◄ Genesis 35 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
Jacob Returns to Bethel 1Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel, and settle there. Build an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.” 2So Jacob told his household and all who were with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods that are among you. Purify yourselves and change your garments. 3Then let us arise and go to Bethel. I will build an altar there to God, who answered me in my day of distress. He has been with me wherever I have gone.” 4So they gave Jacob all their foreign gods and all their earrings, and Jacob buried them under the oaka near Shechem. 5As they set out, a terror from God fell over the surrounding cities, so that they did not pursue Jacob’s sons. 6So Jacob and everyone with him arrived in Luz (that is, Bethel) in the land of Canaan. 7There Jacob built an altar, and he called that place El-bethel,b because it was there that God had revealed Himself to Jacob as he fled from his brother. 8Now Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died and was buried under the oakc below Bethel. So Jacob named it Allon-bacuth.d 9After Jacob had returned from Paddan-aram,e God appeared to him again and blessed him. 10And God said to him, “Though your name is Jacob,f you will no longer be called Jacob. Instead, your name will be Israel.g” So God named him Israel. 11And God told him, “I am God Almighty.h Be fruitful and multiply. A nation—even a company of nations—shall come from you, and kings shall descend from you. 12The land that I gave to Abraham and Isaac I will give to you, and I will give this land to your descendants after you.” 13Then God went up from the place where He had spoken with him. 14So Jacob set up a pillar in the place where God had spoken with him—a stone marker—and he poured out a drink offering on it and anointed it with oil. 15Jacob called the place where God had spoken with him Bethel.i Benjamin Born, Rachel Dies 16Later, they set out from Bethel, and while they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth, and her labor was difficult. 17During her severe labor, the midwife said to her, “Do not be afraid, for you are having another son.” 18And with her last breath—for she was dying—she named him Ben-oni.j But his father called him Benjamin.k 19So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). 20Jacob set up a pillar on her grave; it marks Rachel’s tomb to this day. The Sons of Jacob (1 Chronicles 2:1–2) 21Israel again set out and pitched his tent beyond the Tower of Eder. 22While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard about it. Jacob had twelve sons: 23The sons of Leah were Reuben the firstborn of Jacob, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. 24The sons of Rachel were Joseph and Benjamin. 25The sons of Rachel’s maidservant Bilhah were Dan and Naphtali. 26And the sons of Leah’s maidservant Zilpah were Gad and Asher. These are the sons of Jacob, who were born to him in Paddan-aram. The Death of Isaac 27Jacob returned to his father Isaac at Mamre, near Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac had stayed. 28And Isaac lived 180 years. 29Then he breathed his last and died and was gathered to his people, old and full of years. And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him. Footnotes: 4 a Or terebinth or great tree 7 b El-bethel means God of Bethel. 8 c Or great tree 8 d Allon-bacuth means oak of weeping. 9 e That is, northwest Mesopotamia; also in verse 26 10 f Jacob means he grasps the heel or he deceives. 10 g Israel means he struggles with God. 11 h Hebrew El-Shaddai 15 i Bethel means house of God. 18 j Ben-oni could mean son of my sorrow or son of my strength. 18 k Benjamin means son of my right hand. