The answer is: Horeb

Deut 4:10-12

The mountain of Horeb, also beautifully dubbed Sinai, is steeped in history and significance for the Israelites. This isn’t just a mountain; it represents a pivotal place where the people received divine laws that would shape their community and identity. Imagine standing on that rocky terrain, the sounds of the desert, and witnessing a phenomenal display of fire and thunder. The fiery manifestation is often likened to God’s powerful presence — striking and consuming, yet purposed to guide rather than destroy.

As the Israelites listened intently to God speaking through the fire, it wasn’t just about receiving laws; it opened a doorway to a relationship with the Divine. This moment is often echoed throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, symbolizing personal encounters with God. Think of Moses in Exodus, experiencing a similar divine calling through a burning bush, entirely consumed yet not destroyed.

But here’s an interesting bit: Horeb and Sinai might sometimes be used interchangeably, which sparks debate among scholars. Some posit that these names point to different experiences or narratives, reflecting the oral traditions that receded into the texts we read today. It’s as if these mountains represent different facets of unity and challenge — embodying the exhilaration and the trepidation of approaching the Divine.

Even outside of its historical rigor, the mountain beckons for introspection — asking, how are we each called to listen and engage with the truths that guide our own lives?