Israel again set out and pitched his tent beyond the Tower of Eder. IsraelThis name, given to Jacob after his wrestling with God ( Genesis 32:28), signifies "he struggles with God" or "God prevails." It marks a transformation in Jacob's identity, from a man known for his cunning to one who is now seen as a patriarch of faith. The use of "Israel" here emphasizes his role as the father of the twelve tribes, a foundational figure in the history of God's chosen people. This name change is a reminder of God's sovereignty and the transformative power of divine encounters. again set out
The Hebrew root for "set out" is "nasa," which means to pull up, set out, or journey. This phrase indicates a continuation of movement and pilgrimage, reflecting the nomadic lifestyle of the patriarchs. It also symbolizes the spiritual journey of faith, as Israel moves forward in obedience to God's promises. The word "again" suggests a return to a path or mission, highlighting the perseverance required in the life of faith. pitched his tent
The act of pitching a tent is significant in the patriarchal narratives, symbolizing temporary dwelling and the transient nature of life on earth. The Hebrew word "natah" means to stretch out or spread, indicating the establishment of a temporary home. This action reflects the faith of the patriarchs, who lived as sojourners in the land of promise, trusting in God's future fulfillment. It serves as a metaphor for the Christian life, where believers are called to live as pilgrims, with their ultimate home in heaven. beyond
This term suggests movement and progression, both physically and spiritually. It indicates that Israel is moving forward, not just geographically, but also in his journey of faith. The use of "beyond" can also imply a sense of reaching towards something greater, a deeper understanding or fulfillment of God's promises. the Tower of Eder
The Tower of Eder, or "Migdal Eder" in Hebrew, means "Tower of the Flock." It is traditionally understood to be a watchtower for shepherds to oversee their flocks. Located near Bethlehem, it holds prophetic significance, as it is associated with the birthplace of the Messiah in Micah 4:8. This location serves as a reminder of God's provision and protection, as well as the shepherding role of Israel's leaders. It foreshadows the coming of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who would be born in this region and gather His flock. Persons / Places / Events 1. Israel (Jacob)The patriarch whose name was changed to Israel by God. He is the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. 2. Tower of EderA location near Bethlehem, often associated with shepherds and flocks. The Hebrew word "Eder" means "flock," suggesting a place of watchfulness or oversight. 3. JourneyThis verse marks a continuation of Jacob's journey after the death of Rachel and the birth of Benjamin, highlighting his role as a leader and patriarch. Teaching Points Faithful LeadershipJacob's journey beyond the tower of Eder demonstrates his continued leadership and faithfulness to God's promises, even amidst personal loss. Symbolism of the FlockThe tower of Eder, meaning "flock," symbolizes God's care and oversight, reminding believers of the Good Shepherd who watches over His people. Endurance in TrialsJacob's perseverance through family tragedies encourages believers to trust in God's plan and continue their spiritual journey despite hardships. Legacy and HeritageAs Jacob moves forward, he carries the legacy of God's covenant, reminding us of the importance of passing down faith and values to future generations. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jacob's journey to the tower of Eder reflect his role as a patriarch and leader of his family? 2. In what ways does the location of the tower of Eder connect to other significant biblical events and prophecies? 3. How can the symbolism of the "flock" at the tower of Eder inspire us to trust in God's care and guidance in our lives? 4. What lessons can we learn from Jacob's perseverance and faithfulness in the face of personal loss and family challenges? 5. How can we apply the concept of legacy and heritage from Jacob's journey to our own lives and families today? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 35:19-20Provides context for Jacob's journey, mentioning the death of Rachel and the birth of Benjamin, which precedes his setting out to the tower of Eder. Micah 4:8Refers to the "tower of the flock" (Migdal Eder) as a place of future hope and restoration, connecting the location to messianic prophecy. Luke 2:8-12The shepherds near Bethlehem receive the announcement of Jesus' birth, linking the area around the tower of Eder to significant biblical events. People Allon, Aram, Arba, Asher, Benjamin, Benoni, Bilhah, Dan, Deborah, Eder, Ephrath, Esau, Gad, Isaac, Issachar, Jacob, Joseph, Leah, Levi, Mamre, Naphtali, Rachel, Rebekah, Reuben, Simeon, Zebulun, ZilpahPlaces Allon-bacuth, Bethel, Bethlehem, Canaan, Eder, El-bethel, Ephrath, Hebron, Kiriath-arba, Luz, Mamre, Paddan-aram, ShechemTopics Beyond, Edar, Eder, Flock, Journeyed, Journeyeth, Journeying, Migdal, Migdal-eder, Pitched, Spread, Stretcheth, Tent, Tents, Tower, TraveledDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 35:21 5427 nomads
