Genesis 35:7 – “There he built an altar, and he called the place El Bethel, because it was there that God revealed himself to him when he was fleeing from his brother.”
Extended Explanation
Genesis 35:7 describes a significant moment in Jacob’s life where he builds an altar and names the place El Bethel, meaning “God of Bethel.” This action marks Jacob’s recognition and acknowledgment of the place where God had previously revealed Himself to him. Jacob is not only fulfilling a vow he made to God many years earlier but is also expressing his deep gratitude for God’s continued presence and guidance in his life.
The naming of the place El Bethel signifies Jacob’s personal encounter with God at Bethel, where he had once fled in fear from his brother Esau. Now, many years later, Jacob returns to this sacred place, not as a fearful man but as one who has experienced God’s faithfulness throughout his journey. By building an altar, Jacob creates a physical marker of worship and remembrance, dedicating the place to God, who had been his protector and guide.
Historical Context
The historical context of this verse ties back to earlier events in Jacob’s life. Bethel was where Jacob, fleeing from Esau, first encountered God in a dream of a ladder reaching to heaven (Genesis 28:10-22). In that dream, God promised to be with Jacob, protect him, and bring him back to the land of his fathers. Jacob responded by setting up a stone pillar and making a vow to God, promising to return and worship God at Bethel if He fulfilled His promises.
Now, after years of trials, including working for his uncle Laban, reconciling with Esau, and dealing with family struggles, Jacob fulfills that vow. His return to Bethel and the building of the altar symbolize the culmination of God’s promises in his life. By naming the place El Bethel, Jacob acknowledges that it was not just the location that was significant, but the God who revealed Himself there.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Genesis 35:7 emphasizes the importance of recognizing and honoring the places and moments where God has revealed Himself in our lives. Jacob’s act of building an altar and naming the place El Bethel reflects the biblical principle of remembrance—keeping alive the memory of God’s faithfulness and acts of deliverance.
This verse also highlights the concept of worship as a response to God’s revelation. Jacob’s building of the altar is an act of worship, showing that true worship involves not just words but also actions that honor God. By dedicating the place to God, Jacob demonstrates that his relationship with God is central to his life, and he is willing to honor God publicly.
Literary Analysis
From a literary perspective, Genesis 35:7 serves as a significant turning point in the narrative of Jacob’s life. The verse is succinct yet packed with meaning, bringing together themes of promise, fulfillment, and worship. The name El Bethel, which combines the word for God (El) with Bethel (house of God), reinforces the idea that the place is holy because of God’s presence and revelation.
The act of building an altar is a recurring motif in the Bible, symbolizing worship, sacrifice, and remembrance. In this context, it signifies Jacob’s acknowledgment of God’s faithfulness and his commitment to honor God for the rest of his life.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 28:18-19: The first encounter Jacob has with God at Bethel, where he sets up a pillar and makes a vow to return and worship God there.
- Exodus 17:15: Moses builds an altar and names it “The Lord is my Banner” after a victory, showing a similar act of worship and acknowledgment of God’s help.
- Psalm 116:12-14: The psalmist speaks of repaying the Lord for His goodness by fulfilling vows and offering worship, paralleling Jacob’s actions in this verse.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Genesis 35:7 serves as a reminder of the importance of worshiping God and acknowledging His work in our lives. Just as Jacob built an altar to honor God’s faithfulness, believers are encouraged to create “altars” in their own lives—times and places dedicated to remembering and honoring God’s goodness.
This verse also teaches the value of fulfilling commitments made to God. Jacob’s return to Bethel and the building of the altar were not just acts of obedience but also expressions of gratitude and reverence for God’s presence and guidance.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Genesis 35:7 reflects God’s loving nature in His willingness to reveal Himself to Jacob, both in the past and now, as Jacob returns to Bethel. God’s revelation to Jacob at Bethel was a significant act of love, offering Jacob guidance, protection, and the assurance of His presence. By returning to Bethel and building an altar, Jacob is responding to God’s love with worship and dedication.
This verse shows that God’s love is not just about providing for our needs but also about making Himself known to us in personal and meaningful ways. God’s desire for relationship with Jacob is evident in His repeated revelations, and Jacob’s response highlights the importance of acknowledging and honoring that relationship.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ as the ultimate revelation of God’s love and presence. Just as Jacob encountered God at Bethel and built an altar in response, Christians encounter God through Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate “house of God” (John 1:14). Jesus is the place where heaven and earth meet, and through Him, we experience God’s love, guidance, and salvation.
The act of building an altar at Bethel foreshadows the ultimate act of worship and dedication that Christians are called to offer through their lives, in response to the sacrifice of Jesus. Just as Jacob honored God’s presence at Bethel, believers are called to honor God through lives dedicated to Christ, who made it possible for us to have a relationship with God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How have you experienced God revealing Himself in your life, and how have you responded to those moments?
- What are the “altars” in your life—times or places where you have dedicated yourself to worshiping and honoring God?
- How can you fulfill any commitments or vows you have made to God, just as Jacob did by returning to Bethel?
- How does understanding God’s desire to reveal Himself to you impact your relationship with Him?
- How does Jacob’s act of worship at Bethel inspire you to live a life that honors Jesus Christ?
This article invites you to reflect on Genesis 35:7 and consider how you can acknowledge and honor God’s work in your life through acts of worship, dedication, and remembrance, following the example of Jacob at Bethel.