Bethel, meaning “House of God,” is first mentioned in Genesis 12:8 when Abram pitched his tent between Bethel and Ai. However, it gains greater significance in Genesis 28, when Jacob, fleeing from Esau, stopped there for the night. He had a dream in which he saw a ladder reaching to heaven with angels ascending and descending, and the Lord stood above it and spoke to him, confirming the covenant made with Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 28:12–15).
When Jacob awoke, he said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!” (Genesis 28:16–17). He called the name of that place Bethel, though previously it was called Luz (Genesis 28:19). Jacob set up the stone he had used for a pillow as a pillar and made a vow that if God would be with him and bring him back in peace, then the Lord would be his God (Genesis 28:20–22).
Bethel became a significant spiritual location in Israel’s history. Jacob returned there later as God commanded, built an altar, and God reaffirmed His covenant with him, changing his name to Israel (Genesis 35:1–15).
However, Bethel also became associated with idolatry. After the division of the kingdom, Jeroboam set up a golden calf at Bethel and another in Dan, declaring them to be gods for Israel to worship, in order to prevent the people from going to Jerusalem (1 Kings 12:28–29). This act led to great sin and eventual judgment.
Bethel is mentioned by prophets such as Hosea and Amos, who rebuked its idolatrous practices (Hosea 10:15; Amos 5:5–6). Though it began as a place of divine encounter, it later became a symbol of religious corruption.
Bethel’s history reveals both the grace of God in meeting His people and the danger of turning sacred places into centers of sin. It stands as a reminder that true worship must remain faithful to God’s Word.
