Bethel
LocationsGeographical Setting
Bethel is an ancient Canaanite and Israelite city located approximately 12 kilometers north of Jerusalem in the central highlands.
What is the meaning of Bethel in the Bible?
Bethel was a strategic settlement in the central highlands, identified with the modern site of Beitin, which served as a significant religious and political center during the periods of the Judges and the United Monarchy.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Bethel's geography and history clarifies the narrative tension between Jerusalem and the northern sanctuary, illustrating the political and religious divisions that characterized the divided monarchy.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Bethel in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Bethel clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.