Moses wrote. — Comp. Exodus 17:14. The familiarity of Moses with writing is throughout presumed in the Pentateuch. One “learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians” under the nineteenth dynasty could not well be ignorant of this ordinary Egyptian accomplishment.
Under the hill. — Heb., the mountain. The Ras Sufsafeh is intended.
Twelve pillars. — As the altar symbolised and indicated the presence of Jehovah, one party to the Covenant, so the twelve pillars — probably long stones set up on end (Genesis 28:18) — symbolised the presence of the twelve tribes, the other party. (For another instance of the employment of such symbolism see Joshua 4:3; Joshua 4:9; Joshua 4:20.)