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Bethel


Bethel

House of God. (1) Formerly called Luz (Gen. 28:19), on the border between Benjamin and Ephraim, and one of the most sacred spots in Israel. Here Abraham built his altar on his first arrival in Canaan (Gen. 12:8; 13:3); here Jacob had his dream, set up a pillar, and gave the place its name (28:19). It was a sanctuary in the days of Samuel (1 Sam. 7:16; 10:3). Jeroboam selected it as one of the places in which to set up the calf worship (1 Kgs. 12:29–32; 2 Kgs. 10:29; Amos 7:13). See also 1 Kgs. 13; 2 Kgs. 23:4, 15–30; Hosea 12:4.

(2) Josh. 12:16; 1 Sam. 30:27.

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