Genesis 35 Commentary: Returning to Bethel and Renewing Covenant
And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Beth–el, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.
Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:
And let us arise, and go up to Beth–el; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.
And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.
And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.
So Jacob came to Luz, which is in the land of Canaan, that is, Beth–el, he and all the people that were with him.
And he built there an altar, and called the place El–beth–el: because there God appeared unto him, when he fled from the face of his brother.
But Deborah Rebekah’s nurse died, and she was buried beneath Beth–el under an oak: and the name of it was called Allon–bachuth.
And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padan–aram, and blessed him.
And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel.
And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins;
And the land which I gave Abraham and Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give the land.
And God went up from him in the place where he talked with him.
And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, even a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon.
And Jacob called the name of the place where God spake with him, Beth–el.
And they journeyed from Beth–el; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour.
And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also.
And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Ben–oni: but his father called him Benjamin.
And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Beth–lehem.
And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel’s grave unto this day.
And Israel journeyed, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Edar.
And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine: and Israel heard it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:
The sons of Leah; Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun:
The sons of Rachel; Joseph, and Benjamin:
And the sons of Bilhah, Rachel’s handmaid; Dan, and Naphtali:
And the sons of Zilpah, Leah’s handmaid; Gad, and Asher: these are the sons of Jacob, which were born to him in Padan–aram.
And Jacob came unto Isaac his father unto Mamre, unto the city of Arbah, which is Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac sojourned.
And the days of Isaac were an hundred and fourscore years.
And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, being old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.
Genesis 35 marks a pivotal moment in Jacob's journey, highlighting themes of obedience, revival, divine faithfulness, and the cost of sin. After a period of turmoil and fear stemming from his sons' violent actions (Genesis 34), God calls Jacob back to Bethel, a place of profound significance in his spiritual history. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that even when we stray, God's grace provides opportunities for renewal and recommitment. The chapter also gives a brief account of the death of Rachel and Isaac, as well as Reuben’s sin, and the sons of Jacob.
Called Back to Bethel: A Time for Revival (Genesis 35:1-7)
Following the horrifying events surrounding Dinah's rape and the subsequent revenge taken by Simeon and Levi, Jacob found himself living in fear of retribution from the surrounding peoples. It was in this vulnerable state that God spoke, commanding Jacob to "Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there. And make an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother" (Genesis 35:1). This divine instruction wasn't arbitrary; it was a call to fulfill a vow Jacob had made years earlier (Genesis 28:10-22) when God had first appeared to him in a dream.
Tony Evans points out that God's timing is perfect. He often speaks to us during crises when we are most receptive to His voice. In the midst of his fear, Jacob was ready to listen. Sometimes, it's when we are "flat on our backs" that we are facing the right direction, ready to receive God's guidance.
Jacob's response initiated a personal and family revival. Recognizing the need for spiritual cleansing, Jacob instructed his household to "put away the foreign gods that are among you and purify yourselves and change your garments" (Genesis 35:2). This wasn't merely a cosmetic change; it was a symbolic act of rejecting idolatry and embracing a renewed commitment to God. Rachel's hidden household gods (Genesis 31:19) were finally dealt with, demonstrating a willingness to remove anything that hindered their relationship with God.
This act of purification involves three steps: get rid of the foreign gods, purify yourselves and change your clothes. "Changing garments symbolizes a reorienting of life." In revival, God expects us to change our position, reorienting ourselves so that God’s authority can flow through us.
The idols were buried, signifying a complete and total rejection of their influence. As they journeyed from Shechem to Bethel, "a terror from God fell upon the cities that were around them, and they did not pursue the sons of Jacob" (Genesis 35:5). This divine protection underscores that when we obey God, He shields us from harm. Jacob built an altar at Bethel, calling the place El-Bethel, "the God of Bethel," commemorating God's faithfulness. The mention of Deborah, Rebekah's nurse, and her burial near Bethel (Genesis 35:8) serves as a reminder of God's continuous presence in Jacob's life.
God's Reaffirmation: A Promise Renewed (Genesis 35:9-15)
Upon Jacob's arrival at Bethel, God appeared to him again, reaffirming His covenant promises. God declared, "Your name is Jacob; your name shall not be called Jacob anymore, but Israel shall be your name" (Genesis 35:10). This renaming symbolized a new identity and a new destiny. God reiterated His promise of fruitfulness, multiplying Jacob's descendants into a nation and granting them the land promised to Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 35:11-12).
