Genesis 35 recounts Jacob's transformative journey to Bethel, marked by redemption, covenant reaffirmation, and a divine encounter.
Genesis 35 is a pivotal chapter in the life of Jacob, marking a profound journey of spiritual renewal, reconciliation, and a deep divine encounter. This chapter follows the disturbing events of Genesis 34, where Jacob’s daughter Dinah was violated, and his sons took violent vengeance against the people of Shechem. These tragic events left Jacob in a state of unease, concerned for his family’s future and integrity. At this crucial moment, God calls Jacob to return to Bethel, the place where he had once encountered God in a dream and received a divine promise. The journey to Bethel thus becomes symbolic, representing a return to a place of divine encounter and a fresh opportunity for Jacob to recommit to God’s covenant.
In this chapter, Jacob’s call to spiritual renewal is evident as he instructs his household to put away foreign gods, purify themselves, and prepare for their journey to Bethel. This act of purification signifies a turning away from past sin and idolatry, and a desire to restore the purity and faithfulness of his family. Jacob’s leadership during this moment emphasizes the importance of repentance and spiritual renewal within the family unit. As they journey to Bethel, God reassures Jacob of His protection and guidance, further confirming His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The chapter also highlights how God’s presence is a source of comfort and strength in times of distress and turmoil.
Genesis 35 underscores God's ongoing faithfulness to His covenant promises. Amid the chaos and turmoil Jacob had endured, God’s call to Bethel was a reminder of His unchanging love and commitment. The renewal of Jacob’s faith, marked by his return to Bethel, also signifies the beginning of a new chapter for his family, as God reaffirms His covenant with Jacob and his descendants. As Jacob’s name is changed to Israel, symbolizing his spiritual transformation, the chapter marks not just a personal renewal for Jacob, but also the foundation for the future nation of Israel. Ultimately, Genesis 35 illustrates the deepening relationship between God and Jacob, showing that no matter the struggles, God’s promises remain true and will always lead to restoration.
The Call to Return to Bethel
Genesis 35 opens with God instructing Jacob to arise and return to Bethel, a significant place of spiritual importance in his life. The first verses of the chapter (Genesis 35:1-4) record God's command:
“And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.”
This directive comes after a series of disturbing events, including the incident with Dinah and the subsequent violent response from Jacob's sons. In the wake of this chaos, God calls Jacob back to the place where he had experienced a life-changing encounter. Bethel is the site of Jacob's previous vision of a ladder reaching to heaven (Genesis 28), and it represents a place of divine promise, protection, and blessing.
Jacob’s response to God's call is marked by obedience and a commitment to purify his household. He instructs his family to "put away the strange gods" and cleanse themselves (Genesis 35:2). This act of purification symbolizes a break from idolatry and a return to exclusive devotion to God. By urging his household to rid themselves of foreign gods and by leading them in a spiritual renewal, Jacob demonstrates not just personal repentance but a communal effort to restore spiritual integrity within his family.
The act of purging idolatry was significant in the ancient world, where surrounding nations often practiced polytheism. Jacob’s leadership in this moment underscores the importance of spiritual renewal not only on an individual level but as a family unit. His desire to return to Bethel reflects a yearning for divine restoration, to rebuild his life and family according to God’s will.
The Journey and the Fear of the Lord
As Jacob and his household prepare to journey to Bethel, a remarkable event occurs: "the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob" (Genesis 35:5). The fear of God falls upon the surrounding nations, ensuring that Jacob's journey remains uninterrupted. This divine protection is significant, as it reflects God’s sovereignty over the surrounding peoples and His commitment to protect Jacob’s family during this pivotal journey.
Upon arriving in Bethel, Jacob builds an altar to the Lord and names the place Elbethel, meaning "God of Bethel." This name is a reminder of the transformative encounter Jacob had with God during his flight from Esau. In Genesis 35:7, Jacob says, "Because there God appeared unto him, when he fled from the face of his brother." The renaming of Bethel to Elbethel signifies that the place is not only a geographical location but a spiritual milestone, a symbol of God's intervention and covenant.
The Renewal of the Covenant
Genesis 35:9-15 marks a profound moment of divine reaffirmation. God appears to Jacob once again and blesses him, reaffirming the covenant promises He made to Abraham and Isaac. God tells Jacob:
“Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel” (Genesis 35:10).
The renaming of Jacob to Israel is a powerful symbolic act that signifies the transformation of Jacob’s identity. The name “Jacob” means “supplanter” or “deceiver,” reflecting Jacob’s earlier life of struggle and trickery. However, the new name, “Israel,” means “one who struggles with God” or “prince with God,” and it marks a turning point in Jacob’s life. This new name also signifies the future of his descendants, who will be known as the children of Israel, forming the foundation of the twelve tribes of Israel.
