“And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first.”
Genesis 28:19 is a verse from the narrative of Jacob’s dream at Bethel. To better understand the significance of this verse, let’s explore the context in which it appears.
In Genesis 28, we find Jacob on a journey from his father’s house to his mother’s family in Haran. Along the way, he stops for the night and rests at a certain place. While he sleeps, Jacob has a remarkable dream in which he sees a ladder reaching from earth to heaven, with angels ascending and descending upon it. Additionally, God stands above the ladder and reiterates the covenant He had made with Jacob’s father and grandfather, promising to give Jacob the land upon which he lies, as well as numerous descendants.
When Jacob awakens from his dream, he is struck by the realization that he has encountered the presence of God. Overwhelmed by this experience, he exclaims, “Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not” (Genesis 28:16, KJV). Jacob then consecrates the spot by setting up a pillar of stone and pouring oil upon it, signifying his recognition of the sacredness of the place.
In verse 19, Jacob names the location “Bethel,” which means “house of God” or “place of God.” It becomes a significant place throughout biblical history, often associated with encounters with God and worship. However, it’s worth noting that the verse also mentions that the name of the city was previously called Luz. Luz was likely the original name of the place or the name known to the people of that time. Later, after Jacob’s encounter with God, he gives it the name Bethel to commemorate the divine encounter he experienced there.
This verse highlights the transformational nature of Jacob’s encounter with God. The renaming of the place signifies a shift from its previous identity to a new one, emphasizing its connection to the divine presence. It also serves as a reminder to future generations of the encounter that took place there, inspiring reverence and worship of God.
Moreover, this verse reminds us that God can reveal Himself in unexpected places and at unexpected times. Jacob’s acknowledgment that God was in that place even though he was initially unaware serves as a lesson for us to remain open and receptive to God’s presence in our own lives. It encourages us to cultivate an awareness of God’s work and to recognize the sacredness of the encounters and spaces where we experience His divine presence.
In summary, Genesis 28:19 captures Jacob’s response to his encounter with God at Bethel. By renaming the place, Jacob emphasizes its association with the divine presence and creates a memorial to the transformative experience he had there. This verse reminds us to be attentive to God’s presence in our lives and to acknowledge His work, even in the most unexpected places.
