The evidence goes beyond simple personification - we see Bethel speaking as "I am the God Bethel" and being compared to major deities like Chemosh of Moab. However, this might not mean Bethel was seen as a separate god. Since the main temple of the northern kingdom was in Bethel, this could be similar to how people referred to local manifestations of Yahweh in different places (like "Yahweh of Samaria" or "Yahweh of Teman" in ancient inscriptions). Essentially, Bethel might represent a local expression of the national deity rather than a completely separate god.
I AM MICHAEL. There IS ONLY ONE GOD. Yahweh the Creator, the Holy Spirit of Yahweh, Jesus THE Messiah THE Lord Saviour. As they are as ONE. GOD has commanded that we are not to create or mold any images of him as in gold, silver, wood, clay or any other objects to be worshiped.
Think of it this way - just as archaeological inscriptions mention "Yahweh of Samaria" and "Yahweh of Teman" as local manifestations of the same deity, Bethel might have been understood similarly. Since Bethel housed the main temple of the northern kingdom of Israel, this could be another case of a local manifestation of the national deity, rather than a completely separate god.
It's amazing how much hidden history there is in texts we think we know so well. Looking forward to your next video! 📚✨
Thank you! More to come
Meh. They personified Jerusalem, too. Your evidence is thin.
The evidence goes beyond simple personification - we see Bethel speaking as "I am the God Bethel" and being compared to major deities like Chemosh of Moab. However, this might not mean Bethel was seen as a separate god. Since the main temple of the northern kingdom was in Bethel, this could be similar to how people referred to local manifestations of Yahweh in different places (like "Yahweh of Samaria" or "Yahweh of Teman" in ancient inscriptions). Essentially, Bethel might represent a local expression of the national deity rather than a completely separate god.
I AM MICHAEL. There IS ONLY ONE GOD.
Yahweh the Creator, the Holy Spirit of Yahweh, Jesus THE Messiah THE Lord Saviour.
As they are as ONE.
GOD has commanded that we are not to create or mold any images of him as in gold, silver, wood, clay or any other objects to be worshiped.
Absolute bullshit. Bethel means "The House of God." It is not the name of a God. Beth (house) el (God).
Think of it this way - just as archaeological inscriptions mention "Yahweh of Samaria" and "Yahweh of Teman" as local manifestations of the same deity, Bethel might have been understood similarly. Since Bethel housed the main temple of the northern kingdom of Israel, this could be another case of a local manifestation of the national deity, rather than a completely separate god.