This blessing and promise are nearly identical to those given to Jacob when he first arrived at Bethel. God had not changed. The promise had only lain dormant until Jacob returned to a place where God could pull it off.
Jacob responded with worship, setting up a stone pillar, pouring out a drink offering and oil, and reaffirming the name of the place as Bethel (Genesis 35:14-15). This act of worship was a tangible expression of his gratitude and devotion to God.
Tragedy and Sin: The Complexities of Life (Genesis 35:16-29)
As Jacob's family journeyed from Bethel towards Bethlehem, tragedy struck. Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife, died giving birth to her second son, Benjamin. In her dying breath, she named him Ben-Oni, "son of my sorrow," but Jacob renamed him Benjamin, "son of my right hand" (Genesis 35:18), signifying the special place he would hold in his heart. Rachel's burial place was marked with a pillar, becoming a lasting landmark (Genesis 35:19-20).
Benjamin’s special status was not merely a matter of Jacob’s preference. Since Benjamin was born on the way to Ephrath (Genesis 35:19), that made him the only son to be born inside of the promised land.
This section also includes the account of Reuben's sin, where he slept with Bilhah, Jacob's concubine (Genesis 35:22). This act of defiance and disrespect had severe consequences, ultimately costing Reuben his birthright (Genesis 49:3-4; 1 Chronicles 5:1). The author notes, "Israel heard of it," emphasizing that sin, even committed in secret, will eventually be brought to light.
Almost as an aside, the author stops to point out that Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah (35:22). Though Bilhah was not his mother, this was still an egregious sin similar to incest. While Reuben might have thought that no harm would come from his sexual sin, Israel heard about it (35:22). And Reuben’s momentary thrill would thus become the very reason that Reuben would not inherit the covenant. This reminds us that no sin is committed in secret. In the end, everything comes to light.
The chapter concludes with a listing of Jacob's twelve sons (Genesis 35:23-26), highlighting their role as the patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel. Finally, the death of Isaac at the age of 180 is recorded, with both Jacob and Esau burying him together at Mamre (Genesis 35:27-29). This marked the end of an era and paved the way for the next generation to carry on the covenant promises.
I love the reunion we see here at Isaac’s death. Isaac, thought to be on death’s doorstep twenty years prior, finally passed away after living for 180 years (35:28). But unlike the last time Isaac expected his death, when his sons were conniving against each other to steal his blessing, this time Esau and Jacob buried him together in cooperation (35:29).
Genesis 35 serves as a reminder of the importance of returning to God, renewing our commitment to Him, and living in obedience to His commands. It also highlights the complexities of life, where joy and sorrow, faithfulness and sin, often intertwine. Despite the challenges, God's faithfulness remains constant, offering hope and restoration to those who seek Him. The remaining chapters of Genesis will describe the fate of Jacob's sons, as they are drawn into Egypt. Much of this story will focus on Rachel's son, Joseph.
And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Beth–el, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.
Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:
And let us arise, and go up to Beth–el; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.
And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.
And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.
So Jacob came to Luz, which is in the land of Canaan, that is, Beth–el, he and all the people that were with him.
And he built there an altar, and called the place El–beth–el: because there God appeared unto him, when he fled from the face of his brother.
But Deborah Rebekah’s nurse died, and she was buried beneath Beth–el under an oak: and the name of it was called Allon–bachuth.
And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padan–aram, and blessed him.
And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel.
And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins;
And the land which I gave Abraham and Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give the land.
And God went up from him in the place where he talked with him.
And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, even a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon.
And Jacob called the name of the place where God spake with him, Beth–el.
And they journeyed from Beth–el; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour.
And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also.
And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Ben–oni: but his father called him Benjamin.
And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Beth–lehem.
And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel’s grave unto this day.
And Israel journeyed, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Edar.
And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine: and Israel heard it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:
The sons of Leah; Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun:
The sons of Rachel; Joseph, and Benjamin:
And the sons of Bilhah, Rachel’s handmaid; Dan, and Naphtali:
And the sons of Zilpah, Leah’s handmaid; Gad, and Asher: these are the sons of Jacob, which were born to him in Padan–aram.
