The Evangelical Preacher Genesis 35:1-15 And God said to Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar to God… I. HERE IS A REFERENCE TO JACOB'S PAST EXPERIENCE OF JEHOVAH'S KINDNESS. "The God that appeared to thee." 1. His fleeing from the wrath of an enraged brother. 2. The manifestation of God to him as his Friend. 3. His consecration of himself to God. II. HERE IS A CALL FOR GRATITUDE TO GOD FOR HIS PAST KINDNESS. "Arise, and go to Bethel." 1. God was peculiarly kind to Jacob. He had given him more than he asked — two wives, ten children, and large possessions (chaps. 29., 30., 31.). 2. God had subdued the anger of his brother, even though Esau had kept it up twenty years. 3. Jacob returned to his own country, but forgot his vow. He settles down for eight years before he visits Bethel, and not then until visited by a domestic affliction, and God thereby reminded him of his neglected duties; then he and his household went up to Bethel, and paid his vows, and had a renewed instance of God's favour. III. HERE LEARN A LESSON OF GRATITUDE TO THE GOD OF ALL YOUR MERCIES. For this is recorded for that purpose. 1. How many mercies have you to be thankful for! Not only common, but special mercies. 2. Many a place has been a Bethel to the Christian's soul. 3. Think of your vows and resolutions, and carry them out, and you will have renewed seasons of enjoyment, and fresh instances of the Divine favour. (The Evangelical Preacher.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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