1 God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there. Make an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.”
2 So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you and purify yourselves and change your garments.
3 Then let us arise and go up to Bethel, so that I may make there an altar to the God who answers me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.”
4 So they gave to Jacob all the foreign gods that they had, and the rings that were in their ears. Jacob hid them under the terebinth tree that was near Shechem.
5 And as they journeyed, a terror from God fell upon the cities that were around them, so that they did not pursue the sons of Jacob.
6 And Jacob came to Luz (that is, Bethel), which is in the land of Canaan, he and all the people who were with him.
7 And he built there an altar and called the place El-bethel, because there God had revealed himself to him when he fled from his brother.
8 And Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died, and she was buried under an oak below Bethel. So he called its name Allon-bacuth.
9 God appeared to Jacob again, when he came from Paddan-aram, and blessed him.
10 And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; no longer shall your name be called Jacob, but Israel shall be your name.” So he called his name Israel.
11 And God said to him, “I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations shall come from you, and kings shall come from your own body.
12 The land that I gave to Abraham and Isaac I will give to you, and I will give the land to your offspring after you.
13 Then God went up from him in the place where he had spoken with him.
14 And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he had spoken with him, a pillar of stone. He poured out a drink offering on it and poured oil on it.
15 So Jacob called the name of the place where God had spoken with him Bethel.
16 Then they journeyed from Bethel. When they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel went into labor, and she had hard labor.
17 And when she was in her hard labor, the midwife said to her, “Do not fear, for you have another son.”
18 And as her soul was departing (for she was dying), she called his name Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin.
19 So Rachel died, and she was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem),
20 And Jacob set up a pillar over her grave. It is the pillar of Rachel’s tomb, which is there to this day.
21 Israel journeyed on and pitched his tent beyond the tower of Eder.
22 While Israel lived in that land, Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine. And Israel heard of it.
23 The sons of Leah: Reuben (Jacob’s firstborn), Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.
24 the sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin.
25 The sons of Bilhah, Rachel’s servant, were Dan and Naphtali.
26 And the sons of Zilpah, Leah’s maidservant: Gad and Asher.
27 And Jacob came to his father Isaac at Mamre, or Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac had sojourned.
28 And the days of Isaac were a hundred and eighty years.
29 And Isaac breathed his last, and he died and was gathered to his people, old and full of days. And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.
The True Meaning of Genesis 35
This chapter of Genesis was written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. He was a man chosen by God to guide the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and into the Promised Land. Jacob, the son of Isaac and the grandson of Abraham, continues his journey with his family in this chapter. After the tragic events that occurred in the previous chapter, Jacob is now instructed by God to return to Bethel, the place where he had his famous dream of the ladder reaching up to heaven. Jacob and his family encounter various challenges and experiences that shape their faith and their relationship with the Almighty as they make their way there.
The chapter also highlights the importance of obedience to God’s commands, as well as the consequences of disobedience. We see Jacob’s family struggling with the aftermath of Dinah’s violation and the subsequent retaliation by her brothers. This event serves as a reminder that our actions, even those of our loved ones, can have far-reaching consequences that we must be prepared to face.
Throughout this passage, we are reminded of the overarching theme of God’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and how their descendants will become a great nation. The chapter also foreshadows the eventual rise of the Israelite kingdom and the fulfillment of God’s promises to His people.
Genesis 35:1-5
God instructs Jacob to go to Bethel and settle there, making an altar to God who appeared to him when he was fleeing from his brother Esau. This section carries significant weight in the narrative of Jacob’s life and his relationship with God. Bethel held a special significance for Jacob because it was at this place that he had his dream of a ladder reaching up to heaven with angels ascending and descending, and where God had promised to be with him and bless him (Genesis 28:10-22). Jacob is not only fulfilling a vow he made to God but also acknowledging the importance of God’s presence in his life by returning to Bethel.
Jacob’s call to his household to get rid of their foreign gods and purify themselves indicates a turning point in their spiritual journey. It shows Jacob’s leadership in guiding his family back to the worship of the one true God, forsaking the idols that had crept into their midst. This act of cleansing and consecration symbolizes their commitment to be wholly devoted to God, reinforcing the theme of repentance and spiritual renewal. This message is echoed throughout the Bible, serving as a reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the importance of remaining faithful to God alone.
