Beth-El, meaning "House of God," is a significant location in biblical history, situated approximately 12 miles north of Jerusalem. It holds a prominent place in the narratives of the Old Testament, serving as a site of divine encounters, religious significance, and historical events.

Historical and Biblical Significance

Beth-El first emerges in the biblical narrative in Genesis 12:8, where Abram (later Abraham) pitches his tent and builds an altar to the LORD. This act of worship marks Beth-El as a place of spiritual importance from the early patriarchal period. Later, in Genesis 28:10-19, Jacob, fleeing from his brother Esau, has a profound dream at Beth-El. In this dream, he sees 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 vows to establish it as a house of God.

Beth-El's religious significance continues as it becomes a center for worship during the time of the Judges. In Judges 4:5, Deborah, a prophetess and judge of Israel, holds court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Beth-El in the hill country of Ephraim. This location underscores Beth-El's role as a place of judgment and leadership in Israel.

Deborah's Death at Beth-El

The death of Deborah, Rebekah's nurse, is recorded in Genesis 35:8. The verse states, "Now Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died and was buried under the oak below Beth-El. So Jacob named it Allon-bacuth" . The name Allon-bacuth translates to "Oak of Weeping," indicating the mourning associated with her death. Deborah's burial at Beth-El further cements the city's role as a site of significant personal and communal events in the lives of the patriarchs and their descendants.

Beth-El in the Divided Kingdom

During the period of the divided kingdom, Beth-El becomes a focal point of religious controversy. King Jeroboam of the northern kingdom of Israel establishes one of two golden calves at Beth-El, as recorded in 1 Kings 12:28-29. This act of idolatry marks a departure from the worship of Yahweh and leads to prophetic condemnation. The prophet Amos, in particular, speaks against the idolatrous practices at Beth-El, declaring, "Seek the LORD and live, or He will sweep like fire through the house of Joseph; it will devour, and Beth-El will have no one to quench it" (Amos 5:6).

Archaeological and Modern Context

Archaeological excavations at the site identified as Beth-El have revealed remains from various periods, including the Iron Age, which corresponds to the biblical era. These findings provide insight into the city's historical and cultural context, affirming its longstanding significance in the region.

Today, Beth-El remains a site of interest for biblical scholars, archaeologists, and religious pilgrims, continuing to evoke the rich tapestry of biblical history and faith.Genesis 35:8
But Deborah Rebekah's nurse died, and she was buried beneath Bethel under an oak: and the name of it was called Allonbachuth.
Nave's Topical Index

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... The walls of the city fell of themselves at the ... that of three neighbouring towns,
Ai, Bethel, and Shechem. ... or mutilated.* The Amorites in the north, who had ...
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