John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 35:15
And Jacob called the name of the place where God spake with him, Bethel. He confirmed the name he had before given it, when he went to Mesopotamia, and now upon his return renews and establishes it; or he gave this name more especially to that particular spot where God conversed with him, and on which he erected a pillar, and consecrated it to religious worship, and so made it God's house, as he promised he would, Genesis 28:22 , both building an altar for sacrifice, and setting up a... read more
John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 35:14
And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him ,.... He had set up a pillar in this place before he went to Padanaram, Genesis 28:18 ; and some, think this pillar is here referred to, and render the words, "had set up a pillar" F25 ויצב "erexerat", Vatablus; "et statuerat", Piscator; so Aben Ezra. ; but as that was done thirty years ago, it is very likely it was demolished by the Heathens before this time, or was fallen to ruin, wherefore this must be at least a... read more