Genesis 12:8

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Genesis 12:8 records a crucial moment in Abraham's early journey of faith in the promised land, detailing his relocation to a mountainous region between Bethel and Hai. Here, Abraham not only established his nomadic dwelling but, more significantly, built an altar to the LORD and publicly "called upon the name of the LORD." This act underscored his unwavering obedience, profound worship, and deep dependence on God, marking another significant milestone in his pilgrimage and setting a pattern for his life of faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows God's initial call to Abraham in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Call and Promises to Abraham") to leave his homeland and journey to a land God would show him. Upon arriving in Shechem, the LORD appeared to Abraham and reiterated His promise to give the land to his descendants, prompting Abraham to build his first altar there in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Abraham Builds an Altar at Shechem"). Genesis 12:8 describes Abraham's subsequent movement southward from Shechem, indicating a continued progression deeper into the land of Canaan as directed by God. This relocation is not merely geographical but also spiritual, as Abraham consistently responds to God's leading with acts of worship, reinforcing the narrative's focus on Abraham's developing relationship with the LORD and his role as the recipient of the covenant promises.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Abraham lived in the Early Bronze Age (roughly 2000-1800 BC), a period when nomadic pastoralism was common in the Near East. His "tent-dwelling" lifestyle, as mentioned in this verse, was typical for such a patriarch and contrasted sharply with the settled, urban populations of Canaan. The construction of altars was a widespread practice in the ancient world, used by various peoples to worship their deities. However, Abraham's altars were distinct because they were dedicated to "the LORD" (Yahweh), the one true God, setting him apart from the polytheistic Canaanite cultures around him. The specific locations mentioned—Bethel ("House of God") and Hai (or Ai)—were significant Canaanite settlements, strategically located along ancient trade routes, further emphasizing Abraham's presence and witness in a pagan land.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 12:8 significantly contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **God's ongoing guidance and Abraham's obedient response**, as he continues to move according to divine direction, even without a clear final destination. The repeated act of building an altar, following the one in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Abraham's First Altar"), powerfully reinforces the theme of **worship as central to a life of faith**. It portrays Abraham not just as a recipient of promises but as an active worshiper. Furthermore, Abraham's "tent-dwelling" emphasizes the theme of **pilgrimage and sojourning**, signifying his status as a temporary resident in a land promised but not yet possessed, a motif that resonates throughout the narratives of the patriarchs and finds theological depth in the New Testament's portrayal of believers as sojourners seeking a heavenly city, as seen in [Hebrews 11](/hebrews/11 "The Faith Chapter").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bethel (Hebrew, _Bêyth-ʼÊl'_):** From the Hebrew words for "house" (בַּיִת, _bayit_) and "God" (אֵל, _ʼēl_), meaning "House of God." This place name is highly significant, foreshadowing its later importance in Jacob's life (e.g., [Genesis 28:19](/genesis/28-19 "Jacob Names Bethel")). For Abraham, situating his camp in relation to Bethel and Hai (H5857, ʻAy) provides precise geographical detail, indicating a strategic and perhaps spiritually resonant location for his worship.
* **Altar (Hebrew, _mizbêach'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to sacrifice" (זָבַח, _zâbach_), an altar (H4196) was a structure, typically of earth or unhewn stones, used for offering sacrifices and engaging in worship. Abraham's consistent building of altars, as seen here and in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Abraham's First Altar"), signifies his dedication, communion with God, and the establishment of sacred spaces in the land.
* **Called upon (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** The verb "called upon" (H7121, _qârâʼ_) is a primitive root meaning "to call out to," "address by name," "invoke," or "proclaim." When used in the phrase "called upon the name of the LORD" (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh), it denotes a profound act of public worship, prayer, and invocation of God's presence and authority. It implies a personal and communal declaration of allegiance and dependence on the one true God, distinct from the pagan practices of the surrounding cultures.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"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:"** This clause details Abraham's continued journey from Shechem, where he had previously built an altar. His movement to a "mountain" (H2022, _har_) suggests a strategic location, perhaps for defense or visibility. The precise geographical markers—Bethel (H1008) to the west and Hai (H5857) to the east—not only ground the narrative in a specific historical landscape but also highlight Abraham's continued nomadic existence. "Pitched his tent" (from H5186, _nâṭâh_, "to stretch out," and H168, _ʼôhel_, "tent") emphasizes his status as a sojourner, living in temporary dwellings rather than permanent structures, symbolizing his faith in a future, permanent inheritance promised by God.
* **"and there he builded an altar unto the LORD,"** This action is a deliberate and significant act of worship, mirroring his response in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Abraham's First Altar"). The construction of an "altar" (H4196) served multiple purposes: it was a place for sacrifice, a physical marker of God's presence in that specific location, a public declaration of Abraham's faith, and a memorial of God's covenant promises. It signifies Abraham's recognition of God's sovereignty over the land he was traversing and his commitment to worship Him alone.
* **"and called upon the name of the LORD."** This phrase (Hebrew: _vayiqra beshem Yᵉhôvâh_) is highly significant and goes beyond a mere utterance of God's name. It represents a deep, personal, and public act of invoking God's presence, proclaiming His sovereignty, seeking His guidance, and entering into a deeper covenantal relationship. It implies a profound act of prayer, intercession, and perhaps even a form of evangelism, as Abraham publicly acknowledged the one true God (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh) in a land dominated by polytheistic worship. This act demonstrates his profound dependence on God and his desire for intimate communion.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Geographical Specificity** is prominent, with the precise mention of Bethel and Hai, anchoring Abraham's journey in a tangible, historical landscape and lending credibility to the narrative. The **Repetition** of building an altar (following [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Abraham's First Altar")) and calling upon the name of the LORD underscores the centrality of worship and the consistent nature of Abraham's faith. **Symbolism** is also evident: the "tent" symbolizes Abraham's transient, pilgrim status, highlighting his faith in a future, permanent dwelling. The "altar" symbolizes a place of encounter with God, sacrifice, dedication, and a public declaration of allegiance to the LORD amidst pagan surroundings. This creates a **Contrast** between Abraham's monotheistic worship and the idolatry prevalent in Canaan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 12:8 serves as a foundational text for understanding the nature of Abraham's faith and the early development of God's covenant people. It illustrates that true faith is not passive but active, marked by obedient movement and consistent worship. Abraham's repeated acts of building altars and calling upon the name of the LORD establish a pattern of devotion that would characterize the patriarchs and become a model for future generations. This verse emphasizes the intimate and personal relationship God desires with His people, one characterized by invocation, dependence, and public declaration of His sovereignty. It also highlights the concept of God's people as sojourners in this world, whose ultimate hope and security rest not in earthly possessions but in God's promises and His presence.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Abraham Builds His First Altar")
* [Hebrews 11:8-10](/hebrews/11-8-10 "Abraham as a Pilgrim of Faith")
* [Romans 10:13](/romans/10-13 "Calling on the Name of the Lord for Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Abraham's consistent practice of building altars and calling upon the LORD wherever he went provides a timeless model for believers today. It underscores the vital importance of prioritizing worship, prayer, and communion with God in every stage and circumstance of our lives, regardless of our physical location or the challenges we face. Just as Abraham dedicated places to God, we are called to dedicate our lives, homes, and daily activities to Him, making God central to our existence. Building an "altar" in our modern context can mean intentionally setting aside time and space for prayer, Bible study, and fellowship, thereby acknowledging God's ever-present guidance as we navigate our own journeys of faith. It reminds us that our faith journey is a pilgrimage, and like Abraham, we are called to live with a sense of divine purpose and dependence, marking our lives with acts of devotion and public acknowledgment of God's lordship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abraham's immediate response of building an altar challenge my own priorities regarding worship and devotion in new or uncertain circumstances?**
* **What does "calling upon the name of the LORD" look like in my daily life, and how can I deepen this practice of invoking God's presence and authority?**
* **In what ways do I live as a "sojourner," holding earthly possessions lightly and focusing on the eternal promises of God, just as Abraham did by living in tents?**

