Sinai in Arabia: Unveiling the Giants of Amalek?
A Journey into Arabia’s Forgotten Biblical Past
Joel Richardson’s profound understanding of Saudi Arabia’s Biblical relevance and its archaeological treasures brought fresh perspectives to light when he took eleven of our interested expeditioners on a special visit to a site he had previously discovered. It is located on the side of Jabal Maqla within reach of average hikers. The Saudi Arabia expedition offered a gateway to a deeper insight into the Amalekites, unveiling a piece of biblical history that has remained elusive yet intact through the sands of time.
Our intrepid explorers led by Joel Richardson, journeyed with us into the heart of Saudi Arabia’s biblical past, unveiling mysteries etched in the rocky face of Jabal Maqla.
If you ask a local about the meaning of ‘Amalek’ they readily answer. In Arabic, ‘imlāq عمالق†, is giant, and the plural is عماليق†, ‘amāliqah, suggesting that those of this tribe were unusually tall!
Richardson captured images that may cast a new light on ancient scriptural texts. He had previously taken the photos with a camera with a specialized filter so that some of the imagery was focused. The focused imagery revealed not just the artistry of a bygone era, but also whispered tales of giants, adding a new layer of intrigue to the rich tapestry of the region’s biblical narrative.
The lineage of Amalek is traced back to Genesis 36:11, where Timna, a concubine of Eliphaz, Esau’s son, bore Amalek. Timna was a Horite, as noted in Genesis 36:20-22. The Horites, known to have resided in the hill country of Seir in the land of Edom, are described as giants or Rephaim in Deuteronomy 2 and Exodus 13. This narrative aligns with the description in Numbers 13:25-33, where the formidable presence of the inhabitants of the land, recounted by the Israelite spies, depicted a land inhabited by giants, the sons of Anak.
The biblical narrative further unfolds in Exodus 17:8-16, recounting the significant battle at Rephidim, right before reaching Mount Sinai, between the Hebrews and the Amalekites. The Hebrews were intercepted by the Amalekites while passing near Amalekite territory on their way to the mountain. Moses, with Aaron and Hur, orchestrated the battle from a hilltop, leading to a divine victory and a vow to obliterate the memory of Amalek from under heaven.
As we transition our religious explorations from the well-trodden paths in Israel to the unexplored Biblical landscapes in Saudi Arabia, a wealth of spiritual enlightenment and historical revelation awaits.
Joel Richardson and Rhonda Sand of Living Passages finding a moment of reflection at Jabal Maqla. Their quest for biblical understanding bridges ancient scriptures with the lands that witnessed history unfold.
The profound experience of standing at the foot of Jabal Maqla resonated with the Biblical narrative, where Moses led the people to meet God amidst thunder, lightning, and divine revelations.
Exodus 19:10-17 The Lord also said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments; and let them be ready for the third day, for on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. “You shall set bounds for the people all around, saying, ‘Beware that you do not go up on the mountain or touch the border of it; whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. ‘No hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot through with arrows; whether beast or man, he shall not live.’ When the ram’s horn sounds a long blast, they shall come up to the mountain.” So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and consecrated the people, and they washed their garments. He said to the people, “Be ready for the third day; do not go near a woman.” So it came about on the third day, when it was morning, that there were thunder and lightning flashes and a thick cloud upon the mountain and a very loud trumpet sound, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain.
The petroglyphs and paintings of archers discovered at the base of Mount Sinai further enrich the tapestry of historical and biblical narrative.
Dive deeper into Joel Richardson’s insights through his free resources and join us on a teaching expedition to learn for yourself what has remained intact for our lifetime. Joel’s teaching and fresh insight into Saudi Arabia’s Biblical importance and its previously hidden archaeology is unmatched.
What Will They Remember?
SOUTH AFRICA SAFARI
