BETHEL (Hebrew: Béth-éel = “house of God”). — Rules imposed by Jacob at the place where he had the vision of the ladder and the angels while he was going to Mesopotamia (Gen. 28:10-22). The name Bethel was given to the place by Jacob himself (Gen. 28:19). It is mentioned again in the story of Jacob’s return from Mesopotamia (Gen. 35:1-15), where God renews the promises made at Bethel and Jacob builds an altar there. Bethel is also mentioned in the account of the division of the land among the tribes (Josh. 16:1-4; 18:13, 22).
The site of Bethel is identified with the modern village of Beitin, about 11 km north of Jerusalem. Excavations conducted there have brought to light remains from various periods, including a pre-Israelite sanctuary and a temple from the time of the divided monarchy.
Bethania — View
Bethania is known above all for the Ascension (Luke 24:50). But it is chiefly famous for the raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-44). Christians never ceased to go there to venerate the tomb of Lazarus, on which a church was later built.