Topical Bible: Beth-El: A City North of Jerusalem: And Builds an Altar At

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Etymology and Location:
Beth-El, meaning "House of God" in Hebrew, is a significant city located approximately 12 miles north of Jerusalem. It is situated in the hill country of Ephraim and holds a prominent place in biblical history due to its religious and cultural significance.

Biblical Significance:
Beth-El is first mentioned in the Bible in connection with the patriarch Jacob. In Genesis 28:10-19, Jacob, fleeing from his brother Esau, stops for the night at a certain place. There, he dreams of a ladder reaching to heaven with angels ascending and descending on it. Upon awakening, Jacob declares, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was unaware of it" (Genesis 28:16). He names the place Beth-El and sets up a stone pillar, anointing it with oil, and vows that it will be God's house.

Later, Jacob returns to Beth-El as God commands him to build an altar there. Genesis 35:1-7 recounts this event, where God reaffirms His covenant with Jacob, and Jacob purifies his household, burying foreign gods under the oak near Shechem before proceeding to Beth-El. At Beth-El, God appears to Jacob again, blessing him and changing his name to Israel.

Historical and Religious Context:
Beth-El became a central place of worship and a significant religious site for the Israelites. During the period of the Judges, it served as a gathering place for the tribes of Israel. In Judges 20:18, the Israelites go up to Beth-El to inquire of God regarding their battle against the Benjamites.

Under the reign of King Jeroboam I, Beth-El became one of the two centers of worship in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Jeroboam set up a golden calf in Beth-El, leading the people into idolatry (1 Kings 12:28-29). This act was a direct violation of the covenant with Yahweh and was condemned by the prophets. The prophet Amos, for instance, denounces the idolatrous practices at Beth-El, warning of impending judgment (Amos 3:14, 5:5-6).

Prophetic Activity:
Beth-El is also notable for its association with several prophets. The prophet Hosea speaks against the idolatry practiced there, referring to Beth-El as "Beth-Aven," meaning "House of Wickedness" (Hosea 4:15, 10:5). This play on words underscores the city's departure from its original purpose as a place dedicated to God.

The prophet Elijah, and later Elisha, are also connected with Beth-El. In 2 Kings 2:2-3, Elisha visits Beth-El during his journey with Elijah before Elijah's ascension to heaven. The presence of a company of prophets in Beth-El during this time indicates its continued religious significance.

Archaeological Insights:
Archaeological excavations at the site identified as Beth-El have uncovered remains from various periods, including the Iron Age, which corresponds to the biblical era. These findings provide insights into the city's historical and cultural context, affirming its role as a significant urban center in ancient Israel.

Conclusion:
Beth-El's rich biblical history, from Jacob's divine encounter to its role in the divided kingdom, highlights its importance as a spiritual and cultural landmark. Despite its later association with idolatry, Beth-El remains a testament to the enduring legacy of the patriarchs and the complex religious history of Israel.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 35:1-15
And God said to Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar to God, that appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother.
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Library

Appendices
... Describe Beth-sha-el (Bethel) along with Tarqa-el ... I will not dwell in your city,
I will not lay my head ... not issue out of it, the south wind, the north wind, the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/appendices.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... His home was the gateways and city arcades ... towards the south: in summer towards the
north; and whatever ... which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem." For the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm