Biblical Context:
The narrative of God commanding Jacob to return to Bethel is found in Genesis 35. This event occurs after a series of significant developments in Jacob's life, including his reconciliation with Esau and the troubling events at Shechem involving his daughter Dinah. Bethel holds a special place in Jacob's journey, as it was the site where God first appeared to him in a dream, promising him blessings and protection (Genesis 28:10-22).

Scriptural Account:
In Genesis 35:1, God speaks directly to Jacob, saying, "Arise, go up to Bethel and settle there. Build an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau." This divine command underscores the importance of Bethel as a place of worship and remembrance of God's faithfulness.

Jacob responds to God's command by instructing his household to purify themselves and discard foreign gods, as recorded in Genesis 35:2-3: "So Jacob told his household and all who were with him, 'Get rid of the foreign gods that are among you. Purify yourselves and change your garments. Then let us arise and go up to Bethel, where I will build an altar to God, who answered me in my day of distress. He has been with me wherever I have gone.'"

Theological Significance:
The command to return to Bethel is rich with theological implications. It signifies a call to spiritual renewal and recommitment to God. Jacob's actions in purifying his household and building an altar reflect a return to covenant faithfulness and a rejection of idolatry. This moment serves as a reminder of God's enduring presence and the importance of worship and obedience.

Historical and Cultural Insights:
Bethel, meaning "House of God," was a significant location in the patriarchal narratives. It was a center of worship long before the establishment of Jerusalem as the religious heart of Israel. Jacob's return to Bethel can be seen as a reaffirmation of the patriarchal covenant and a physical and spiritual journey back to the roots of his faith.

Jacob's Obedience and God's Response:
Upon reaching Bethel, Jacob builds an altar and names the place El-Bethel, meaning "God of Bethel," acknowledging God's revelation and protection (Genesis 35:7). In response to Jacob's obedience, God appears to him again, reiterating the promises made to Abraham and Isaac. Genesis 35:10-12 records God's reaffirmation: "Your name is Jacob, but you will no longer be called Jacob; your name will be Israel. So He named him Israel. And God said to him, 'I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply. A nation—even a company of nations—shall come from you, and kings shall descend from you. The land that I gave to Abraham and Isaac I will give to you, and I will give this land to your descendants after you.'"

Moral and Spiritual Lessons:
The account of Jacob's return to Bethel teaches several moral and spiritual lessons. It emphasizes the necessity of obedience to God's commands and the importance of spiritual renewal. Jacob's actions demonstrate the need to remove anything that hinders one's relationship with God, symbolized by the discarding of foreign gods. The narrative also highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and His desire for His people to live in covenant relationship with Him.

Application for Believers:
For contemporary believers, Jacob's return to Bethel serves as a powerful reminder of the need for personal and communal renewal. It calls Christians to examine their lives, remove any idols or distractions, and recommit to worship and obedience to God. The account encourages believers to trust in God's promises and to seek His presence continually, knowing that He is faithful to guide and bless His people.