Genesis 33:20 – “There he set up an altar and called it El Elohe Israel.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In Genesis 33:20, Jacob sets up an altar and names it “El Elohe Israel,” which means “God, the God of Israel.” This act of building an altar marks a significant moment in Jacob’s life, as it signifies his acknowledgment of God’s guidance and protection throughout his journey. By naming the altar “El Elohe Israel,” Jacob is declaring his personal relationship with God, who has been faithful to him and has fulfilled His promises. The name also reflects Jacob’s new identity as Israel, a name given to him by God after he wrestled with the angel (Genesis 32:28). This moment is one of worship and dedication, as Jacob recognizes God’s sovereignty and expresses his gratitude.
Historical Context
The historical context of this verse is rooted in Jacob’s long journey, which began with his flight from Esau and included many years of living in Haran with his uncle Laban. After reconciling with Esau and settling in Shechem, Jacob now takes the time to acknowledge God’s role in his life. Building altars was a common practice among the patriarchs, symbolizing their worship of God and their recognition of His presence in their lives. This altar at Shechem is significant because it marks a place where Jacob publicly declares his allegiance to the God who has sustained him. The act of naming the altar also ties Jacob’s faith to his new identity as Israel, the father of the twelve tribes.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Genesis 33:20 highlights the importance of worship, gratitude, and the acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty in our lives. Jacob’s act of building an altar is a physical expression of his faith and his recognition of God’s role in his journey. This verse teaches us that worship is not just a private act but also a public declaration of our relationship with God. By naming the altar “El Elohe Israel,” Jacob is also making a theological statement about who God is—He is the mighty God of Israel, the one who has faithfully guided and protected Jacob. This act of worship reflects the idea that our identity is deeply connected to our relationship with God.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, this verse serves as a conclusion to Jacob’s journey and a transition to the next phase of his life. The act of building an altar is a common motif in the patriarchal narratives, symbolizing a moment of encounter with God and a response of worship. The name “El Elohe Israel” is significant because it ties Jacob’s personal experience of God to his new identity as Israel. This naming of the altar also reflects the broader theme of God’s faithfulness throughout the narrative, as Jacob acknowledges that the God who has been with him all along is now the God of his new identity and his future.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 28:18-19 – Jacob sets up a stone pillar at Bethel and names the place, marking his first encounter with God. This earlier act of worship parallels the building of the altar in Shechem, showing the continuity of Jacob’s relationship with God.
- Genesis 35:7 – Jacob builds an altar at Bethel after God appears to him again, reaffirming the importance of worship and the acknowledgment of God’s presence in Jacob’s life.
- Exodus 17:15 – Moses builds an altar and names it “The Lord is my Banner,” showing that the act of naming an altar is a way of declaring God’s character and presence in a specific moment of victory and faith.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Genesis 33:20 teaches the importance of regularly acknowledging God’s role in our lives through acts of worship and gratitude. Just as Jacob built an altar to mark God’s faithfulness, we are called to set aside moments to recognize and give thanks for God’s guidance and protection in our lives. This verse also encourages us to publicly declare our faith, just as Jacob did by naming the altar “El Elohe Israel.” It reminds us that our identity is rooted in our relationship with God, and that worship is a vital expression of that relationship.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s loving nature in how He faithfully guides and protects those who trust in Him. Jacob’s act of worship is a response to the love and faithfulness that God has shown him throughout his life. God’s love is evident in His willingness to be personally known and worshiped by Jacob, who now recognizes God as his God, the God of Israel. This verse shows that God desires a personal relationship with His people, one that is marked by worship, gratitude, and acknowledgment of His sovereignty.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Genesis 33:20 connects to Jesus Christ in the way it highlights the importance of worship and the acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty. Jesus, in His ministry, consistently pointed to the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Just as Jacob built an altar to declare his faith in God, Jesus teaches us to live lives that are a continual act of worship, recognizing God’s role in every aspect of our lives. Additionally, Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the covenant God made with Israel, and through Him, we can fully experience the relationship with God that Jacob began to understand and declare in this verse.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can you regularly acknowledge and give thanks for God’s guidance and protection in your life?
- In what ways can you publicly declare your faith, as Jacob did by naming the altar “El Elohe Israel”?
- How does the act of building an altar challenge you to consider the importance of worship in your own life?
- How does your identity as a follower of Christ influence the way you worship and relate to God?
- What steps can you take to ensure that your life is a continual act of worship, recognizing God’s presence and sovereignty in all that you do?
Genesis 33:20 offers a powerful reminder of the importance of worship, gratitude, and acknowledging God’s role in our lives. It challenges us to live lives that reflect our relationship with God, declaring His faithfulness and sovereignty just as Jacob did in his act of worship.