Genesis 12:8
Genesis 12:8 in Multiple Translations
From there Abram moved on to the hill country east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built an altar to the LORD, and he called on the name of the LORD.
And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Beth-el, and pitched his tent, having Beth-el on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.
And he removed from thence unto the mountain on the east of Beth-el, and pitched his tent, having Beth-el on the west, and Ai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto Jehovah, and called upon the name of Jehovah.
And moving on from there to the mountain on the east of Beth-el, he put up his tent, having Beth-el on the west and Ai on the east: and there he made an altar and gave worship to the name of the Lord.
Then he moved on to the hill country east of Bethel and set up camp there. Bethel was to the west and Ai to the east. He built an altar to the Lord there and worshiped him.
Afterward remouing thence vnto a moutaine Eastward from Beth-el, he pitched his tent hauing Beth-el on the Westside, and Haai on the East: and there he built an altar vnto the Lord, and called on the Name of the Lord.
And he removeth from thence towards a mountain at the east of Beth-El, and stretcheth out the tent (Beth-El at the west, and Hai at the east), and he buildeth there an altar to Jehovah, and preacheth in the name of Jehovah.
He left from there to go to the mountain on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the LORD and called on the LORD’s name.
And he removed from thence to a mountain on the east of Beth-el, and pitched his tent, having Beth-el on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he erected an altar to the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.
And passing on from thence to a mountain, that was on the east side of Bethel, he there pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east; he built there also an altar to the Lord, and called upon his name.
From Shechem, Abram and his family traveled to the hills that were east of Bethel town. Bethel town was to the west of where they set up their tent, and Ai town was further to the east. There he built another stone altar and offered a sacrifice and worshiped Yahweh there.
Later on, Abram and his mob left Shekem, and they went south to the hill country that was on the east side of a town called Bethel, and they camped between Bethel and another town called Ayi. Bethel was to the west of his camp and Ayi was to the east. Then Abram piled up stones there to make another special table, and he burned animals on it to show respect to God. He prayed to God, and he called God by his special name Yahweh.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 12:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 12:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּעְתֵּ֨ק
מִ/שָּׁ֜ם
הָ/הָ֗רָ/ה
מִ/קֶּ֛דֶם
לְ/בֵֽית
אֵ֖ל
וַ/יֵּ֣ט
אָהֳלֹ֑/ה
בֵּֽית
אֵ֤ל
מִ/יָּם֙
וְ/הָ/עַ֣י
מִ/קֶּ֔דֶם
וַ/יִּֽבֶן
שָׁ֤ם
מִזְבֵּ֨חַ֙
לַֽ/יהוָ֔ה
וַ/יִּקְרָ֖א
בְּ/שֵׁ֥ם
יְהוָֽה
וַ/יַּעְתֵּ֨ק
ʻâthaq
H6275
to proceed
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִ/שָּׁ֜ם
shâm
H8033
there
Prep | Adv
הָ/הָ֗רָ/ה
har
H2022
mountain
Art | N-ms | Suff
מִ/קֶּ֛דֶם
qedem
H6924
front
Prep | N-ms
לְ/בֵֽית
Bêyth-ʼÊl
H1008
Bethel
Prep | N-proper
אֵ֖ל
Bêyth-ʼÊl
H1008
Bethel
N-proper
וַ/יֵּ֣ט
nâṭâh
H5186
to stretch
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אָהֳלֹ֑/ה
ʼôhel
H168
tent
N-ms | Suff
בֵּֽית
Bêyth-ʼÊl
H1008
Bethel
N-proper
אֵ֤ל
Bêyth-ʼÊl
H1008
Bethel
N-proper
מִ/יָּם֙
yâm
H3220
West
Prep | N-ms
וְ/הָ/עַ֣י
ʻAy
H5857
Ai
Conj | Art | N-proper
מִ/קֶּ֔דֶם
qedem
H6924
front
Prep | N-ms
וַ/יִּֽבֶן
bânâh
H1129
to build
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁ֤ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
מִזְבֵּ֨חַ֙
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-ms
לַֽ/יהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
וַ/יִּקְרָ֖א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/שֵׁ֥ם
shêm
H8034
name
Prep | N-ms
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 12:8
וַ/יַּעְתֵּ֨ק
ʻâthaq
H6275
"to proceed"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to move or proceed, and can also mean to grow old or be removed. It appears in various forms, including to transcribe or copy out. In the Bible, it is used to describe advancing in years or moving forward in life.
