Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Hebrew Bible, revered as the patriarch of the Israelites, Ishmaelites, Edomites, and Midianites. His journey of faith and obedience to God is chronicled in the Book of Genesis. One significant location in Abraham's life is Bethel, a site that holds spiritual and historical importance in his narrative. Biblical Context: Bethel, meaning "House of God," is first mentioned in connection with Abraham in Genesis 12. After receiving God's call to leave his homeland and journey to a land that God would show him, Abraham travels through Canaan, building altars and calling on the name of the Lord. Abraham's Arrival in Bethel: Upon entering the land of Canaan, Abraham makes his way to the area between Bethel and Ai. Genesis 12:8 states, "From there Abram moved on to the hill country east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD." This act of building an altar signifies Abraham's devotion and worship, marking Bethel as a place of spiritual significance. Return to Bethel: After a sojourn in Egypt due to famine, Abraham returns to Bethel. Genesis 13:3-4 records, "From the Negev, he journeyed from place to place until he came to Bethel, to the place between Bethel and Ai where his tent had formerly been pitched, to the site where he had built the altar. And there Abram called on the name of the LORD." This return to Bethel underscores the continuity of Abraham's faith journey and his commitment to worship God. Significance of Bethel: Bethel serves as a spiritual anchor in Abraham's life, a place where he repeatedly seeks communion with God. The altars he builds symbolize his ongoing relationship with the Divine and his role as a patriarch who establishes a legacy of faith for his descendants. Bethel's recurring mention in Abraham's account highlights its importance as a sacred site in the biblical narrative. Legacy: Abraham's experiences in Bethel are foundational to the understanding of his character as a man of faith and obedience. His actions at Bethel set a precedent for future generations, emphasizing the importance of worship and dedication to God. The site later becomes significant in the lives of his descendants, further cementing its role in the spiritual history of the Israelites. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 12:8And he removed from there to a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he built an altar to the LORD, and called on the name of the LORD. Nave's Topical Index Library Scenes in the Lives of the Patriarchs. From Abraham to Egypt. Ebenezer! The Christian's Warfare. Chapter xxxv Two Retrospects of one Life Joseph --The Savior of his People. The Power of Ambition. Chapter xxxiv Growth by Transplanting Resources Who are the seed of Abraham? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does God refer to Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? | GotQuestions.org What is the Testament of Abraham? | GotQuestions.org Abraham: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Abraham is Blessed by Melchizedek Abraham: Age of, at Different Periods Abraham: Ancestors of, Idolatrous Abraham: Deferring to Lot, Chooses Hebron Abraham: He Purchases a Place for Her Burial, and Buries Her in a Cave Abraham: His Questions About the Destruction of the Righteous and Wicked in Sodom Abraham: How Regarded by his Descendants Abraham: Independence of, in Character Abraham: Lives in Gerar; Deceives Abimelech Concerning Sarah, his Wife Abraham: Lives in Ur, But Removes to Haran Abraham: Provides a Wife for Isaac Abraham: Sarah, his Wife, Dies Abraham: Sends Hagar and Ishmael Away Abraham: Trial of his Faith in the offering of Isaac Abraham: Witnesses the Destruction of Sodom Miscegenation: Forbidden by Abraham Related Terms Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences) |
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