BRAGADAYJAH 119

Having spoken with Israel, God departed from him; and Israel built at the place where God had spoken to him, an altar of stone and called the place, “Bethel” meaning, House of God. Does this have any significance or instruction for us today, that the house of God is any place where God is worshipped? That it is not the edifice, not the structure, nor the size of the place or the number of pews; nor yet the adornments and vessels of gold, or silver, brass or wood; but the intents and purposes of the hearts that worship there? Be that as it may, Israel built an altar of stone and pour water and oil on it. Water a token of washing and purification; oil the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Israel and his family left Bethel and journeyed on and when they had reached unto Ephrath, Rachel who was with child went into labor. As Rachel was in fear and agony, the midwife sought to assure her by telling her do not be afraid, for you shall have another son. Before the labor was over, Rachel did have a son; and with her dying breath she called his name Benoni, meaning, “son of my sorrow.” But his father Israel called his name Benjamin which is the name that has come down to us today. Perhaps “son of my sorrow” was too painful a name for Israel to remember and to repeat every day; so he chose to remember him as son of my right hand, as surely, if Israel had a choice, he would have given his right hand to save his beloved Rachel; but maybe Benjamin for him also meant “son the South,” since he was the only one that was born so far to the South. One could only but imagine how much Israel would have mourned for his wife. She was buried in the way of Ephrath, which is Bethlehem; and Israel built a monument which was called thereafter, Rachel’s tomb.” More