Definition: 1) to move, proceed, advance, move on, become old, be removed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to move 1a2) to advance (in years), grow old and weak 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to move forward, proceed, move on 1b2) to remove 1b3) to transcribe
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: copy out, leave off, become (wax) old, remove. See also: Genesis 12:8; Job 18:4; Psalms 6:8.
מִ/שָּׁ֜ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Prep | Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
הָ/הָ֗רָ/ה
har
H2022
"mountain"
Art | N-ms | Suff
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
מִ/קֶּ֛דֶם
qedem
H6924
"front"
Prep | N-ms
The front or east direction, often used to describe a location or time, such as in the book of Ezekiel where it describes the direction of the temple. It can also mean something is ancient or from the past, like the stories in Genesis.
Definition: : east 1) east, antiquity, front, that which is before, aforetime 1a) front, from the front or east, in front, mount of the East 1b) ancient time, aforetime, ancient, from of old, earliest time 1c) anciently, of old (adverb) 1d) beginning 1e) east
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: aforetime, ancient (time), before, east (end, part, side, -ward), eternal, [idiom] ever(-lasting), forward, old, past. Compare H6926 (קִדְמָה). See also: Genesis 2:8; Nehemiah 12:46; Psalms 44:2.
לְ/בֵֽית
Bêyth-ʼÊl
H1008
"Bethel"
Prep | N-proper
Bethel, meaning house of God, is a significant location in the Bible, particularly in the book of Genesis. It was a place of worship and sacrifice, where Jacob had a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven. The name Bethel signifies its importance as a spiritual site, where God was believed to dwell.
Definition: § Bethel = "house of God" a place in south country of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Beth-el. See also: Genesis 12:8; 1 Samuel 30:27; Jeremiah 48:13.
אֵ֖ל
Bêyth-ʼÊl
H1008
"Bethel"
N-proper
Bethel, meaning house of God, is a significant location in the Bible, particularly in the book of Genesis. It was a place of worship and sacrifice, where Jacob had a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven. The name Bethel signifies its importance as a spiritual site, where God was believed to dwell.
Definition: § Bethel = "house of God" a place in south country of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Beth-el. See also: Genesis 12:8; 1 Samuel 30:27; Jeremiah 48:13.
וַ/יֵּ֣ט
nâṭâh
H5186
"to stretch"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
אָהֳלֹ֑/ה
ʼôhel
H168
"tent"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
בֵּֽית
Bêyth-ʼÊl
H1008
"Bethel"
N-proper
Bethel, meaning house of God, is a significant location in the Bible, particularly in the book of Genesis. It was a place of worship and sacrifice, where Jacob had a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven. The name Bethel signifies its importance as a spiritual site, where God was believed to dwell.
Definition: § Bethel = "house of God" a place in south country of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Beth-el. See also: Genesis 12:8; 1 Samuel 30:27; Jeremiah 48:13.
אֵ֤ל
Bêyth-ʼÊl
H1008
"Bethel"
N-proper
Bethel, meaning house of God, is a significant location in the Bible, particularly in the book of Genesis. It was a place of worship and sacrifice, where Jacob had a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven. The name Bethel signifies its importance as a spiritual site, where God was believed to dwell.
Definition: § Bethel = "house of God" a place in south country of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Beth-el. See also: Genesis 12:8; 1 Samuel 30:27; Jeremiah 48:13.
מִ/יָּם֙
yâm
H3220
"West"
Prep | N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
וְ/הָ/עַ֣י
ʻAy
H5857
"Ai"
Conj | Art | N-proper
Ai means 'heap of ruins', a city in Palestine east of the Jordan River, mentioned in the Bible as part of the Ammonites' territory. It appears in the book of Joshua and is associated with Heshbon. The city's name reflects its history of destruction.
Definition: § Ai or Aija or Aiath or Hai = "heap of ruins" a city of the Ammonites on the east of the Jordan and apparently attached to Heshbon
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: Ai, Aija, Aijath, Hai. See also: Genesis 12:8; Joshua 8:20; Isaiah 10:28.
מִ/קֶּ֔דֶם
qedem
H6924
"front"
Prep | N-ms
The front or east direction, often used to describe a location or time, such as in the book of Ezekiel where it describes the direction of the temple. It can also mean something is ancient or from the past, like the stories in Genesis.
