Why is Bethel described as the house of God?

In Jacob’s experience, as recounted in Genesis 28:17, he declares, 'How dreadful is this place! This is none other but the house of God.' The house of God signifies a place where God manifests His presence and communicates with His people. For Jacob, it was a moment of revelation and divine assurance. In essence, anytime God meets with us, whether in worship or through His Word, it becomes a holy space, a Bethel, where we recognize God’s active engagement in our lives. It reminds us that worship is not confined to buildings but exists wherever God meets His people.