Why do you think he called himself the God of Bethel? (Genesis 31:13)

Question.

Why do you think Genesis 31:13 refers to itself as the God of Bethel?

Answer.

[AI]

In Genesis 31:13, Jacob is speaking to God, and in this context, he refers to himself as "the God of Bethel," which explains why he calls himself that.

Jacob had previously had an experience with God in a place called Bethel. In Genesis 28, Jacob received a promise from God and saw an open ladder to heaven in Bethel, where God blessed Jacob and promised to be with him.

Afterward, Jacob works in Laban's house and decides to prepare to move and return to Bethel. Jacob prays and tells God that he will go to Bethel to seek God, remembering the promises he had previously received. So when Jacob calls himself "the God of Bethel" in 31:13, he is expressing his commitment and desire to find God, to reconnect with God there, to remember the promises, and to seek God.