Genesis 12:8

And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, [having] Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.

And he removed {H6275} from thence unto a mountain {H2022} on the east {H6924} of Bethel {H1008}, and pitched {H5186} his tent {H168}, having Bethel {H1008} on the west {H3220}, and Hai {H5857} on the east {H6924}: and there he builded {H1129} an altar {H4196} unto the LORD {H3068}, and called {H7121} upon the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068}.

He left that place, went to the hill east of Beit-El and pitched his tent. With Beit-El to the west and ‘Ai to the east, he built an altar there and called on the name of Adonai.

From there Abram moved on to the hill country east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built an altar to the LORD, and he called on the name of the LORD.

And he removed from thence unto the mountain on the east of Beth-el, and pitched his tent, having Beth-el on the west, and Ai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto Jehovah, and called upon the name of Jehovah.

Commentary

Genesis 12:8 describes a significant stop in Abraham's early journey of faith after he responded to God's call. It highlights his actions upon arriving at a new location in Canaan, demonstrating his devotion and dependence on the LORD.

Context

Following God's command to leave his homeland and kindred (Genesis 12:1), Abraham first went to Shechem, where God appeared to him and promised the land to his descendants. There, he built his first altar (Genesis 12:7). From Shechem, he moved south to a mountainous region situated between Bethel (meaning "house of God") on the west and Hai (or Ai) on the east. This verse details his actions at this new campsite, emphasizing his continued practice of worship. Living in tents signified his status as a sojourner, not yet settled in the promised land.

Key Themes

  • Journey of Faith and Obedience: Abraham continues to move according to God's leading, settling temporarily in different locations within the promised land. His actions are driven by faith in God's promises.
  • Worship and Devotion: Just as in Shechem, Abraham's immediate action upon arriving at a new place is to build an altar. This signifies the centrality of worshipping God in his life and marks the territory as dedicated to the LORD.
  • Calling Upon the Name of the LORD: This phrase indicates a personal and public act of prayer, invoking God's presence, seeking His guidance, and acknowledging His covenant relationship with him. It suggests a deepening intimacy with God.
  • Pilgrim Status: Pitching his tent rather than building a permanent dwelling underscores that Abraham understood he was a temporary resident, living by faith in anticipation of the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "called upon the name of the LORD" (Hebrew: vayiqra beshem Adonai) is significant. It implies more than just saying God's name; it is an act of invoking God, praying to Him, and proclaiming His sovereignty and presence. It's an expression of relationship and dependence.

Reflection

Abraham's consistent practice of building altars and calling upon the LORD wherever he went serves as a powerful model for believers today. It teaches us the importance of prioritizing worship and prayer in every stage and location of our lives, acknowledging God's presence and guidance as we navigate our own journeys of faith. Building an "altar" in our lives can mean dedicating time and space for prayer, Bible study, and communion with God, making Him central to our existence regardless of our physical location or circumstances.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 4:26 (5 votes)

    And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.

  • Nehemiah 11:31 (5 votes)

    The children also of Benjamin from Geba [dwelt] at Michmash, and Aija, and Bethel, and [in] their villages,

  • Genesis 21:33 (4 votes)

    ¶ And [Abraham] planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God.

  • Genesis 13:4 (3 votes)

    Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the LORD.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:2 (3 votes)

    Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called [to be] saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

  • Genesis 28:19 (3 votes)

    And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city [was called] Luz at the first.

  • Joshua 8:17 (2 votes)

    And there was not a man left in Ai or Bethel, that went not out after Israel: and they left the city open, and pursued after Israel.