Rock Inscription Ridge
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Rock Inscription Ridge
Located behind the split rock range are two large open plains with a slight incline to a hilltop/ridge between the plains. Near the top of the ridge there are mostly basalt rocks scattered all over. Scattered throughout the incline, rocks can be observed with petroglyphs of: scene depictions, sandal prints, archers, animals, shapes, Sabaean script, Proto-Siniaic script and precursors to the Hebrew script. The number of inscriptions on this ridge clearly demonstrates that a large number of people were at this location. Also noteworthy is that when observed these inscriptions are not done by the same person. There are distinct differences throughout as to style and tool.
There was once a larger number of sandal print carvings at this location. Over the years the sandal print carving has gone missing and there are very few left at this location. The sandal prints are sometimes accompanied with a three-strike mark of Hebrew letter signifying the palm of the hand or the sole of the foot. This brings to mind in the Bible, Deuteronomy 11:24 “Every place on which the sole of your foot treads shall be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the River Euphrates, even to the Western Sea, shall be your territory.” And also in the Bible Joshua 1:3 “Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.” Could this be the ancient Israelites making signs?
Located in the lower plain to the south of the ridge there were many sling stones found. On the ridge there are depictions of slings being thrown and arrows being shot overlooking this open plain. Many have speculated that this might be the location of the battlefield in which the Israelites battled the Amalekites. Could this be the ridge that Moses was on with his arms raised in the air? (Exodus 17:11-13) Down from this battlefield plain, southward there are multiple sites of what looks to be multiple encampment sites. This further shows that many people were at this location. There is still a lot left to be discovered at these locations as well as not enough documentation has been completed.