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Genesis 35 Summary Jacob Returns to Bethel Verses 1–5 – Return to Bethel and Purification God orders Jacob to go back to Bethel and build an altar. Jacob commands everyone to hand over foreign gods, purify themselves, and change clothes. The idols and earrings are buried under an oak near Shechem, and divine terror keeps surrounding cities from attacking as the family travels. Verses 6–8 – Arrival and Deborah’s Death Jacob reaches Bethel (formerly Luz), builds an altar, and names it El-Bethel. Deborah, Rebekah’s longtime nurse, dies and is buried under “the oak of weeping,” Allon-bacuth. Verses 9–15 – Covenant Reaffirmed and Name Restated God appears again, repeats that Jacob is now Israel, and renews the promise of nations, kings, and land. Jacob sets up a stone pillar, pours a drink offering and oil, and calls the place Bethel. Verses 16–20 – Rachel’s Travail, Benjamin’s Birth, Rachel’s Death On the road toward Ephrath, Rachel’s hard labor yields a son she names Ben-oni; Jacob changes it to Benjamin. Rachel dies and is buried near Bethlehem, and Jacob erects a memorial pillar. Verses 21–22 – Tower of Eder and Reuben’s Sin Israel pitches his tent beyond the Tower of Eder. Reuben sleeps with Bilhah, Jacob’s concubine; Jacob hears of it. Verses 23–26 – Listing of Jacob’s Twelve Sons Scripture lists Jacob’s twelve sons by their mothers, laying the groundwork for Israel’s tribes. Verses 27–29 – Homecoming and Isaac’s Death Jacob returns to Hebron. Isaac lives to 180, dies, and is buried by both Esau and Jacob. This chapter presents a pivotal period in Jacob's life, during which he obeys God's command, leads his family in purification and worship, experiences the sorrow of loss, and receives reaffirmed blessings. The narrative also details Jacob's descendants, solidifying the Abrahamic lineage. Setting the Stage: Why Bethel Matters • Bethel, “house of God,” lies about ten miles north of Jerusalem on a key highland route. • Jacob’s ladder vision happened here decades earlier (Genesis 28). Returning fulfills his vow. • Modern Beitin matches the location; excavations reveal Middle Bronze occupation layers. Purging the Household: Foreign Gods and Earrings • Jacob says, “Get rid of the foreign gods… Purify yourselves and change your garments” (35:2). • Teraphim and talismanic earrings—signs of idolatry—are buried, echoing Joshua 24:23. • Clean clothes symbolize inner cleansing (Exodus 19:10; Zechariah 3:4). Divine Protection on the Road “A terror from God fell upon the cities” (35:5) just as God later promises in Exodus 23:27, shielding an obedient family. El-Bethel: Meeting God Again • Naming the altar El-Bethel (“God of the house of God”) highlights God, not geography. • Deborah’s burial ties Isaac’s household to Jacob’s renewed worship. God Restates the Covenant • “You will no longer be called Jacob, but Israel” (35:10). • Promise: “A nation—even a company of nations—will come from you, and kings will descend from you” (35:11). Fulfilled in David and ultimately Christ (Luke 1:32–33). • Land pledge repeats Abrahamic terms (Genesis 12; 15; 17). Stone Pillar and Drink Offering • Jacob’s standing stone echoes his first pillar (28:18). • First explicit “drink offering” in Scripture foreshadows later law (Exodus 29:40; Numbers 15:5). Rachel’s Death near Ephrath (Bethlehem) • Ben-oni means “son of my sorrow”; Benjamin means “son of the right hand,” turning grief into hope. • Rachel’s tomb north of Bethlehem becomes a prophetic landmark (Jeremiah 31:15; Matthew 2:18). Tower of Eder and Shepherd Landscape • Migdal Eder, a shepherd watchtower between Bethlehem and Hebron, appears in Micah 4:8. • Similar towers from the Middle Bronze Age dot the Judean hills. Reuben’s Offense and Future Loss • Reuben’s act costs him firstborn rights (Genesis 49:3–4; 1 Chronicles 5:1–2). • Taking a father’s concubine was a power play (2 Samuel 16:22 with Absalom). Twelve Sons: Foundations of a Nation Leah: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun Rachel: Joseph, Benjamin Bilhah: Dan, Naphtali Zilpah: Gad, Asher These names frame Israel’s tribal map (Exodus 1; Joshua 14). Homecoming to Hebron and Isaac’s Passing • Hebron’s massive Middle Bronze walls at Tel Rumeida fit the patriarchal era. • Isaac’s burial by both sons mirrors Abraham’s burial by Isaac and Ishmael (Genesis 25:9). Archaeological Snapshots • Bethel (Beitin): city walls, Late Bronze pottery; later northern-kingdom shrine (1 Kings 12:29). • Shechem (Tell Balata): Middle Bronze gate complex, altar platform. • Ephrath/Bethlehem: towers and tomb site on traditional caravan route. • Mamre/Hebron: Cave of Machpelah still stands as Abrahamic burial site. Threads into the New Testament • “Kings will descend from you” points to David and Jesus (Revelation 19:16). • Benjamin’s name hints at Christ seated at God’s right hand (Hebrews 1:3). • The purification call anticipates James 4:8. • Rachel’s sorrow links to Herod’s massacre (Matthew 2:16–18). Living Lessons • Return to first love—Jacob goes back to Bethel. • Bury idols—anything rivaling God