In this moment of divine blessing, God reaffirms His promises to Jacob, echoing the covenant made with Abraham and Isaac. God promises to make Jacob fruitful, to multiply his descendants, and to give him the land of Canaan. These promises are not only for Jacob but for his descendants, underscoring the continuity of God's covenant across generations. The renewal of the covenant highlights God’s faithfulness to His promises, reminding Jacob that despite his past failures and struggles, God's plan for him remains steadfast and unchanging.
Jacob responds to this divine encounter by setting up a pillar of stone at the place where God spoke with him. He also pours a drink offering and oil on the pillar, further dedicating the place to God. This act of worship underscores the solemnity and significance of the moment and serves as a reminder for future generations of God's faithfulness.
Rachel's Death and Benjamin’s Birth
The journey to Bethel, however, is not without sorrow. As Jacob and his family continue their travels, Rachel goes into labor near Ephrath (Genesis 35:16). The labor is difficult, and Rachel dies in childbirth. Before she dies, she names her son Benoni, meaning “son of my sorrow,” but Jacob renames him Benjamin, meaning “son of the right hand” (Genesis 35:18).
Rachel’s death is a poignant moment in the narrative, as she had been Jacob's beloved wife. Her passing marks a deep moment of loss for Jacob, and the naming of Benjamin reflects his desire to turn the sorrow of Rachel's death into a symbol of blessing and hope. The renaming also highlights the father's role in naming his children, and in this case, Jacob’s choice signifies a hopeful future for his youngest son despite the sorrow of his mother’s death.
Jacob sets up a pillar over Rachel’s grave, which remains a landmark to this day (Genesis 35:20). The act of marking Rachel’s grave with a pillar signifies the enduring memory of her and her importance in Jacob’s life, as well as her pivotal role in the story of the twelve tribes of Israel.
The Incident with Reuben
The next portion of Genesis 35 (Genesis 35:21-22) introduces a troubling episode in Jacob's family. Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, commits a grievous sin by lying with Bilhah, his father’s concubine. This act of incest disrupts the family’s harmony and foreshadows future difficulties for Reuben, whose position as the firstborn is later forfeited due to this sin (Genesis 49:4).
This incident serves as a reminder of the imperfections within Jacob’s family. Despite the divine promises and blessings, the family is not immune to sin and strife. The consequences of Reuben's actions will play out in future chapters, but it underscores the reality that the covenant people of God are not free from flaws and struggles.
The Death of Isaac and Jacob’s Return
The final verses of Genesis 35 (Genesis 35:27-29) recount the death of Isaac, Jacob’s father. Isaac lives to be 180 years old, and his death marks the end of a significant generation in the biblical narrative. Jacob and Esau bury their father together, symbolizing a moment of reconciliation between the brothers, whose relationship had been fraught with conflict for much of their lives.
Isaac's death and the brothers' joint burial signify a moment of family unity, highlighting the ongoing work of reconciliation in the life of Jacob. Despite past betrayals and strife, the burial of Isaac marks a return to familial bonds, demonstrating the importance of forgiveness and unity in the face of loss.
Conclusion
Genesis 35 presents a transformative chapter in Jacob's life, full of spiritual significance, renewal, and divine encounters. Through God's call to return to Bethel, Jacob undergoes a journey of repentance, purification, and divine blessing. The renewal of the covenant and the renaming of Jacob to Israel signify a profound transformation in his identity and role in God's plan. The chapter also captures the interplay of joy and sorrow, as seen in the birth of Benjamin and the death of Rachel, and highlights the imperfections within Jacob's family, exemplified by Reuben's sin.
Genesis 35 teaches valuable lessons about the power of repentance, the importance of obedience to God's call, and the faithfulness of God to His covenant promises. Jacob's journey to Bethel serves as a model of spiritual renewal, and the chapter reminds us that, despite our failures, God's grace is always available to us. As Jacob sought God's presence at Bethel, we are encouraged to seek moments of divine encounter in our own lives, allowing God to renew, transform, and guide us on our own journeys of faith.