### FAQ

**Why did Abraham build an altar again, having just built one in Shechem?**

Answer: Abraham's repeated construction of altars, first in Shechem ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Abraham's First Altar")) and then near Bethel, signifies more than just a singular act of worship. Each altar marked a new significant location in his journey, serving as a physical memorial of God's appearance or a renewed act of dedication and worship in a new territory. It demonstrated his consistent devotion and the centrality of God in every step of his pilgrimage, establishing points of contact and worship in the promised land. These altars were not merely structures but symbols of his ongoing covenant relationship with the LORD and his public declaration of faith in a land filled with pagan practices.

**What is the deeper meaning of "calling upon the name of the LORD"?**

Answer: "Calling upon the name of the LORD" (Hebrew: _vayiqra beshem Adonai_) is a profound theological phrase. It means much more than simply uttering God's name. It implies a public and personal invocation of God, acknowledging His sovereignty, appealing to His character, seeking His presence, and entering into a covenantal relationship with Him through prayer and worship. It suggests an act of total dependence, proclaiming God's identity and authority, and often involves intercession or a public declaration of faith. This phrase is used throughout Scripture to denote genuine worship, surrender, and seeking God's intervention, as seen in passages like [Psalm 105:1](/psalms/105-1 "Give Thanks to the LORD, Call Upon His Name").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Abraham's altars, built as places of sacrifice and communion with God, profoundly prefigure the ultimate altar and sacrifice in Jesus Christ. While Abraham offered animal sacrifices, these acts pointed forward to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of [Christ on the cross](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Christ's Perfect Sacrifice"), which provides true atonement for sin and grants believers direct access to God the Father ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Access to God Through Christ")). Furthermore, Abraham's act of "calling upon the name of the LORD" foreshadows the New Covenant reality where believers, through faith in Christ, are empowered to call upon His name for salvation and guidance ([Romans 10:9-13](/romans/10-9-13 "Confession and Salvation")). The very name of Jesus becomes the name upon which all who believe can call to be saved ([Acts 2:21](/acts/2-21 "Call on the Name of the Lord and Be Saved")). Abraham's pilgrim status, living in tents and seeking a promised land, also finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the Way to the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, where believers are no longer sojourners but have an eternal dwelling with God ([Hebrews 11:13-16](/hebrews/11-13-16 "Seeking a Better Country") and [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "The New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, Abraham's journey of faith and worship lays the groundwork for understanding the greater spiritual realities realized in Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 4:26

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

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

Genesis 21:33

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

Genesis 13:4

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

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

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

Joshua 8:17

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.