must go. • Obedience invites protection—God’s terror guards the journey. • Sorrow can birth blessing—Rachel’s pain brings Benjamin. • Choices carry consequences—Reuben’s impulsive sin costs him. • God keeps promises across generations—covenant stands despite human detours. Connections to Additional Scriptures Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. This verse echoes the theme of purification and renewal found in Genesis 35. Isaiah 43:1 But now, thus says the LORD, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: 'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.' This passage reinforces God's personal call and protection over His people. Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. This New Testament verse highlights the importance of approaching God with a pure heart. Teaching Points God's Call to Return Genesis 35:1 - Then God said to Jacob, 'Arise, go up to Bethel and settle there. Build an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.' God calls Jacob to return to Bethel, symbolizing a return to his spiritual roots and a renewal of his commitment to God. Purification and Preparation Genesis 35:2-3 - Jacob instructs his household to purify themselves and put away foreign gods. This act of purification signifies the need for repentance and holiness before approaching God. God's Protection and Presence Genesis 35:5 - As they set out, a terror from God fell over the surrounding cities, so that they did not pursue Jacob’s sons. God's protection accompanies those who are obedient to His call, ensuring their safety and success. Renewal of Covenant Genesis 35:9-12 - God reaffirms His covenant with Jacob, changing his name to Israel and promising him a multitude of descendants and the land He had promised to Abraham and Isaac. The Death of Rachel and Isaac Genesis 35:16-29 - The chapter concludes with the deaths of Rachel and Isaac, reminding us of the transient nature of life and the enduring faithfulness of God's promises. Practical Applications Return to Your Spiritual Roots Just as Jacob returned to Bethel, identify areas in your life where you need to return to God and renew your commitment to Him. Purify Your Life Examine your heart and life for any foreign gods or distractions that may hinder your relationship with God. Seek to live a life of holiness and dedication. Trust in God's Protection In times of fear or uncertainty, remember that God's presence and protection are with you as you walk in obedience to Him. Embrace God's Promises Reflect on the promises God has made in His Word and trust in His faithfulness to fulfill them in your life. People 1. God The central divine figure who speaks to Jacob, instructing him to go to Bethel and build an altar. In Hebrew, God is referred to as "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim). 2. Jacob The patriarch who is the central human figure in this chapter. He is instructed by God to return to Bethel and is later renamed Israel. His name in Hebrew is "יַעֲקֹב" (Ya'akov). 3. Deborah Rebekah's nurse, who dies and is buried under an oak below Bethel. Her name in Hebrew is "דְּבוֹרָה" (Devorah). 4. Rebekah Although not directly mentioned in this chapter, she is referenced through her nurse, Deborah. Her name in Hebrew is "רִבְקָה" (Rivkah). 5. Rachel Jacob's beloved wife, who dies giving birth to Benjamin. Her name in Hebrew is "רָחֵל" (Rachel). 6. Benjamin The youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, born in this chapter. His name in Hebrew is "בִּנְיָמִין" (Binyamin). 7. Isaac Jacob's father, who dies at the end of the chapter. His name in Hebrew is "יִצְחָק" (Yitzchak). 8. Esau Jacob's brother, mentioned in the context of Isaac's death. His name in Hebrew is "עֵשָׂו" (Esav). 9. Reuben Jacob's firstborn son, who is mentioned in the context of defiling his father's bed. His name in Hebrew is "רְאוּבֵן" (Reuven). 10. Simeon One of Jacob's sons, listed among the sons of Leah. His name in Hebrew is "שִׁמְעוֹן" (Shimon). 11. Levi Another son of Jacob, also listed among the sons of Leah. His name in Hebrew is "לֵוִי" (Levi). 12. Judah A son of Jacob, listed among the sons of Leah. His name in Hebrew is "יְהוּדָה" (Yehudah). 13. Issachar A son of Jacob, listed among the sons of Leah. His name in Hebrew is "יִשָּׂשכָר" (Yissachar). 14. Zebulun A son of Jacob, listed among the sons of Leah. His name in Hebrew is "זְבוּלֻן" (Zevulun). 