In Search of the Mountain of God: The Discovery of the Real Mt. Sinai

by Robert Cornuke, David Halbrook

Two men recall their inspiring story of the search for the biblical Mt. Sinai--a journey that took them trespassing into military installations late at night and other dangerous locales.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Christian, Adventure, Theology, Travel

240 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2000

Reviews

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one of several books chronicling Bob Cornuke and Larry Williams' journeys to Jebel al-Lawz, a mountain that many people consider to be the biblical Mt. Sinai. Though the book tends to give the impression that Cornuke and Williams were the "discoverers" of Jebel al-Lawz's possible ties to the Exodus, the truth is they were pointed in the right direction by a previous expedition led by amateur archeologist Ron Wyatt, whose work regarding such biblical artifacts as Noah's Ark is widely considered to be fraudulent (so, it's no surprise that Wyatt is given only a single mention). Cornuke also admits that, in Saudi Arabia, the mountain's identity as Mt. Sinai is considered common knowledge, and therefore the only real "discovery" in this book is Cornuke's seemingly successful attempt to trace the exact Exodus route all the way from Jebel al-Lawz in Saudi Arabia back to where it originated in ancient Egypt.
Despite this book not being a scholarly work by any means, Cornuke makes a strong argument for his case, especially considering how little time he actually spent exploring the area (he and his traveling partner must have been given a heads-up on what to look out for). Despite the relative ease with which Cornuke seems to make one important discovery after another in a very short period of time, I found his presentation of the material to be quite convincing. By the end of the book, I felt positive that Jebel al-Lawz was indeed the real Mt. Sinai.
Ah, but then I went online and read some arguments in opposition to Cornuke's thesis, most of which were put forth by biblical scholar Gordon Franz. At some point, the back-and-forth debate got very technical, and I would need a doctorate in Bible history to sort out whose information is correct, Cornuke's or Franz's.
So, ultimately, I'm not qualified to have an opinion on whether this book's main premise is accurate. Sure is fun to speculate, though.
As for the book itself, I found it something of a mixed bag. In order to make it more fun, Cornuke recounts his explorations in such a way that I almost felt I was reading an Allan Quatermain novel rather than a book on biblical archaeology. The upside is that IN SEARCH OF THE MOUNTAIN OF GOD will hold the attention of even the most casual readers, but the downside is that the book sometimes feels heavy on adventure and light on facts. I also got tired of Cornuke constantly reminding me of what an accomplished and gutsy dude he is. Please, Mr. Cornuke, I can figure that out for myself. But I must say, for a self-styled "international adventurer," Mr. Cornuke sure seems out of his element in foreign countries. When he's not throwing out his back or getting lost in the desert, he's carelessly walking into minefields (literally) and stupidly getting his local contact in trouble with the authorities. The low point of the book is when Cornuke and Williams have a footrace to prove who is manlier--a childish competition which Cornuke wins with bad grace (by recounting it in the book) and Williams loses with even worse grace.
It's a fun book to read if you're into these sorts of adventures, but not good enough to warrant all the different versions that have been published. In addition to this volume, Cornuke has written RELIC QUEST, which is a slight variation of the same thing. THE GOLD OF EXODUS by Howard Blum is another account of Cornuke and Williams' adventure, and Williams himself wrote THE MOUNTAIN OF MOSES (later retitled THE MOUNT SINAI MYTH) chronicling the exact same trip. Not only does this feel like a bit of a cash grab, but the result is that certain minor discrepancies arise and cast a shadow on the overall narrative. For example, it seems clear that Cornuke has a tendency to exaggerate for dramatic effect.
Honestly, you're better off just watching the documentary (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICBv1...) and calling it a night.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fairly skeptical about reading this, but it turned out to be a great little book. It was a quick read, fairly well written, and the story rang true. I am not left with any doubt. Also, the recounting of the conversion experience was surprisingly one of the most believable I've read.

