Formerly called Luz (Gen. 28: 19), on the border between Benjamin and Ephraim, and one of the most sacred spots in Israel. Here Abraham built his altar on his first arrival in Canaan (Gen. 12: 8; Gen. 13: 3); here Jacob had his dream, set up a pillar, and gave the place its name (Gen. 28: 19). It was a sanctuary in the days of Samuel (1 Sam. 7: 16; 1 Sam. 10: 3). Jeroboam selected it as one of the places in which to set up the calf worship (1 Kgs. 12: 29 ff.; 2 Kgs. 10: 29; Amos 7: 13). See also 1 Kgs. 13; 2 Kgs. 23: 4, 15-30; Hosea 12: 4).