15. Dinah Jacob's daughter, listed among the children of Leah. Her name in Hebrew is "דִּינָה" (Dinah). 16. Joseph A son of Jacob, listed among the sons of Rachel. His name in Hebrew is "יוֹסֵף" (Yosef). 17. Dan A son of Jacob, listed among the sons of Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. His name in Hebrew is "דָּן" (Dan). 18. Naphtali A son of Jacob, listed among the sons of Bilhah. His name in Hebrew is "נַפְתָּלִי" (Naphtali). 19. Gad A son of Jacob, listed among the sons of Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. His name in Hebrew is "גָּד" (Gad). 20. Asher A son of Jacob, listed among the sons of Zilpah. His name in Hebrew is "אָשֵׁר" (Asher). Places 1. Bethel Description Bethel is where God instructs Jacob to go and settle. It is the place where Jacob previously had a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven (Genesis 28:10-19). In Genesis 35, Jacob builds an altar here and God reaffirms His covenant with him. Hebrew Root The name "Bethel" (בֵּית־אֵל) means "House of God." 2. Luz Description Luz is the original name of the city that Jacob renames Bethel. It is mentioned in Genesis 35:6 as the location where Jacob and his family arrive. Hebrew Root "Luz" (לוּז) is the ancient name of the city before Jacob's renaming. 3. Shechem Description Although not directly mentioned in Genesis 35, Shechem is the place Jacob and his family leave to go to Bethel. It is significant as the site of previous events involving Jacob's family. Hebrew Root "Shechem" (שְׁכֶם) means "shoulder" or "ridge." 4. Allon Bacuth Description This is the place where Deborah, Rebekah's nurse, is buried. It is mentioned in Genesis 35:8 and means "Oak of Weeping." Hebrew Root "Allon Bacuth" (אַלּוֹן בָּכוּת) combines "allon" (oak) and "bacuth" (weeping). 5. Ephrath (Bethlehem) Description Ephrath, later known as Bethlehem, is where Rachel dies giving birth to Benjamin. It is mentioned in Genesis 35:16 and 35:19. Hebrew Root "Ephrath" (אֶפְרָת) is an ancient name for Bethlehem, which means "fruitful." 6. Migdal Eder Description This is the location where Jacob pitches his tent after leaving Ephrath. It is mentioned in Genesis 35:21. Hebrew Root "Migdal Eder" (מִגְדַּל־עֵדֶר) means "Tower of the Flock." 7. Mamre (Hebron) Description Mamre, also known as Hebron, is where Isaac lives and where Jacob visits him. It is mentioned in Genesis 35:27. Hebrew Root "Mamre" (מַמְרֵא) is a place associated with the patriarchs, and "Hebron" (חֶבְרוֹן) means "association" or "league." Events 1. God Commands Jacob to Go to Bethel God instructs Jacob to go to Bethel, build an altar there, and settle. This command is a reminder of Jacob's vow to God when he fled from Esau. The Hebrew word for "altar" is מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach), which signifies a place of sacrifice and worship (Genesis 35:1). 2. Jacob Purifies His Household Jacob tells his household to rid themselves of foreign gods, purify themselves, and change their garments. This act of purification is a preparation for worship and signifies a return to covenant faithfulness (Genesis 35:2). 3. Burial of Foreign Gods Jacob collects all the foreign gods and earrings from his household and buries them under the oak near Shechem. This symbolizes a renunciation of idolatry and a commitment to the worship of Yahweh alone (Genesis 35:4). 4. Journey to Bethel As Jacob and his family travel to Bethel, a terror from God falls upon the surrounding cities, preventing them from pursuing Jacob's family. This divine protection underscores God's covenant faithfulness (Genesis 35:5). 5. Jacob Builds an Altar at Bethel Upon arrival at Bethel, Jacob builds an altar and names the place El-Bethel, meaning "God of Bethel," acknowledging God's revelation to him during his flight from Esau (Genesis 35:7). 6. Death of Deborah, Rebekah’s Nurse Deborah, Rebekah's nurse, dies and is buried under an oak below Bethel, which Jacob names Allon Bacuth, meaning "Oak of Weeping" (Genesis 35:8). 7. God Renews His Covenant with Jacob God appears to Jacob again, blesses him, and reaffirms his name as Israel. God reiterates the promises of a nation and a company of nations, as well as the land given to Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 35:9-12). 8. Jacob Sets Up a Pillar Jacob sets up a stone pillar at the place where God spoke to him, pours out a drink offering, and anoints it with oil, marking the sacredness of the encounter (Genesis 35:14). 