The hymn “O God of Bethel” was written by Philip Doddridge (1702-1751). The hymn emphasizes that God has promised His people to be with them and keep them in all places where they go. The original text of the hymn is as follows:
O God of Bethel, by whose hand thy people still are fed, who through this weary pilgrimage hast all our fathers led;
Our vows, our prayers we now present before thy throne of grace; God of our fathers, be the God of their succeeding race.
His aim was to use it at the conclusion of a message he planned to preach on Jacob. The hymn emphasizes that God has promised His people to be with them and keep them in all places where they go. The hymn has been repeatedly turned to in times of conflict and uncertainty, and frequently sung at turning points in people’s lives.
Christian Devotions, Health and General issues of the day 