The mention of the fear of the surrounding nations after Jacob’s household purifies themselves and they set out for Bethel is noteworthy. It demonstrates the power and reverence that was associated with God’s chosen people, highlighting the impact of their actions on those around them. Their obedience and devotion to God drew respect and fear from others, showcasing the influence of living a life in accordance with God’s will. This reinforces the idea that our actions as believers can serve as a testimony to the world around us, influencing how others perceive God and His people.
Lastly, the passage ends with God protecting Jacob and his household as they journey to Bethel, causing the surrounding cities not to pursue them. This divine intervention underscores the theme of God’s faithfulness and protection over His chosen ones. It reinforces the concept that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, guiding and shielding them from harm. This assurance of divine protection serves as a comforting and reassuring message for believers, reminding them that God is a present help in times of need. Genesis 35:1-5 captures a pivotal moment in Jacob’s life and his family’s spiritual journey. It emphasizes the importance of returning to God, forsaking idols, and walking in obedience to His commands. The themes of repentance, spiritual renewal, influence on others, and divine protection are prominent in this passage, resonating with timeless messages found throughout the Bible.
Genesis 35:6-8
Jacob came to Luz (that is, Bethel), which is in the land of Canaan, with all the people who were with him. And he built an altar there and called the place El-bethel, because there God had revealed himself to him when he fled from his brother. And Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died, and she was buried under an oak below Bethel. So he called its name Allon-bacuth. Jacob’s journey to Bethel is seen in this passage. Bethel held significance for Jacob as it was where he had previously encountered God in a dream and received promises of blessing (Genesis 28:10-22). Now, Jacob returns to this sacred place with his family and all those with him. Jacob acknowledges God’s presence and faithfulness in his life by building an altar and calling the place El-bethel, which means “God of Bethel.” It is a moment of rededication and worship for Jacob.
The death of Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, is also mentioned in these verses. Deborah had been with Rebekah since her marriage to Isaac (Genesis 24:59) and likely played a significant role in Jacob’s life as well. Her burial below Bethel symbolizes the passing of an era, a reminder of the transience of life and the importance of honoring those who have been faithful and served their purpose in God’s plan.
The naming of the place as Allon-bacuth, which means “Oak of Weeping,” reflects the sorrow and mourning associated with Deborah’s death. It is a poignant moment amidst Jacob’s journey of returning to his homeland and reconciling with God. This event serves as a reminder of the cycle of life and death, emphasizing the importance of remembering those who have passed on and the need to find comfort in God’s presence during times of grief and loss. Themes of remembrance, worship, and the faithfulness of God are highlighted in this passage in Genesis 35:6-8. It shows Jacob’s spiritual growth and his recognition of God’s guiding hand throughout his life. Through the naming of places and the mention of significant individuals like Deborah, the narrative emphasizes the interconnectedness of past events and people in shaping Jacob’s journey and faith. It serves as a reminder for readers to reflect on their own spiritual journeys, honoring the past, and seeking God’s presence in times of both joy and sorrow.
Genesis 35:9-15
We encounter a pivotal moment in the life of Jacob in Genesis 35:9-15. The verse begins with God appearing to Jacob after he had returned from Paddan-aram and instructing him to arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there. This call to return to Bethel carries great significance as it was at Bethel that Jacob had experienced a profound encounter with God many years earlier. Bethel means “house of God,” and it was the place where Jacob had his dream of a ladder reaching to heaven with angels ascending and descending on it (Genesis 28:10-22).
The directive from God for Jacob to return to Bethel can be interpreted as a call for Jacob to recommit himself to God and to remember the promises God had made to him. It serves as a reminder of the importance of revisiting and reaffirming our spiritual foundations, especially during times of transition or when we have strayed from our faith.
Jacob immediately responds to God’s call by purifying his household, instructing them to put away foreign gods, purify themselves, and change their garments. This act of purging themselves of idols and unclean things signifies a spiritual cleansing and renewal in preparation for their encounter with God at Bethel. It is a symbolic gesture of repentance, turning away from false gods, and recommitting themselves to the one true God.