9. Birth of Benjamin and Death of Rachel Rachel gives birth to Benjamin but dies during childbirth. She names him Ben-Oni, meaning "son of my sorrow," but Jacob renames him Benjamin, meaning "son of the right hand" (Genesis 35:16-18). 10. Rachel’s Burial Rachel is buried on the way to Ephrath (Bethlehem), and Jacob sets up a pillar on her grave, which is noted as a significant landmark (Genesis 35:19-20). 11. Reuben’s Sin with Bilhah Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, commits a grave sin by sleeping with Bilhah, his father’s concubine, which is noted as a significant breach of family honor (Genesis 35:22). 12. Jacob’s Twelve Sons The chapter lists the twelve sons of Jacob, who are the progenitors of the tribes of Israel, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promise to make Jacob a great nation (Genesis 35:23-26). 13. Jacob Returns to Isaac Jacob returns to his father Isaac in Mamre, near Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac had sojourned. This return signifies a restoration of family ties (Genesis 35:27). 14. Death and Burial of Isaac Isaac dies at the age of 180, and his sons Esau and Jacob bury him. This event marks the end of an era and the continuation of the covenant through Jacob (Genesis 35:29). Lessons from Genesis 35 1. Return to Your Spiritual Roots In Genesis 35, God instructs Jacob to return to Bethel, the place where he first encountered God. This reminds us of the importance of revisiting our spiritual roots and renewing our commitment to God. Just as Jacob was called to build an altar, we too are called to remember and honor the moments when God has revealed Himself to us. "Arise, go up to Bethel and settle there. Build an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau" (Genesis 35:1). Reconnecting with our spiritual beginnings can reignite our faith and strengthen our walk with God. 2. Purify Your Life Before Jacob and his family could go to Bethel, they had to purify themselves and get rid of foreign gods. This teaches us the importance of cleansing our lives from anything that distracts us from God. "So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, 'Get rid of the foreign gods that are among you. Purify yourselves and change your garments'" (Genesis 35:2). By removing distractions and focusing on God, we can live more fully in His presence. 3. God's Protection is Ever-Present As Jacob and his family journeyed to Bethel, God protected them from the surrounding cities. "As they set out, a terror from God fell over the surrounding cities, so that they did not pursue Jacob’s sons" (Genesis 35:5). This serves as a powerful reminder that when we follow God's direction, He provides protection and guidance, even when we face potential threats. 4. Fulfillment of God's Promises God reaffirms His promises to Jacob, reminding him of the covenant made with Abraham and Isaac. "God appeared to Jacob again after he returned from Paddan-aram, and He blessed him" (Genesis 35:9). This highlights the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises. We can trust that what God has promised, He will bring to pass in His perfect timing. 5. Embrace Your New Identity In this chapter, God changes Jacob's name to Israel, signifying a new identity and purpose. "Your name is Jacob, but you will no longer be called Jacob; your name will be Israel" (Genesis 35:10). This transformation is a reminder that in Christ, we are new creations, called to live out our God-given identity with confidence and purpose. 6. The Power of Worship Jacob builds an altar at Bethel and names the place El-Bethel, meaning "God of Bethel." This act of worship acknowledges God's presence and sovereignty. "There he built an altar, and he called the place El-Bethel" (Genesis 35:7). Worship is a powerful way to connect with God, express gratitude, and acknowledge His lordship in our lives. 7. The Reality of Life's Transitions Genesis 35 also records the death of Rachel and Isaac, reminding us of the inevitable transitions in life. "So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem)" (Genesis 35:19). These moments call us to cherish our loved ones and trust in God's plan, even amidst change and loss. 8. God's Sovereignty Over Nations God's promise to Jacob includes the birth of nations and kings from his lineage. "A nation—even a company of nations—shall come from you, and kings shall descend from you" (Genesis 35:11). This underscores God's sovereignty over history and His ability to orchestrate events according to His divine purpose. 