Bethel

I like Bethel. I like the significance of this place for Jacob and His relationship with God. In chapter 28 we see him traveling to Harran in search of a wife. He stops and is given this dream about the stairway. This dream, in a certain sense, is Jacob's salvation. After he has this dream of promise, he accepts and sees God not only as the God of his fathers, but his God (verse 21.) He calls the place Bethel (house of God) in light of these things. I find it very interesting that God called Jacob back to Bethel after so much had transpired (chapter 35). God calls Jacob back to the place of promise, the place that He had given Jacob affirmation of the future. When Jacob returns after all of these years, after God had provided much of what He had promised, God speaks to Him again. He renames Jacob and reminds him of the promises He is still fulfilling. Thus, the house of God remained a place of intimacy and significance for Jacob as he began his journey there and then was revitalized and renamed there at Bethel.

P.S. Commented on Abbey Griffin's post!