Definition: : east 1) east, antiquity, front, that which is before, aforetime 1a) front, from the front or east, in front, mount of the East 1b) ancient time, aforetime, ancient, from of old, earliest time 1c) anciently, of old (adverb) 1d) beginning 1e) east
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: aforetime, ancient (time), before, east (end, part, side, -ward), eternal, [idiom] ever(-lasting), forward, old, past. Compare H6926 (קִדְמָה). See also: Genesis 2:8; Nehemiah 12:46; Psalms 44:2.
וַ/יִּֽבֶן
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
שָׁ֤ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
מִזְבֵּ֨חַ֙
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
לַֽ/יהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וַ/יִּקְרָ֖א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
בְּ/שֵׁ֥ם
shêm
H8034
"name"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Genesis 12:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 12:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 12:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 12:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 12:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 12:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 12:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 12:8
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 12:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 12:8
- Sermons on Genesis 12:8
Context — The Call of Abram
6Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the Oak of Moreh at Shechem. And at that time the Canaanites were in the land.
7Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your offspring. ” So Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.
8From there Abram moved on to the hill country east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built an altar to the LORD, and he called on the name of the LORD.
9And Abram journeyed on toward the Negev. 10Now there was a famine in the land. So Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was severe.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 11:31 | The descendants of Benjamin from Geba lived in Michmash, Aija, and Bethel with its villages; |
| 2 | Genesis 4:26 | And to Seth also a son was born, and he called him Enosh. At that time men began to call upon the name of the LORD. |
| 3 | Genesis 21:33 | And Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called upon the name of the LORD, the Eternal God. |
| 4 | Genesis 13:4 | to the site where he had built the altar. And there Abram called on the name of the LORD. |
| 5 | Genesis 28:19 | and he called that place Bethel, though previously the city had been named Luz. |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 1:2 | To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: |
| 7 | Romans 10:12–14 | For there is no difference between Jew and Greek: The same Lord is Lord of all, and gives richly to all who call on Him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? |
| 8 | Joel 2:32 | And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has promised, among the remnant called by the LORD. |
| 9 | Psalms 116:4 | Then I called on the name of the LORD: “O LORD, deliver my soul!” |
| 10 | Joshua 18:22 | Beth-arabah, Zemaraim, Bethel, |
Genesis 12:8 Summary
In Genesis 12:8, Abram moves to a new location and builds an altar to worship God, showing his trust in God's promises and his desire to obey Him. This verse teaches us that we should prioritize worship and prayer in our lives, just like Abram did. As we see in Genesis 12:7, God had promised to give the land to Abram's offspring, and Abram's actions in this verse demonstrate his faith in that promise. By following Abram's example, we can learn to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, and to call on His name in times of need, as encouraged in Psalm 107:1 and Romans 10:13.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abram move to the hill country east of Bethel?
Abram moved to the hill country east of Bethel as part of his journey of faith, trusting in God's promise to give the land to his offspring, as seen in Genesis 12:7, and to worship and call on the name of the Lord, as stated in Genesis 12:8.
What is the significance of building an altar to the Lord in this verse?
Building an altar to the Lord, as Abram did in Genesis 12:8, is a symbol of worship, sacrifice, and commitment to God, similar to what we see in Genesis 8:20, where Noah built an altar after the flood, and in Genesis 22:9, where Abraham built an altar to sacrifice his son Isaac.
How does this verse relate to Abram's overall journey of faith?
This verse shows Abram's continued trust in God's promises, despite the challenges he faced, such as the presence of the Canaanites in the land, as mentioned in Genesis 12:6, and his willingness to obey and worship God, which is a hallmark of his journey of faith, as seen throughout the book of Genesis, including Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 15:6.
What can we learn from Abram's example of calling on the name of the Lord?
Abram's example teaches us the importance of prayer and calling on God's name, as seen in Genesis 12:8, which is a fundamental aspect of our relationship with God, as emphasized in Romans 10:13, where it says 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved'.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my trust in God's promises, just like Abram did in this verse?
- How can I prioritize worship and calling on God's name in my daily life, as Abram did in Genesis 12:8?
- What are some challenges I am facing that require me to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, and how can I apply the principles of this verse to those situations?
