Overview
After Jacob's wrestling match with God at Peniel and his reconciliation with Esau, he built an altar at Shechem and called it El-Elohe-Israel. This name declares that the God who appeared to him is the God of Israel—affirming both his new identity and God's commitment to His people. The altar commemorated God's faithfulness through danger and difficulty.
Key Scriptures
"So Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, on his way from Paddan-aram; and he camped before the city. And he bought the piece of land, where he had pitched his tent, from the sons of Hamor, Shechem's father, for one hundred pieces of money. Then he erected there an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel" (Genesis 33:18-20, NASB).
"Now the Lord appeared to him and said, 'I am God Almighty; be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations shall come from you'" (Genesis 35:11, NASB).
Application
Remember God's faithfulness in your own life by consciously acknowledging His protection and sovereignty over your circumstances.