FAQs based on the themes in Genesis 35
1. Why did God call Jacob to return to Bethel in Genesis 35?
In Genesis 35, God calls Jacob to return to Bethel, a place of profound spiritual significance in his life. Bethel is where Jacob had his earlier divine encounter, which marked the beginning of his transformation and journey toward becoming Israel. This call comes after a series of distressing events, including the violation of Dinah and the violent retaliation by his sons. Jacob's return to Bethel signifies a fresh opportunity for repentance, reconciliation, and renewal. It is a symbolic return to a place of God’s promise, where he first experienced the divine presence, and where God had promised to bless him. By calling Jacob to return to Bethel, God emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with Him in times of distress, and the need for spiritual renewal and obedience. This journey also illustrates the theme of purification, as Jacob commands his household to abandon their foreign gods, purify themselves, and recommit to God. Bethel represents not only a physical location but also a place of spiritual awakening and a renewed relationship with God.
2. What does Jacob’s act of purifying his household in Genesis 35 signify?
Jacob’s act of purifying his household in Genesis 35 is significant for several reasons. After experiencing significant turmoil, including his sons’ violent actions and the lingering influence of pagan practices, Jacob takes a bold step to restore spiritual integrity within his family. By commanding his household to put away their foreign gods, change their garments, and purify themselves, Jacob is making a deliberate decision to rid his family of idolatry and disobedience. This act of purification symbolizes a turning away from past mistakes, false worship, and any practices that conflicted with the worship of the one true God. Jacob's leadership in this moment shows his commitment to spiritual renewal, not just for himself but for his entire family. It underscores the importance of repentance and obedience in the process of restoration. Furthermore, it highlights the responsibility of leaders to guide their families in honoring God and living in faithfulness. The purification ritual was a communal effort to cleanse themselves and prepare for the encounter with God at Bethel.
3. What is the significance of the name change from Jacob to Israel in Genesis 35?
In Genesis 35, God changes Jacob’s name to Israel, marking a transformative moment in his life and relationship with God. This name change signifies more than just a personal rebranding; it represents a shift in Jacob’s identity and purpose. The name "Jacob," which means "deceiver" or "supplanter," reflects his earlier life marked by struggles, deceit, and conflict, especially in his dealings with his brother Esau. However, the name "Israel," which means "he who struggles with God" or "prince of God," symbolizes Jacob’s spiritual growth and his new identity as the patriarch of God's chosen people. The name change is a divine affirmation of Jacob's new role in God's plan. It marks the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and Isaac that their descendants would become a great nation. By renaming Jacob to Israel, God establishes a covenantal relationship that will continue through his descendants, ensuring the perpetuation of His promises. This moment also serves as a reminder of the transformative power of God’s grace, as Jacob, despite his flaws and past mistakes, is chosen to carry on the covenant promises and lead the nation of Israel.
4. How does the birth and death of Rachel impact Jacob’s journey in Genesis 35?
The birth and death of Rachel in Genesis 35 add profound emotional depth to Jacob's journey, bringing both joy and sorrow into his life. Rachel, whom Jacob loved deeply, gives birth to Benjamin during their journey from Bethel to Ephrath. Unfortunately, she dies during childbirth, and her death leaves Jacob mourning the loss of his beloved wife. Her dying words, calling the child Benoni (meaning "son of my sorrow"), reflect the deep pain of her passing. However, Jacob, in his grief, renames the child Benjamin (meaning "son of the right hand"), symbolizing hope and the enduring legacy of Rachel in their family. The birth of Benjamin represents a continuation of the promise God made to Jacob and his ancestors, but it also marks the end of Rachel’s earthly life. Jacob’s act of setting up a pillar over Rachel’s grave near Bethlehem serves as a poignant tribute to her memory and love. The juxtaposition of joy and sorrow in this event highlights the complexities of human life and faith. Despite the pain of loss, Jacob continues on his spiritual journey, which underscores the reality that life’s hardships do not prevent God’s promises from being fulfilled.
5. What does the sinful act of Reuben in Genesis 35 reveal about the challenges within Jacob’s family?
The sinful act of Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, in Genesis 35 is a significant moment in the narrative because it reveals the ongoing struggles and imperfections within Jacob’s family. Reuben’s act of laying with Bilhah, Jacob’s concubine, is not only a violation of family ethics but also an affront to his father’s authority. This sinful act disrupts the family’s dynamics, foreshadowing future conflicts and challenges that will arise within the twelve tribes of Israel. Reuben’s actions highlight the reality that even in a family chosen by God for great purposes, there are deep flaws and moral failures. Despite God’s covenant promises and the divine blessing upon Jacob, his family is not immune to sin, dysfunction, and the consequences of human imperfection. This incident also sets the stage for the shifting of birthrights and leadership within the family, as Reuben’s actions will later cost him the privilege of being the firstborn. The narrative serves as a reminder that, while God’s covenant promises are sure, they are carried out through imperfect human vessels. However, even in the face of sin and family strife, God’s plan for Israel will continue, showing that His purposes are not thwarted by human failure.
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