The Hebrew name ʼÊl Bêyth-ʼÊl, represented by H416, means the God of Bethel. It is a unique title that appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. This name was given by Jacob to a specific, consecrated spot, combining the Hebrew words for "God" and "Bethel" to create a term that identifies a location with a direct divine encounter.
The sole use of H416 is found in Genesis 35:7, where Jacob returns to a significant place from his past. In this verse, he built H1129 an altar H4196 and called H7121 the place H4725 Elbethel. The reason for this specific name is stated immediately: it was because God H430 appeared H1540 to him there during a time of great distress, specifically when he fled H1272 from the face H6440 of his brother H251.
Several related words from its single context illuminate the meaning of Elbethel:
- H1129 bânâh (to build): This verb signifies the physical act of constructing the altar, which served as the focal point for consecrating the site and commemorating the event.
- H1540 gâlâh (to reveal): This word is key to understanding why the place was named. The name was given because God had appeared, or revealed Himself, to Jacob at that very spot.
- H1272 bârach (to flee suddenly): This establishes the narrative background. The divine revelation did not happen in a time of peace, but when Jacob was forced to flee, highlighting God's presence in moments of crisis.
- H7121 qârâʼ (to call out to): This action of naming the place is what establishes its identity. Jacob formally proclaims the site's significance by giving it the title Elbethel, making it a public memorial.
The theological weight of H416 is centered on the act of remembering and consecrating a place of divine intervention.
- Commemoration of Revelation: The name itself is a declaration. Jacob doesn't just name the place Bethel ("house of God"), but Elbethel ("God of the house of God"), directly linking the location to the specific deity who appeared H1540 there.
- Sanctuary in Crisis: The context of Jacob having fled H1272 from his brother is crucial. The naming of this spot reinforces the theme of God providing sanctuary and revealing Himself during times of vulnerability and flight.
- The Sacredness of Place: By building an altar H4196 and giving the place H4725 this name, Jacob transforms a location into a sacred space defined by a past encounter with God.
In summary, ʼÊl Bêyth-ʼÊl H416 is more than a geographical label; it is a monumental name signifying a specific place where God revealed Himself to Jacob. Though used only once, it powerfully illustrates how a location can be consecrated by a divine event, serving as a lasting testament to God's presence and faithfulness, particularly during times of personal trial and flight.
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