Furthermore, Jacob’s household burying their foreign gods under the oak tree near Shechem demonstrates their decisive break from idolatry and a commitment to worshiping Yahweh alone. This act reinforces the importance of true worship and faithfulness to God, emphasizing the exclusive devotion that God requires from His people as stated in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3-6). God protects Jacob and his household as they journey to Bethel by causing a terror to fall upon the cities around them so that they do not pursue them. This divine protection highlights God’s faithfulness in shielding His chosen ones from harm and ensuring the fulfillment of His plans for them. It also echoes God’s promise to bless those who bless His people and curse those who curse them (Genesis 12:3).
At Bethel, Jacob builds an altar and renames the place El-bethel, meaning “God of Bethel,” in remembrance of the divine encounter he had there. This act of worship and commemoration signifies Jacob’s acknowledgment of God’s presence and faithfulness throughout his life’s journey. It serves as a reminder for us to build altars of praise and thanksgiving in our own lives, commemorating the times when God has revealed Himself to us and sustained us through trials.
Genesis 35:16-20
Rachel died while giving birth to her second son, Benjamin, as we come across in Genesis 35:16-20. This passage captures a significant event in the life of Jacob, Rachel’s husband, and the continuation of the family lineage. The narrative begins with Jacob and his family leaving Bethel to journey further. Rachel goes into labor as they are traveling, experiencing great difficulty in childbirth. The pain she endures is intense, and sadly, she dies while giving birth. The fact that Rachel names her son “Ben-Oni,” which means “son of my sorrow,” just as she is passing away is incredibly poignant. Jacob, however, renames the child “Benjamin,” which means “son of the right hand,” signifying strength and honor.
This episode serves as a reminder of the harsh realities of life, including the painful experiences of loss and death. It humanizes the characters in the Bible, demonstrating that even those with strong faith and important roles in God’s plan face trials and suffering. Rachel’s death also highlights the theme of childbirth in the Bible, a motif intertwined with promises of progeny and lineage. Throughout the Bible, childbirth is significant in the unfolding of God’s plan, from the promise to Eve of her offspring crushing the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15) to the miraculous births of Isaac to Sarah (Genesis 21:1-7), of Samson to Manoah’s wife (Judges 13), and of John the Baptist to Elizabeth (Luke 1:57-58).
Rachel’s premature death contrasts with the births of her sons, Joseph and Benjamin, who play crucial roles in the history of the Israelites. Joseph’s story, which unfolds later in Genesis, involves jealousy among brothers, betrayal, slavery, and ultimately forgiveness and reconciliation (Genesis 37-50). Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob, is later mentioned in connection with the tragic incident involving his brother Joseph, where he is accused of stealing Joseph’s cup (Genesis 44:1-13). Benjamin’s descendants would make up one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
The naming of Benjamin by Jacob is also significant in biblical symbolism. The right hand is often associated with strength, honor, and favor in the Bible. For instance, God’s right hand is portrayed as a symbol of His power and protection (Psalm 63:8). Jacob bestows upon his son a name reflecting these attributes by naming him “Benjamin.” This act underscores the importance of naming in the Bible, as names often carry deep meanings and reflect the character or destiny of an individual. The renaming of Benjamin symbolizes a new beginning despite the tragic circumstances, transforming sorrow and loss into hope and promise. The passage of Rachel’s death in Genesis 35:16-20 serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the inevitability of death, even among the beloved figures in biblical narratives. It underscores the complexities of human emotions, the significance of childbirth, and the themes of naming and symbolism in the Bible. Through the tragic event of Rachel’s passing, the story of Jacob’s family continues, shaping the trajectory of the Israelites’ history and demonstrating God’s faithfulness in the midst of trials and tribulations.
Genesis 35:21-26
The aftermath of a tragic event in Jacob’s family is seen in Genesis 35:21-26. The verse reads: “Then Israel journeyed and pitched his tent beyond the tower of Eder. And it happened, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine; and Israel heard about it. Israel (Jacob) starts the passage by moving his camp to a new location beyond the tower of Eder. The mention of this tower is significant as it was a well-known landmark and served as a point of reference in the region. This movement signifies a shift in their journey both physically and symbolically. It could be seen as a new chapter in their lives, reflecting a fresh start after the tumultuous events they had experienced.
