So Jacob and everyone with him arrived in Luz (that is, Bethel) in the land of Canaan. So JacobThe name "Jacob" in Hebrew is "Ya'akov," which means "heel holder" or "supplanter." Jacob's journey is one of transformation, from a man who wrestled with God and man to become Israel, meaning "God prevails." This highlights the theme of divine sovereignty and human transformation. Jacob's life is a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises, as Jacob returns to Bethel, the place where God first appeared to him. and everyone with him
This phrase underscores the communal aspect of Jacob's journey. It wasn't just a personal pilgrimage; it involved his entire household. This reflects the biblical principle of leadership and responsibility, where the head of the family leads others in spiritual obedience and worship. It also signifies the unity and collective faith of Jacob's family, which is essential in fulfilling God's covenant promises. arrived in Luz
"Luz" is the ancient name of the city later called Bethel. The name "Luz" means "almond tree" or "separation." This place was initially a Canaanite city, and its transformation into Bethel, meaning "House of God," signifies a shift from paganism to a place of divine encounter. It represents the sanctification of a location through God's presence and the establishment of a spiritual heritage. (that is, Bethel)
"Bethel" means "House of God" in Hebrew. This is a significant location in Jacob's life, where he first encountered God in a dream (Genesis 28:19). Returning to Bethel symbolizes a return to the place of divine promise and revelation. It is a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of remembering and honoring the places where God has revealed Himself to us. in the land of Canaan
Canaan is the land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants. It represents the fulfillment of God's covenant and the physical manifestation of His promises. The land of Canaan is not just a geographical location but a symbol of God's faithfulness and the inheritance of His people. Jacob's arrival in Canaan signifies the continuation of God's redemptive plan through the patriarchs, leading to the eventual establishment of Israel as a nation. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe patriarch of the Israelite nation, Jacob is returning to Bethel, a place of significant spiritual encounters in his life. 2. Luz/BethelOriginally called Luz, this location is renamed Bethel by Jacob, meaning "House of God." It is a place where Jacob previously encountered God in a dream. 3. CanaanThe land promised to Abraham and his descendants, representing God's covenant and faithfulness. 4. Everyone with JacobThis includes his family and servants, indicating the growth of Jacob's household and the fulfillment of God's promise to multiply his descendants. 5. Arrival at BethelThis event marks a return to a place of spiritual significance, where Jacob renews his commitment to God. Teaching Points Returning to Spiritual RootsJust as Jacob returned to Bethel, believers are encouraged to revisit foundational moments in their spiritual journey to renew their commitment to God. God's FaithfulnessThe journey to Bethel underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, reminding us to trust in His covenant. Spiritual LeadershipJacob's leadership in bringing his household to Bethel highlights the importance of guiding our families in faith and worship. Transformation and RenewalBethel represents a place of transformation for Jacob, encouraging believers to seek renewal and transformation in their walk with God. Community in WorshipThe collective journey to Bethel illustrates the importance of community in worship and spiritual growth. Bible Study Questions 1. What significance does Bethel hold in Jacob's life, and how can we identify similar spiritual landmarks in our own lives? 2. How does Jacob's return to Bethel demonstrate God's faithfulness, and how can we apply this understanding to our current circumstances? 3. In what ways can we, like Jacob, lead our families or communities in spiritual renewal and commitment to God? 4. How does the concept of returning to one's spiritual roots challenge or encourage you in your personal faith journey? 5. What lessons can we learn from Jacob's obedience to God's call to return to Bethel, and how can we apply these lessons to our own responses to God's guidance? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 28:10-19This passage describes Jacob's first encounter with God at Bethel, where he dreams of a ladder reaching to heaven and receives God's promises. Genesis 31:13God instructs Jacob to return to Bethel, reminding him of the vow he made there. Hosea 12:4-5Reflects on Jacob's encounters with God, emphasizing his spiritual journey and transformation. Psalm 46:1Highlights God as a refuge, paralleling Jacob's return to Bethel as a place of divine encounter and refuge. 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 Bethel, Beth-el, Canaan, Jacob, LuzDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 35:6-7 7212 exile 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 35:6 NIVGenesis 35:6 NLTGenesis 35:6 ESVGenesis 35:6 NASBGenesis 35:6 KJV
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