A recent discovery in Egypt’s Sinai Desert could be the earliest known reference to Moses, dating back nearly 3,800 years.
American–Israeli retired rabbi, epigraphist and researcher Michael Bar-Ron from Israel’s Ariel University has re-analysed what are called Proto-Sinaitic inscriptions that were found at the ancient turquoise mining site of Serabit el-Khadim.
It is in a remote part of the desert northwest of Mount Sinai where God handed the Ten Commandments to Moses.
According to Mr. Bar-Ron’s study, at least two of the ancient inscriptions carved into stone appear to read: This is from Moses and Declaration of Moses.
POSSIBLY THE OLDEST WRITTEN REFERENCE TO MOSES OUTSIDE THE BIBLE
If confirmed, this would mark the oldest written reference to Moses outside the Bible, predating the earliest Hebrew Scriptures by centuries.
The inscriptions also reference the name ‘El’, the early Israelite term for God, and appear to strongly warn against the worship of pagan deities such as the goddess Ba‘alat.
Over eight years, Mr. Bar-Ron used high-precision photographs and 3D scans of known inscriptions, specifically Sinai 357 and 361 — which had been previously considered meaningless symbols — leading to what he attributes to Moses.
“MY READINGS ARE NOT ISOLATED GUESSES”
“My readings are not isolated guesses at letter shapes – they are part of a coherent framework I call “clades,” the epigraph expert told The Independent.
They are groups of inscriptions linked by vocabulary, phrasing, letter forms, and thematic content.
“The same patterns recur in multiple pieces, making the identification less arbitrary and more a matter of pattern recognition,” he added.
GERMAN SUPERVISOR SUPPORTS REFERENCE TO MOSES
Mr. Bar-Ron emphasised the consistency of letters, vocabulary, and style, suggesting that a high-ranking Semitic scribe, possibly within the educated caste of officials, might have been involved in creating the inscriptions.
He suggested to The Independent that the “Moses” inscriptions may have a single author, pointing to stylistic similarities in wording.
His academic supervisor, Dr. Pieter van der Veen from Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany, supported his interpretation.
“He is absolutely right, I read that too. It’s not imaginary,” said Dr. van der Veen.
HIGH DEGREE OF SCEPTICISM OVER THE INTERPRETATION
However, the claims remain unverified with scepticism high in academic circles.
Proto-Sinaitic writing is among the oldest alphabetic scripts and notoriously difficult to decipher.
This script is thought to be a precursor to Phoenician, Greek, and Latin scripts.
Several Egyptologists have warned against premature conclusions, noting that names similar to Moses appear elsewhere in Egyptian history and may not be unique to the Biblical leader.
FINDINGS HAVE NOT BEEN PEER REVIEWED
Mr. Bar-Ron concedes his work is in its early stages and not yet peer-reviewed.
He plans to release 3D scans of the inscriptions for scholarly review.
Previous attempts to find archaeological evidence for Moses have largely been unsuccessful.
POTENTIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR CHRISTIANS ARE POWERFUL
Worthy Christian News writes that for Christians, the potential implications are powerful.
“The Bible describes Moses as the great deliverer of Israel, lawgiver at Sinai, and prophet of God.”
“Finding his name carved in the Sinai desert — the very region where Israel wandered during the Exodus — resonates deeply with the Biblical narrative.”
COULD DISCOVERY BE LINKED TO BIBLICAL PROPHECY?
Believers point to Daniel’s prophecy that in the last days “knowledge shall increase” (Daniel 12:4).
Some see the timing of such discoveries as part of God’s unveiling of His Word to strengthen faith in an age of doubt.
And God’s promise through Isaiah remains true: “My word… shall not return void, but it shall accomplish that which I please” (Isaiah 55:11).
Worthy News concludes: “Whether this find proves to be conclusive or not, the story underscores the enduring reliability of Scripture and God’s unfolding plan.”