5585 towers Library February the Eighth Revisiting Old Altars
"I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress." --GENESIS xxxv. 1-7. It is a blessed thing to revisit our early altars. It is good to return to the haunts of early vision. Places and things have their sanctifying influences, and can recall us to lost experiences. I know a man to whom the scent of a white, wild rose is always a call to prayer. I know another to whom Grasmere is always the window of holy vision. Sometimes a particular pew in a particular church …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling YearOur Last ChapterConcluded with the Words, "For Childhood and Youth are Vanity"...
Our last chapter concluded with the words, "For childhood and youth are vanity": that is, childhood proves the emptiness of all "beneath the sun," as well as old age. The heart of the child has the same needs--the same capacity in kind--as that of the aged. It needs God. Unless it knows Him, and His love is there, it is empty; and, in its fleeting character, childhood proves its vanity. But this makes us quite sure that if childhood can feel the need, then God has, in His wide grace, met the …
F. C. Jennings—Old Groans and New Songs The Death of Abraham
'Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.'--GENESIS xxv. 8. 'Full of years' does not seem to me to be a mere synonym for longevity. That would be an intolerable tautology, for we should then have the same thing said three times over--'an old man,' 'in a good old age,' 'full of years.' There must be some other idea than that in the words. If you notice that the expression is by no means a usual one, that it is only …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Trials and visions of Devout Youth
'And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report. Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The National Oath at Shechem
'And Joshua said unto the people. Ye cannot serve the Lord: for He is an holy God; He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins. 20. If ye forsake the Lord, and serve strange gods, then He will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that He hath done you good. 21. And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the Lord. 22. And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves, that ye have chosen you the Lord, to serve Him. And they said, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
"So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God" (Rom. 14:12). In our last chapter we considered at some length the much debated and difficult question of the human will. We have shown that the will of the natural man is neither Sovereign nor free but, instead, a servant and slave. We have argued that a right conception of the sinner's will-its servitude-is essential to a just estimate of his depravity and ruin. The utter corruption and degradation of human nature is something which …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God The Birth of Jesus.
(at Bethlehem of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke II. 1-7. ^c 1 Now it came to pass in those days [the days of the birth of John the Baptist], there went out a decree [a law] from Cæsar Augustus [Octavius, or Augustus, Cæsar was the nephew of and successor to Julius Cæsar. He took the name Augustus in compliment to his own greatness; and our month August is named for him; its old name being Sextilis], that all the world should be enrolled. [This enrollment or census was the first step …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Gen. xxxi. 11
Of no less importance and significance is the passage Gen. xxxi. 11 seq. According to ver. 11, the Angel of God, [Hebrew: mlaK halhiM] appears toJacob in a dream. In ver. 13, the same person calls himself the God of Bethel, with reference to the event recorded in chap. xxviii. 11-22. It cannot be supposed that in chap xxviii. the mediation of a common angel took place, who, however, had not been expressly mentioned; for Jehovah is there contrasted with the angels. In ver. 12, we read: "And behold …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 35:21 NIVGenesis 35:21 NLTGenesis 35:21 ESVGenesis 35:21 NASBGenesis 35:21 KJV
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