And hee erected there an Altar, and called it El-Elohe-Israel. Genesis 33:20 (KJV)
Genesis 33 records the long‑awaited reunion of Jacob and his brother Esau after years of separation and fear. The encounter, contrary to Jacob’s anxiety, becomes a moment of reconciliation, and the brothers part on peaceful terms. In the midst of this narrative, verse 20 records Jacob’s act of erecting an altar and naming it El‑elohe‑Israel, a detail that illuminates his spiritual journey.
Setting up an altar was a familiar practice among the patriarchs. Throughout Genesis the patriarchs built altars as tangible places of worship, sacrifice, and divine encounter. By raising an altar at this juncture, Jacob publicly expressed gratitude for God’s faithfulness in preserving his life and facilitating reconciliation with Esau. The altar served as a physical marker of his thank‑giving and a focal point for seeking God’s continued guidance.
The name El‑elohe‑Israel carries deep significance. Jacob’s original name meant “deceiver” or “heel‑catcher,” reflecting his early character. After wrestling with the Divine and receiving the new name Israel—“he who strives with God” or “God strives”—Jacob’s identity was transformed. By calling the altar El‑elohe‑Israel, he acknowledged the One with whom he had struggled and recognized the divine intervention that reshaped his life.
The act of establishing the altar and offering sacrifices also points to Jacob’s desire for ongoing communion with the Almighty. His earlier encounter with God at Peniel (Genesis 32:22‑32) marked a turning point, and the altar at the reunion site demonstrates his commitment to a sustained relationship of worship and dependence.
Application arises for today’s believer. Jacob’s example reminds us to recognize God’s work in our own lives, especially in moments of struggle, transformation, and reconciliation. Just as Jacob built a physical altar, we can create “spiritual altars” through heartfelt worship, prayer, and devotion, thereby inviting God’s presence into our daily walk.
In conclusion, Genesis 33:20 highlights Jacob’s act of worship and gratitude by erecting an altar named El‑elohe‑Israel. This event symbolizes his personal transformation and ongoing commitment to God, urging us to reflect on our spiritual journeys, acknowledge divine faithfulness, and seek continual communion with the Lord through worship.