I'm sure great "scholars" will look down on this as the imaginative work of zealous laymen. However, even with my fairly extreme initial skepticism, I was struck by the lack of artifice, the obvious truth of their personal experiences, and their clear reasoning.

I highly recommend this, esp. for anyone interested in Biblical archaeology.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book tremendously, but as an adventure story about travelling through a hostile desert environment while avoiding hostile Bedouins who would capture and execute these two dudes at a moment's notice.
Mt. Sinai (the "real" one, according to the author) is behind chain link fence, with armed guards. Despite this inconvenience, Robert and Larry manage to gain entry, work their way to the top, and find many historical sites as described in Exodus.
Cornuke makes it all sound very convincing. But if the top of the mountain is scorched black granite, is that proof that God "descended on it in fire"? (Exodus 19:18-19) or...the Biblical account was written 500 years later, which apparently it was, to explain why the mountain is black at the top.
The arguments Cornuke make are convincing on their face, and I would not be the one to say he imagined all his findings. But I'm just a skeptic at heart.
I did truly enjoy this book as an adventure, and had my Google Maps close at hand to explore the places I was reading about. It is a short book and is worth a read if you would like an adventure story.
I will say the book is NOT full of religious entreaties which will make a non-believer uncomfortable. The only consistent references are to chapter/verse in Exodus to explain their findings.

[Steven R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read ‘The Gold of Exodus’ years ago, I was craving to re-read the story again, but in a review found that this book, ‘In Search of the Mountain of God’ was the original, whereas ‘The Gold of Exodus’ was just a retelling.

I am thankful I bought this book. It is a well-written, fascinating tale of the search for the real Mount Sinai. The book makes a strong case that the real Mount Sinai is in Saudi Arabia (Jamal Al Lawz) instead of on the Sinai Peninsula, where tradition holds the location to be. The case is even stronger that this traditional location, at St. Catherine’s Monastery in Egypt, is absolutely not the location of Mount Sinai.

As already said, the book is well written, and it is an easy read. It held my attention from beginning to end, though there were some portions that seemed to unnecessarily retell parts of the story. I thought the conclusion at the end was nice, and wondered if beginning with it would have been better.

If you have an interest in adventure and especially biblical history, I can’t recommend this book enough.

[Dona · Rating 4 out of 5]

I visited Israel some years ago and I remember my guide telling the group that this is the traditional site for such and such happening in the Bible. That there was no proof that it occurred at this exact spot but it was good to visit the different spots because it REMINDS us of what has been told to in the Bible.
With that in mind, I read Robert Cornuke's book, In Search of the Mountain of God, not really being fussed where Mt Sinai was, but only believing that Moses met God on a mountain. After reading it, I was excited about his findings and wanted to believe him.
It was an easy to read book and it was very exciting in parts such as when he was arrested by Saudi soldiers and feared for his life, but there were often times I wanted more. It also got me thinking and wanting to go back to my Bible and compare his findings with it.

[Savannah Sibert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exodus is my favorite book of the Bible and reading this book had me feeling like a kid on Christmas morning! The evidence alone kept me turning pages, but the story of their expedition was engaging and fascinating as well.

[Michael Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

A real-life adventure tracking down the elusive location of the Biblical Mount Sinai. Fun, easy reading!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone who is inquisitive about truth should read this. This is my second time through this.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting but a little over dramatic

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an account of Robert Cornuke's trip into Saudi Arabia looking for evidence of Mt. Sinai. Using biblical accounts, he draws a compelling argument for the fact the mountain on which Moses saw God exists in Saudi Arabia.

[Judy Cahill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great adventure, fascinating outcome. I have heard this author speak in person and he has compelling arguments for his conclusions.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not widely known but should be of interest to anyone that wants to read compelling proof and reality of Mount Sinai. It is not in Egypt, it is in Saudi Arabia.

[Rebecca Vincent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read like an adventure story. A fascinating first-person perspective. The author is more sentimental than scientific in determining this as Mt. Sinai.