The Altar in Bethel holds significant historical and theological importance within the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the patriarchal and divided kingdom periods. Bethel, meaning "House of God," is a location frequently mentioned in the Old Testament and is situated approximately 10 miles north of Jerusalem. It is associated with several key events and figures in Israel's history.

Patriarchal Significance

The first notable mention of Bethel occurs in the life of the patriarch Jacob. In Genesis 28:10-22, Jacob, fleeing from his brother Esau, stops for the night at Bethel. Here, 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 then sets up a stone pillar, anoints it with oil, and names the place Bethel, vowing that it will be God's house if he returns safely. This act of consecration marks Bethel as a sacred site and establishes its significance as a place of divine encounter and covenant.

Later, in Genesis 35:1-15, God commands Jacob to return to Bethel and build an altar there. Jacob obeys, purifying his household and burying foreign gods under the oak near Shechem. At Bethel, God reaffirms His covenant with Jacob, changing his name to Israel and promising him the land and descendants. Jacob builds an altar and names the place El-Bethel, acknowledging God's revelation to him.

Divided Kingdom and Idolatry

Bethel's significance continues into the period of the divided kingdom. Following the division of Israel after Solomon's reign, Jeroboam I, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, establishes Bethel as one of two centers of worship to prevent his subjects from traveling to Jerusalem. In 1 Kings 12:28-29, Jeroboam sets up a golden calf in Bethel, declaring, "Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt" . This act of idolatry is a direct violation of the first and second commandments and leads Israel into sin.

The prophet Amos later condemns the idolatrous practices at Bethel, warning of impending judgment. In Amos 3:14, the LORD declares, "On the day I punish Israel for their transgressions, I will visit the altars of Bethel; the horns of the altar will be cut off and fall to the ground" . This prophecy underscores the seriousness of Israel's apostasy and the inevitable consequences of forsaking the covenant with God.

Prophetic Encounters

Bethel also serves as a backdrop for significant prophetic encounters. In 1 Kings 13, a man of God from Judah prophesies against the altar at Bethel, predicting its destruction and the desecration of its priests' bones. This prophecy is fulfilled during the reign of King Josiah of Judah, who, in his zeal for religious reform, defiles the altar at Bethel and burns human bones on it, as recorded in 2 Kings 23:15-16.

Conclusion

The Altar in Bethel, therefore, represents both the potential for divine encounter and the peril of idolatry. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and the consequences of turning away from His commandments. Throughout the biblical narrative, Bethel stands as a testament to the enduring tension between true worship and idolatrous practices, reflecting the broader spiritual journey of the people of Israel.