### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Chôrêb**, represented by `{{H2722}}`, refers to a **desolate** place and is a generic name for the Sinaitic mountains. It appears **17 times** across **17 unique verses** in the Bible. It is identified as a pivotal location in Israel's narrative, often called the "mountain of God" [[Exodus 3:1]], establishing it as a primary site for divine encounters.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2722}}` is the location of foundational events. It is where Moses, while tending the flock for Jethro his father in law, comes to the "mountain of God, even to Horeb" [[Exodus 3:1]]. At Horeb, the LORD provides water from a rock for the people to drink [[Exodus 17:6]] and makes a covenant with the children of Israel after they came out of Egypt [[Deuteronomy 5:2]]. This site is also marked by Israel's failure, where they made a calf and provoked the LORD to wrath ([[Psalms 106:19]]; [[Deuteronomy 9:8]]). The law of Moses was commanded there for all Israel [[Malachi 4:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the events at Horeb:
* `{{H2022}}` **har** (a mountain or range of hills): This word is explicitly linked to Horeb, which is repeatedly called "the mount of God" [[1 Kings 19:8]] or "the mountain of the Amorites" [[Deuteronomy 1:19]], underscoring its identity as a specific, elevated place of divine significance.
* `{{H1285}}` **bᵉrîyth** (a covenant): Horeb is the specific location where the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel [[Deuteronomy 5:2]]. This covenant, memorialized on two tables of stone, is a central theme of the events that occurred there [[1 Kings 8:9]].
* `{{H784}}` **ʼêsh** (fire): The divine presence at Horeb is powerfully associated with fire. The LORD spoke to the Israelites at Horeb "out of the midst of the fire" [[Deuteronomy 4:15]], and the people feared seeing this "great fire" again [[Deuteronomy 18:16]].
* `{{H4057}}` **midbâr** (a desert; wilderness): Horeb is situated within the desert. Moses first reached it by leading his flock to the "backside of the desert" [[Exodus 3:1]], and later, Israel departed from Horeb to journey through the "great and terrible wilderness" [[Deuteronomy 1:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2722}}` is demonstrated through several key themes:
* **The Seat of Covenant and Law:** Horeb is remembered as the place where God established His covenant `{{H1285}}` with the nation of Israel [[Deuteronomy 29:1]]. It is where the law `{{H8451}}` of Moses, with its statutes `{{H2706}}` and judgments `{{H4941}}`, was commanded `{{H6680}}` for all the people [[Malachi 4:4]].
* **A Place of Divine Revelation:** At Horeb, God speaks `{{H1696}}` directly to His people [[Deuteronomy 4:15]]. God stands `{{H5975}}` before Moses on the rock `{{H6697}}`, revealing His power and provision [[Exodus 17:6]]. However, this revelation was auditory, as the people saw no similitude `{{H8544}}`.
* **The Ground of Rebellion and Judgment:** Horeb is not only a place of divine faithfulness but also of human failure. It was there that Israel provoked `{{H7107}}` the LORD, made a calf `{{H5695}}`, and worshipped a molten image `{{H4541}}`, leading God to be angry `{{H599}}` enough to destroy `{{H8045}}` them ([[Deuteronomy 9:8]]; [[Psalms 106:19]]). In response, the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments `{{H5716}}` by the mount [[Exodus 33:6]].
### Summary
In summary, **Chôrêb** `{{H2722}}` is far more than a desolate mountain. It is a central location in the Old Testament where the relationship between God and Israel is forged and tested. It is the site of miraculous provision, divine revelation, and the giving of the covenant law. At the same time, it is the backdrop for Israel's rebellion and God's holy wrath, illustrating the profound consequences of the nation's response to the covenant made there.
TRV