Bethel illustration 2

Bethel was an important location for Abram (Genesis 12:8, 13:1-4) and Jacob (Genesis 28). In time, it became a site of pagan worship when Jeroboam placed a golden calf at the site. It was a common target for prophets who preached against pagan practices in the north. When Josiah carried out his zealous religious reforms, he destroyed the altar at Bethel (2 Kings 23).