Jacob and his large family were on their way to Bethel. Bethel means “House of El” or “House of God,” Hebrew: בֵּית אֵל. He told his family:
“Put away the idols that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your garments. Then let us arise and go up to Bethel; and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me in the way which I have gone.” [1]
Jacob wanted to come into God’s presence in a holy fashion, namely, stripped of all that competed for God’s glory in their lives. Let us get rid of our idols. Let us purify ourselves. Let us put on clean clothes. Let us give God reverence. This God, our God, delivered me in the day of my distress and His presence has been with me.
His family followed his instruction and received a blessing from God:
“As they journeyed, the terror of God was upon the cities that were all around them, and they did not pursue the sons of Jacob.” [2]
Jacob and his family arrived at Bethel. “He built an altar there and called the place El Bethel (God of God’s House), because there, God appeared to him when he fled from the face of his brother.” [3]
Then, God appeared to Jacob again and blessed him. God changed his name from Jacob to Israel. God gave Jacob a commission to be fruitful and multiply, to produce nations and kings, and to inherit the land that He promised to Abraham and Isaac. [4]
“Jacob called the name of the place where God spoke with him, Bethel.” [5]
What a splendid example for us! Cast away your idols! Enter God’s House! Reverence the Creator of the universe who has done great things for you! How amazing it is that He loves you and knows Your name. He identifies with you! He chooses to BE with you. How marvelous! How wonderful! He who created, owns, and sustains the universe loves you.
“Thank You Heavenly Father for delivering us from distresses. You have preserved our lives. You have blessed us in so many ways. We give You reverence. Thank You for Your presence.”
[1] Genesis 35:3-4
[2] Genesis 35:5
[3] Genesis 35:7
[4] Genesis 35:8-12
[5] Genesis 35:15
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