Overview
When Jacob fled Laban's household, God commanded him to return to Bethel, the place where he had encountered God decades earlier. At Bethel, God reaffirmed His covenant with Jacob, renamed him Israel, and revealed Himself as El-Beth-El—emphasizing God's presence at that sacred location and His unchanging promises across generations.
Key Scriptures
"Then God said to Jacob, 'Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there. And make an altar there to God, the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau'" (Genesis 35:1, ESV).
"And God appeared to Jacob again, when he came from Padan-aram, and blessed him. And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name" (Genesis 35:9-10, KJV).
"I am God Almighty; be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations shall come from you, and kings shall come from your own body" (Genesis 35:11, ESV).
Application
Return to foundational spiritual commitments and trust God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises despite years of wandering or delay.