Topical Encyclopedia Beth-El, meaning "House of God," is a significant city in biblical history, located approximately 12 miles north of Jerusalem. It holds a prominent place in the narrative of the Israelites and is frequently mentioned throughout the Old Testament. Beth-El is first introduced in Genesis when Abram builds an altar to the Lord (Genesis 12:8). It later becomes a central location for various religious and prophetic activities.Historical and Religious Significance Beth-El is notably associated with Jacob, who, fleeing from his brother Esau, dreams of a ladder reaching to heaven with angels ascending and descending upon 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 make it a house of God, marking it as a site of divine encounter and revelation. Throughout the period of the Judges and the monarchy, Beth-El remains a significant religious center. It is one of the locations where the Ark of the Covenant is kept during the time of the Judges (Judges 20:26-27). The city also becomes a center of idolatrous worship under King Jeroboam, who sets up a golden calf there (1 Kings 12:28-29), leading to its condemnation by prophets. The School of Prophets at Beth-El Beth-El is also known for being a hub of prophetic activity, particularly during the time of the divided kingdom. The "sons of the prophets" or the "company of prophets" are mentioned in connection with Beth-El, indicating the presence of a prophetic community or school (2 Kings 2:3). This school is part of a broader network of prophetic communities that include locations such as Gilgal and Jericho. The prophetic school at Beth-El plays a crucial role in the spiritual life of Israel, serving as a center for training and instruction in the ways of the Lord. These communities are believed to have been led by prominent prophets such as Elijah and Elisha, who are instrumental in guiding and mentoring the next generation of prophets. The presence of these schools underscores the importance of prophetic ministry in maintaining the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. Prophetic Activity and Influence The prophets associated with Beth-El are active in calling the nation back to faithfulness and warning against idolatry and injustice. The narrative of Elisha's visit to Beth-El highlights the tension between true prophetic ministry and the prevailing idolatrous practices. As Elisha approaches the city, he is mocked by a group of youths, leading to a dramatic demonstration of divine authority (2 Kings 2:23-24). The prophetic school at Beth-El, along with others, contributes to the preservation and transmission of the prophetic tradition in Israel. These communities are instrumental in shaping the spiritual and moral fabric of the nation, emphasizing the need for repentance and adherence to God's commandments. Legacy and Impact Beth-El's legacy as a city of divine encounter and prophetic activity continues to resonate throughout biblical history. Despite periods of apostasy and idolatry, the city's association with the patriarchs and prophets underscores its enduring significance in the narrative of God's dealings with His people. The prophetic school at Beth-El serves as a testament to the vital role of prophetic ministry in guiding and shaping the spiritual direction of Israel. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 2:3And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said to him, Know you that the LORD will take away your master from your head to day? And he said, Yes, I know it; hold you your peace. Nave's Topical Index Library Book 5 Footnotes In Judaea Machinations of the Enemies of Jesus. Index to First Lines The Hymnal of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the USA Name Date No. The Book of Jubilees The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... Resources What are the attributes of God? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is God described as God Most High? | GotQuestions.org Does the Bible say anything about Russia in relation to the end times? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Beth-El: A City in the South of Territory of the Tribe of Judah Beth-El: A City North of Jerusalem by Deborah Beth-El: A City North of Jerusalem by Samuel Beth-El: A City North of Jerusalem: Abraham Estblishes an Altar At Beth-El: A City North of Jerusalem: Allotted to Benjamin Beth-El: A City North of Jerusalem: And Builds an Altar At Beth-El: A City North of Jerusalem: Conquered by Joshua Beth-El: A City North of Jerusalem: Conquered by the Household of Joseph Beth-El: A City North of Jerusalem: Deborah Dies At Beth-El: A City North of Jerusalem: Idolatry At Beth-El: A City North of Jerusalem: Jeroboam Institutes Idolatrous Worship At Beth-El: A City North of Jerusalem: People of, Return from Babylon Beth-El: A City North of Jerusalem: Prophecies Against Beth-El: A City North of Jerusalem: Prophecies Against the Idolatrous Altars At Beth-El: A City North of Jerusalem: Shalmanezer Sends a Priest To Beth-El: A City North of Jerusalem: Tabernacle At, and Called House of God Beth-El: A City North of Jerusalem: The Place where Jacob Saw the Vision of the Ladder Beth-El: A City North of Jerusalem: The School of Prophets At Beth-El: A City North of Jerusalem: The Young Men of, Mock Elisha Beth-El-Aphrah (R. V.) Aphrah (A. V.): A Place in Philistia Related Terms |
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