Return to Bethel

God told Jacob to return to Bethel and build an altar there to worship Him. Jacob led his family to put away foreign gods, purify themselves, and turn back to God. God protected them on the journey, appeared to Jacob again at Bethel, and renewed the name Israel and the promise given to Abraham and Isaac. Later Benjamin was born, Rachel died on the road, and Jacob set up a stone marker to remember her. Jacob’s family continued to Hebron, where aged Isaac also died, and Jacob and Esau honored their father together. This story helps children see that repenting and returning to God in worship does not mean the road has no sadness. God is faithful to His promise and remains with His people.