Bethel is the place where God reminds Jacob that his name is now Israel, “he struggles with God’. Jacob had his trials and difficulties but his new name shows his desire to stay close to God. God confirms the covenant again to Jacob that nations will come from him, and that kings will be his descendants. He also promised the land of Canaan again to Israel and his descendants. Jacob set up another pillar and poured wine and oil on it to consecrate it. The oil and wine used was probably the best that Jacob had in respect for the place it was poured upon. It is from this point on that we see Jacob called Israel.
