Genesis 28:19 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to Moses, who wrote this book, Jacob named the place Bethel, which means "House of God," because he felt it was special and where God was with him. Before Jacob renamed it, the area was originally called Luz.

Contradiction with Genesis 28:22

This verse focuses on Jacob's vow to make the pillar as God's house, whereas Genesis 28:19 is about naming the location Bethel, highlighting different aspects of Jacob’s experience.

Genesis 28:22: And this stone, which I have set [for] a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.

Contradiction with Joshua 18:13

This verse speaks about the boundaries of Bethel as taken by the tribes of Israel, which contrasts with Genesis 28:19 where Bethel is named by Jacob before any tribes are established in that land.

Joshua 18:13: And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz, which [is] Bethel, southward; and the border descended to Atarothadar, near the hill that [lieth] on the south side of the nether Bethhoron.

Contradiction with Judges 20:18

Here, Bethel is presented as a place where Israelites inquire of God and receive instructions to go to battle, unlike Genesis 28:19 where Bethel is merely named and is the setting for a personal divine encounter.

Judges 20:18: And the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God, and asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the LORD said, Judah [shall go up] first.

Contradiction with 2 Kings 2:3

At Bethel, there are prophets, indicating an established place of spiritual activity, while Genesis 28:19 presents it merely as a place named by Jacob.

2 Kings 2:3: And the sons of the prophets that [were] at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know [it]; hold ye your peace.

Contradiction with Amos 7:13

Bethel is described as the king's sanctuary and a royal house, differing from Genesis 28:19 where Bethel is simply named by Jacob after a vision.

Amos 7:13: But prophesy not again any more at Bethel: for it [is] the king's chapel, and it [is] the king's court. [chapel: or, sanctuary] [king's court: Heb. house of the kingdom]

Contradiction with 1 Kings 12:29

Jeroboam places golden calves in Bethel for worship, presenting it as a center of idolatry, contrary to Genesis 28:19 where it’s a site of divine encounter and naming.