However, this moment of transition is marred by the grave sin of Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn son. Reuben’s actions of sleeping with Bilhah, his father’s concubine, were not only morally wrong but also a direct challenge to his father’s authority as the head of the family. This incident brought shame and dishonor upon the family, disrupting the harmony and order within the household.
The repercussions of Reuben’s sin extend beyond the immediate family dynamics. It reflects the consequences of unchecked desires and the importance of moral integrity within God’s covenant community. Throughout the Bible, the issue of sexual immorality is repeatedly addressed as a serious transgression that can have far-reaching effects. For instance, in 1 Corinthians 6:18, Paul emphasizes the need to flee from sexual immorality as it is a sin against one’s own body.
Jacob’s reaction upon hearing about Reuben’s actions is not explicitly mentioned in this verse, but it can be inferred that he was deeply disturbed and grieved by his son’s betrayal. This further illustrates the complexities of family relationships and the importance of upholding righteous conduct within the family unit. Jacob’s leadership and authority as the patriarch were challenged by Reuben’s disobedience, highlighting the need for discipline and accountability within the family structure. This passage serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin within the family and the importance of upholding moral values and respect for authority. It underscores the need for repentance, forgiveness, and restoration within the context of broken relationships, pointing towards the redemptive work of God in bringing healing and reconciliation.
Genesis 35:27-29
Jacob came to his father Isaac at Mamre, or Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac had sojourned in Genesis 35:27-29. Now the days of Isaac were a hundred and eighty years. And Isaac breathed his last, and he died and was gathered to his people, old and full of days. And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.” This passage marks the conclusion of the life of Isaac, the son of Abraham and the father of Jacob and Esau. Jacob and Esau coming together to bury their father Isaac is worth noting in this section of the verse. The relationship between Jacob and Esau had been tumultuous, marked by deceit and conflict, most notably when Jacob tricked Esau out of his birthright and their father’s blessing. However, in this solemn moment of burying their father, we see a glimpse of reconciliation and unity between the brothers. This event serves as a reminder that, despite past grievances, family ties can bring about moments of forgiveness and coming together, underscoring the importance of familial bonds and the possibility of healing strained relationships. Isaac’s age, being 180 years old at his death, is significant as it highlights the longevity of his life. It is stated that Isaac died “old and full of days,” indicating that he had lived a long and fulfilling life. This echoes a theme present throughout the Bible where age is often linked with wisdom and experience. Isaac’s life serves as a testament to God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and their descendants, even in their old age.
The location where Isaac is buried, Mamre in Hebron, holds historical and spiritual significance within the biblical narrative. Hebron is a place deeply woven into the lives of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is where Abraham settled and where Sarah, Abraham’s wife, was buried (Genesis 23:19). Hebron is also where Abraham nearly sacrificed Isaac in obedience to God (Genesis 22). The continuity of generations being buried in this sacred place emphasizes the importance of ancestral heritage and the connection between past and present in the unfolding story of God’s people. The verses in Genesis 35:27-29 not only mark the passing of Isaac but also illustrate themes of reconciliation, the fulfillment of promises, the significance of ancestral heritage, and the bond of family. The details surrounding Isaac’s death and burial serve as a reminder of the continuity of God’s plan throughout generations and the importance of honoring familial relationships, even amidst past conflicts.
After Genesis 35
The Lord had spoken to Jacob, commanding him to go to Bethel and build an altar there. Jacob obeyed, and his family prepared themselves for this sacred journey. They put away their foreign gods and cleansed themselves, ready to worship the one true God. The terror of God fell upon the surrounding cities as they traveled, and no one pursued them. Jacob and his household arrived safely in Bethel, where he built an altar and called it El-bethel, for it was there that God had revealed Himself to Jacob when he fled from his brother Esau.
The chapter concludes with a solemn reminder of the fragility of life. Rachel, Jacob’s beloved wife, died while giving birth to their son Benjamin. Jacob erected a pillar over her grave, a testament to the grief and loss that are a part of the human experience. Yet, even in the midst of sorrow, the hand of God continued to guide and protect His chosen people. We will see how the Lord’s providence unfolds in the life of Jacob and his family as we turn the page to the next chapter.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.