“And he erected there an altar, and called it Elelohe-Israel.”
Context:Genesis 33 is part of the narrative of Jacob’s reunion with his brother Esau. After years of separation and fearing Esau’s anger, Jacob and Esau finally meet face to face. However, the encounter turns out to be a reconciliation, and they part ways on peaceful terms. In verse 20, Jacob sets up an altar and names it Elelohe-Israel, which holds significance in understanding Jacob’s spiritual journey.
Setting up an Altar:Throughout the book of Genesis, we see the patriarchs building altars as places of worship and encounters with God. These altars were physical markers where they could offer sacrifices and seek God’s guidance and presence. By erecting an altar, Jacob demonstrated his gratitude and acknowledgment of God’s faithfulness in preserving his life and reconciling him with Esau.
The Name Elelohe-Israel:The name Elelohe-Israel is significant because it reflects Jacob’s spiritual transformation. Jacob’s original name meant “deceiver” or “heel-catcher,” referring to his cunning nature. However, after wrestling with God and receiving a new name, Israel, meaning “he who strives with God” or “God strives,” Jacob’s character was changed. By naming the altar Elelohe-Israel, Jacob acknowledged God as the one he had striven with and recognized the divine intervention in his life.
Worship and Communion with God:The act of setting up an altar and offering sacrifices was a way for Jacob to worship and commune with God. It signifies his desire for an ongoing relationship with the Almighty. Jacob’s encounter with God at Peniel (Genesis 32:22-32) marked a turning point in his life, and setting up this altar demonstrated his commitment to serving and seeking God.
Application:The story of Jacob setting up an altar and naming it Elelohe-Israel reminds us of the importance of recognizing God’s work in our lives. Like Jacob, we may have experienced moments of struggle, transformation, and reconciliation. It is essential to acknowledge God’s faithfulness, express our gratitude, and seek His presence in our daily lives. Just as Jacob built physical altars, we can create spiritual altars through acts of worship, prayer, and devotion, where we meet with God and grow in our relationship with Him.
In conclusion, Genesis 33:20 highlights Jacob’s act of worship and gratitude by setting up an altar and naming it Elelohe-Israel. This event symbolises his transformation and ongoing commitment to God. The passage encourages us to reflect on our own spiritual journey, acknowledge God’s faithfulness, and seek His presence through worship and communion.