9. The Importance of Legacy Jacob sets up a pillar to mark Rachel's grave, a testament to her life and legacy. "Jacob set up a pillar on her grave; it marks Rachel’s tomb to this day" (Genesis 35:20). This act encourages us to consider the legacy we are leaving behind and to live in a way that honors God and impacts future generations. 10. God's Unchanging Nature Throughout Genesis 35, we see God's consistent character and faithfulness. Despite human failings, God remains steadfast in His love and promises. "And God said to him, 'I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply'" (Genesis 35:11). This assurance of God's unchanging nature provides comfort and hope as we navigate the complexities of life. Topics 1. God Commands Jacob to Return to Bethel In Genesis 35:1, God instructs Jacob to go to Bethel and settle there, building an altar to God who appeared to him when he fled from Esau. The Hebrew word for "Bethel" (בֵּית־אֵל) means "House of God," signifying a place of divine encounter and worship. 2. Jacob Purifies His Household Verses 2-4 describe Jacob's command to his household to rid themselves of foreign gods, purify themselves, and change their garments. This act of purification is a preparation for worship, emphasizing the need for holiness when approaching God. 3. Journey to Bethel and God's Protection In verses 5-7, as Jacob and his family travel to Bethel, a "terror from God" falls upon the surrounding cities, preventing them from pursuing Jacob. This divine protection underscores God's faithfulness and sovereignty. 4. Jacob Builds an Altar at Bethel Upon arrival, Jacob builds an altar and names the place El-Bethel, meaning "God of Bethel," as recorded in verse 7. This act commemorates God's revelation to him and reaffirms the covenant relationship. 5. Deborah's Death and Burial Verse 8 notes the death of Deborah, Rebekah's nurse, who is buried under an oak below Bethel, named Allon Bacuth, meaning "Oak of Weeping." This event marks a moment of mourning within Jacob's family. 6. God Renews His Covenant with Jacob In verses 9-15, God appears to Jacob again, blessing him and reaffirming his name as Israel. God reiterates the promises of a nation and a company of nations, along with the land given to Abraham and Isaac. The Hebrew name "Israel" (יִשְׂרָאֵל) means "God prevails." 7. Rachel's Death and Benjamin's Birth Verses 16-20 recount the birth of Benjamin and the death of Rachel during childbirth. Rachel names her son Ben-Oni, meaning "son of my sorrow," but Jacob renames him Benjamin, meaning "son of the right hand." 8. Reuben's Sin with Bilhah In verse 22, Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, commits a grave sin by sleeping with Bilhah, his father's concubine. This act has significant implications for Reuben's future and standing within the family. 9. The Twelve Sons of Jacob Verses 23-26 list the twelve sons of Jacob, who become the patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel. This enumeration highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to make Jacob a great nation. 10. Isaac's Death and Burial The chapter concludes in verses 27-29 with the death of Isaac at 180 years old. Esau and Jacob come together to bury him, signifying a moment of familial unity and closure. Themes 1. Renewal of Covenant with God In Genesis 35, God reaffirms His covenant with Jacob, emphasizing the continuation of His promises. This theme highlights the importance of divine faithfulness and the renewal of commitment to God. The Hebrew word for "covenant" (בְּרִית, ^berit^) underscores the binding agreement between God and His people. 2. Purification and Consecration Jacob instructs his household to purify themselves and change their garments before going to Bethel (Genesis 35:2). This theme reflects the need for spiritual cleansing and dedication to God, symbolized by the act of removing foreign gods and purifying oneself. 