- In what ways can I build 'altars' in my life, symbolizing my commitment to God and my desire to worship Him?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 12:8
And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel,.... As it was afterwards called by Jacob, which before and at this time had the name of Luz, Genesis 28:19 now to the east of this
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 12:8
And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 12:8
Beth-el, a known place, which afterwards was called Beth-el, but now Luz, ; a usual prolepsis, or anticipation, as before, . On the west; or, on the sea; which is all one, because the sea was on the west part of the land: see 28:14 . Hai, or Ai, as it is called, .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 12:8
Genesis 12:8 And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, [having] Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.Ver. 8. And he removed from thence.] Because his building altars to Jehovah was offensive to the Canaanites. Indeed, it was a wonder they stoned him not; but God restrained them. And there he builded an altar to the Lord.] This was still his first care wherever he came, and should be ours. We are a kingdom of priests, and have an altar, which is Christ, who sanctifies the offering. "By him, therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually". Imo altare extruamus non lapideum, sed carneum in cordibus .
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 12:8
(8) He removed.—Broke up his encampment. No special reason for this need be sought; it was the usual condition of the nomad life, and Abram’s wealth in cattle would make frequent changes necessary. His first long halt was in the hill country between Beth-el and Hai, or rather Ai, as in Joshua 8:1-3. The numerous almond-trees, whence the former town took its early name of Luz, the remains of aqueducts and other works for irrigation, and the strength of the town of Ai in Joshua’s days bear witness to the ancient fertility of the district, though said now to be uninviting. Here, too, Abram made open profession of his faith, and worshipped with his household at an altar dedicated to Jehovah.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 12:8
Verse 8. Beth-el] The place which was afterwards called Beth-el by Jacob, for its first name was Luz. See Genesis 28:19. בית אל beith El literally signifies the house of God. And pitched his tent - and - builded an altar unto the Lord] Where Abram has a tent, there God must have an ALTAR, as he well knows there is no safety but under the Divine protection. How few who build houses ever think on the propriety and necessity of building an altar to their Maker! The house in which the worship of God is not established cannot be considered as under the Divine protection. And called upon the name of the Lord.] Dr. Shuckford strongly contends that קרא בשם kara beshem does not signify to call ON the name, but to invoke IN the name. So Abram invoked Jehovah in or by the name of Jehovah, who had appeared to him. He was taught even in these early times to approach God through a Mediator; and that Mediator, since manifested in the flesh, was known by the name Jehovah.
Does not our Lord allude to such a discovery as this when he says, Abraham rejoiced to see my day; and he saw it, and was glad? John 8:56. Hence it is evident that he was informed that the Christ should be born of his seed, that the nations of the world should be blessed through him; and is it then to be wondered at if he invoked God in the name of this great Mediator?
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 12:8
8. Beth-el on the west, and Ai on the east] For Bethel, see note on Genesis 28:12. For Ai, see Joshua 7:2-5. The situation of Abram’s tent between Bethel and Ai must have commanded a view of the valley of the Jordan and of the Dead Sea, with the mountains of Moab. “Beth-el,” or “House of God,” was probably also an ancient shrine, the modern Bêtîn, 9½ miles N. of Jerusalem. on the west] The Heb. word for “the west” means literally “the sea,” i.e. the Mediterranean Sea. Such an expression for a point of the compass could only have been used by a people who had long been resident in the country. called upon the name] See note on Genesis 4:26, i.e. he worshipped, using in his invocation the name “Jehovah.” The Name is the symbol of the Divine attributes.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 12:8
8. Removed from thence — Abram moved southward from Shechem and pitched his tent on the little round mount now seen strewn with stones, as if for the building of an altar, south-east of Bethel — now
Sermons on Genesis 12:8
| Sermon | Description | |
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An Invitation to Closeness by J.B. Buffington | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having goals in various aspects of life, such as personal, church, family, and business goals. He highlights that without |
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The Life of Abraham - Part 2 by W.F. Anderson | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Abraham in the Book of Genesis. He emphasizes the theme of restoration and how God can bring us out of the mess we create for o |
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From Altar to Altar by George Warnock | George Warnock preaches about Abraham's journey of obedience, highlighting the lessons learned through wandering, famine, and moving his altar to different places to acquaint himse |
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(Genesis) Genesis 4:16-26 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the descendants of Cain and their contributions to civilization. He mentions Jable, who was the father of those who dwelled in tents, and his |
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Internship Program Study Part 2 (Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology p.15 - 25) by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural and historical context in which we live, especially for those who have a hunger to know and prea |
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Prayer That Changes Things by Herald Weitsz | In this sermon, Eddie Leo from Indonesia emphasizes the importance of the 49-day encounter as a remedy for spiritual struggles. He highlights the efforts made by Mark Hodges to ref |
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Sin and Death (Romans 5:14) by Ernest O'Neill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of death and how it is passed on from generation to generation. He explains that there are three types of death: physical death, |