Genesis 35:4

So they gave Jacob all their foreign gods and all their earrings, and Jacob buried them under the oak near Shechem.

Study Bible

So they gave Jacob
This phrase indicates a collective action by Jacob's household and those with him. The act of giving here is significant, as it represents a voluntary relinquishment of items that were contrary to the worship of Yahweh. In Hebrew, the word for "gave" is "נָתַן" (natan), which implies a transfer of possession. This act of giving is a symbolic gesture of repentance and a turning away from idolatry, aligning with the covenantal relationship that Jacob and his family are to have with God.

all their foreign gods
The term "foreign gods" refers to idols or deities that were worshipped by the surrounding nations. In Hebrew, "foreign gods" is "אֱלֹהֵי הַנֵּכָר" (elohei hanekar). These gods were often associated with specific territories or peoples and were considered illegitimate in the worship of the one true God, Yahweh. The presence of these gods among Jacob's family suggests a syncretism that had crept into their practices, which needed to be purged to maintain purity in their worship.

and all their earrings
Earrings in the ancient Near Eastern context were not merely decorative but often held religious or superstitious significance. They could be amulets or charms associated with the worship of these foreign gods. The Hebrew word for earrings is "נֶזֶם" (nezem), which can also imply a ring or nose ring. By giving up these items, Jacob's household was renouncing any spiritual or superstitious ties they had with these objects, further signifying their commitment to Yahweh.

and Jacob buried them
The act of burying these items is a powerful symbol of renunciation and separation from past practices. In Hebrew, "buried" is "טָמַן" (taman), which means to hide or conceal. This burial underlines a decisive break from idolatry, as these objects are not just discarded but hidden away, never to be retrieved. It signifies a cleansing of the household and a fresh start in their journey with God.

under the oak
The oak tree, or "אֵלָה" (elah) in Hebrew, is often associated with significant events or covenants in the Bible. Oaks were seen as places of strength and endurance. By burying the foreign gods and earrings under the oak, Jacob is marking the spot as a place of transformation and renewal. It serves as a physical reminder of their commitment to God and the rejection of idolatry.

near Shechem
Shechem holds historical and spiritual significance in the biblical narrative. It is a place where God appeared to Abraham and promised the land to his descendants (Genesis 12:6-7). By choosing this location, Jacob is connecting his family's act of purification with the promises of God to his forefathers. Shechem becomes a place of covenant renewal, where the family of Jacob reaffirms their dedication to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jacob
The patriarch who leads his family in a spiritual renewal by removing foreign gods and purifying themselves.

2. Foreign gods
Idols or deities that were not the God of Israel, which Jacob's family had acquired.

3. Earrings
Likely associated with idolatry or pagan practices, these were also surrendered as part of the purification process.

4. Oak near Shechem
A significant location where Jacob buried the foreign gods and earrings, symbolizing a break from past idolatry.

5. Shechem
A city in Canaan, significant in the history of Israel, where Jacob's family had settled temporarily.

Teaching Points

Spiritual Renewal Requires Action
Jacob's leadership in removing idols demonstrates that spiritual renewal often requires decisive action and tangible steps.

Symbolic Acts of Repentance
Burying the foreign gods under the oak symbolizes a complete break from past sins and a commitment to God.

Community Purification
The collective act of giving up idols and earrings shows the importance of communal purity and accountability in faith.

Idolatry's Subtlety
The presence of foreign gods among Jacob's family serves as a reminder of how easily idolatry can infiltrate our lives.

Legacy of Faithfulness
Jacob's actions set a precedent for future generations, emphasizing the importance of leaving a legacy of faithfulness to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What steps can we take today to identify and remove "foreign gods" or idols in our own lives?

2. How does the act of burying the idols under the oak tree serve as a powerful symbol of repentance and renewal?

3. In what ways can we, like Jacob, lead our families or communities in spiritual renewal and purification?

4. How do the actions of Jacob's family in Genesis 35:4 connect with the broader biblical account of turning away from idolatry?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to make a decisive break from something that was hindering your relationship with God. What did you learn from that experience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 32
The incident of the golden calf, where the Israelites fell into idolatry, highlights the recurring struggle against foreign gods.

Joshua 24
Joshua's call to the Israelites to put away foreign gods and serve the Lord parallels Jacob's actions in Genesis 35.

1 Samuel 7
Samuel instructs Israel to rid themselves of foreign gods, showing a consistent biblical theme of returning to God.

Acts 19
The Ephesians' renunciation of magic and burning of scrolls reflects a New Testament example of turning away from idolatry.