3. Divine Protection and Guidance As Jacob travels to Bethel, the "terror of God" falls upon the surrounding cities, preventing them from pursuing Jacob's family (Genesis 35:5). This theme illustrates God's protective presence and guidance for those who follow His path. 4. Worship and Remembrance Jacob builds an altar at Bethel, the place where God appeared to him when he fled from Esau (Genesis 35:7). This theme emphasizes the importance of worship and remembering God's past faithfulness, as Bethel becomes a significant place of encounter with God. 5. Transformation and Identity God changes Jacob's name to Israel, signifying a transformation in his identity and role (Genesis 35:10). The Hebrew name "Israel" (יִשְׂרָאֵל, ^Yisra'el^) means "God prevails," reflecting the theme of divine transformation and the new identity bestowed by God. 6. Fulfillment of Promises God reiterates His promises to Jacob, including the multiplication of his descendants and the land given to Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 35:11-12). This theme underscores the fulfillment of God's promises and the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant through Jacob. 7. Death and Legacy The chapter records the deaths of Deborah, Rachel, and Isaac, highlighting themes of mortality and legacy (Genesis 35:8, 19, 29). These events remind readers of the transient nature of life and the enduring impact of one's legacy through descendants and faithfulness to God. Prayer Points Pray for a heart of repentance and a desire to return to God in areas where you have strayed. Ask God to reveal any idols or distractions in your life and for the strength to remove them. Thank God for His protection and faithfulness, and pray for trust in His promises. Seek God's guidance in renewing your commitment to Him and living a life that honors His name. Answering Tough Questions 1. (Genesis 35:1) How can we verify historically or archeologically that Bethel existed as described here? 2. (Genesis 35:5) Is there any historical or scientific record supporting the “terror of God” preventing nearby cities from pursuing Jacob’s family? 3. (Genesis 35:9–10) Why does God reaffirm Jacob’s name to Israel here, even though it was already changed in Genesis 32:28? 4. (Genesis 35:16–19) Can Rachel’s fatal childbirth and burial location be corroborated by any external evidence or timeline? 5. (Genesis 35:22) Why is Reuben’s act with Bilhah mentioned only briefly here, and does it conflict with other passages describing moral or legal consequences? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does God's command to Jacob tell us about God's involvement in our personal journeys? 2. What is the significance of Jacob's instruction to his family to rid themselves of foreign gods? 3. Why is the act of purification and changing garments important before embarking on a spiritual journey? 4. How do Jacob's actions in Bethel demonstrate his obedience and commitment to God? 5. What is the significance of Jacob naming the place El-bethel? 6. How does God's reaffirmation of His covenant and renaming Jacob to Israel reflect God's faithfulness and transformative power? 7. How does the death of Rachel during childbirth illustrate the harsh realities of life in biblical times? 8. Why did Rachel name her son Ben-oni and why did Jacob rename him Benjamin? 9. What does Reuben's transgression reveal about the family dynamics and moral challenges within Jacob's family? 10. How does the enumeration of Jacob's sons emphasize the importance of lineage in the biblical narrative? 11. How can we relate Jacob's journey, personal trials, and family challenges to our own life experiences? 12. How does God's command to Jacob to build an altar in Bethel inspire us to create spaces for worship in our lives? 13. How does the concept of purification, as carried out by Jacob's household, apply to our spiritual lives today? 14. How do we handle the complex emotions of joy and sorrow, as Jacob did upon the birth of Benjamin and the death of Rachel? 15. How can we respond appropriately to transgressions within our own families or communities, as Jacob did with Reuben's sin? 16. What can the naming and renaming of places and people in this chapter teach us about identity and spiritual transformation? 17. How does the death of Isaac, the end of an era, affect our understanding of the transition of covenant responsibility to the next generation? 18. How can we lean on God's faithfulness in times of personal and familial trials, as demonstrated in Jacob's life? 19. How does the recurring theme of God's covenant inform our understanding of God's promise-keeping character? 20. How does this chapter challenge us to balance obedience to God with managing complex family relationships and personal challenges? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions