Genesis 12:8-9 reads “And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the Lord, and called upon the name of the Lord. And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south.” 

What is interesting to note is that the location where Abram pitched his tent was between Bethel and Hai (or Ai). Bethel means “House of God” while “Ai” means ruin. So Abram pitches his tent in a place between what would be referred to as the house of God and a place known as ruin.

Points to ponder:
Many a times, we find ourselves in a similar situation on our life’s journey. We find ourself at the crossroads between the house of God (heaven) and a place of ruin (earth) where all creation groans as a result of sin which entered it with the sin of the first Adam. Unfortunately, instead of proceeding to dwell in the house of God, we find our allegiances and anchors in the place of ruin. Let us henceforth, be like king David, who sought to be in the house of the Lord all the days of his life … that one thing, let us seek (Psalm 27:4). Where are you now? Where does your allegiance lie? Where are you anchored?

Genesis 12:8-9 (KJV)
8 And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the Lord, and called upon the name of the Lord.
9 And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south.