountain traditionally identified as Mount Tabor (see Genesis 8:4; I Kings 18:17–39; Matthew 17:1–3).
Mount Horeb (also called Mount Sinai) is the site of several compelling events. First mentioned in Exodus 3:1 as “the mountain of God,” it is where Moses encounters God at the burning bush and is given the mandate to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. During their exodus, Moses again comes to Horeb—this time, with thousands of freed Jews. There God renews His covenant with His people and gives the Hebrew leader the Ten Commandments. Deuteronomy 4:1–14 records Moses’ exhortation to the people to remember and honor the demands made on them at Horeb.
Centuries after this, Elijah flees from Queen Jezebel to this holy mountain. His destination isn’t random—he travels about 250 miles (400 kilometers) to reach it. God then shows Elijah His power in “a still small voice” (see I Kings 19:1–12).
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