“They set out from Rephidim and came into the wilderness of Sinai, and they encamped in the wilderness. There Israel encamped before the mountain, while Moses went up to God” (Exodus 19:2-3).

The mountain in question is Mount Sinai. It’s where God gave the 10 Commandments to the people through Moses. The traditional location of the mountain is Jebel Musa in Egypt. One of its hallmark features is how barren it is.

No flower beds, leafy trees, or flowing rivers. Just rock. And dirt. And more rock.

It is, as the text says, “wilderness.” Professor Jonathan Lipnick points out that this location isn’t arbitrary. The location is “where God takes his children to re-educate them.” The slavery of Egypt his behind them, and the contaminating influence of paganism and idolatry in the Promised Land are still in front of them. Lipnik points out that the wilderness is a location which is “neutralized from outside influences.”*

It’s a very helpful insight. I hadn’t thought about it very much before. It makes a lot of sense. The influences around us are powerful. When we see and hear certain things on a daily basis they have a way of shaping our thoughts, decisions and actions. Knowing this, God took his people on a journey to a place of focus and re-education.

Is this something you need as well?

I’m not suggesting you pack your bags for Jebel Musa. I’m simply inviting you to ask whether the people and practices around you are influencing your thoughts, decisions and actions in a negative way. Generally speaking, are they making it harder for you to hear and follow God’s voice, or easier? 

In John 10:27 Jesus says: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

To hear clearly, we need to dial down competing voices so we can tune in to the voice of our Good Shepherd. 

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Notes:

-*“The 40 years of wandering in the wilderness.” Video by Prof. Jonathan Lipnick, IsraelBiblicalStudies.com.
-The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week and returns on May 12, 2025.
-Bible quotes are from the NIV.