And Jacob came unto Isaac his father unto Mamre, unto the city of Arbah, which is Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac sojourned.
And the days of Isaac were an hundred and fourscore years.
And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, being old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.
Genesis 35 marks a pivotal moment in Jacob's journey, highlighting themes of obedience, revival, divine faithfulness, and the cost of sin. After a period of turmoil and fear stemming from his sons' violent actions (Genesis 34), God calls Jacob back to Bethel, a place of profound significance in his spiritual history. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that even when we stray, God's grace provides opportunities for renewal and recommitment. The chapter also gives a brief account of the death of Rachel and Isaac, as well as Reuben’s sin, and the sons of Jacob.
Called Back to Bethel: A Time for Revival (Genesis 35:1-7)
Following the horrifying events surrounding Dinah's rape and the subsequent revenge taken by Simeon and Levi, Jacob found himself living in fear of retribution from the surrounding peoples. It was in this vulnerable state that God spoke, commanding Jacob to "Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there. And make an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother" (Genesis 35:1). This divine instruction wasn't arbitrary; it was a call to fulfill a vow Jacob had made years earlier (Genesis 28:10-22) when God had first appeared to him in a dream.
Tony Evans points out that God's timing is perfect. He often speaks to us during crises when we are most receptive to His voice. In the midst of his fear, Jacob was ready to listen. Sometimes, it's when we are "flat on our backs" that we are facing the right direction, ready to receive God's guidance.
Jacob's response initiated a personal and family revival. Recognizing the need for spiritual cleansing, Jacob instructed his household to "put away the foreign gods that are among you and purify yourselves and change your garments" (Genesis 35:2). This wasn't merely a cosmetic change; it was a symbolic act of rejecting idolatry and embracing a renewed commitment to God. Rachel's hidden household gods (Genesis 31:19) were finally dealt with, demonstrating a willingness to remove anything that hindered their relationship with God.
This act of purification involves three steps: get rid of the foreign gods, purify yourselves and change your clothes. "Changing garments symbolizes a reorienting of life." In revival, God expects us to change our position, reorienting ourselves so that God’s authority can flow through us.
The idols were buried, signifying a complete and total rejection of their influence. As they journeyed from Shechem to Bethel, "a terror from God fell upon the cities that were around them, and they did not pursue the sons of Jacob" (Genesis 35:5). This divine protection underscores that when we obey God, He shields us from harm. Jacob built an altar at Bethel, calling the place El-Bethel, "the God of Bethel," commemorating God's faithfulness. The mention of Deborah, Rebekah's nurse, and her burial near Bethel (Genesis 35:8) serves as a reminder of God's continuous presence in Jacob's life.
God's Reaffirmation: A Promise Renewed (Genesis 35:9-15)
Upon Jacob's arrival at Bethel, God appeared to him again, reaffirming His covenant promises. God declared, "Your name is Jacob; your name shall not be called Jacob anymore, but Israel shall be your name" (Genesis 35:10). This renaming symbolized a new identity and a new destiny. God reiterated His promise of fruitfulness, multiplying Jacob's descendants into a nation and granting them the land promised to Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 35:11-12).
This blessing and promise are nearly identical to those given to Jacob when he first arrived at Bethel. God had not changed. The promise had only lain dormant until Jacob returned to a place where God could pull it off.
Jacob responded with worship, setting up a stone pillar, pouring out a drink offering and oil, and reaffirming the name of the place as Bethel (Genesis 35:14-15). This act of worship was a tangible expression of his gratitude and devotion to God.
Tragedy and Sin: The Complexities of Life (Genesis 35:16-29)
As Jacob's family journeyed from Bethel towards Bethlehem, tragedy struck. Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife, died giving birth to her second son, Benjamin. In her dying breath, she named him Ben-Oni, "son of my sorrow," but Jacob renamed him Benjamin, "son of my right hand" (Genesis 35:18), signifying the special place he would hold in his heart. Rachel's burial place was marked with a pillar, becoming a lasting landmark (Genesis 35:19-20).
Benjamin’s special status was not merely a matter of Jacob’s preference. Since Benjamin was born on the way to Ephrath (Genesis 35:19), that made him the only son to be born inside of the promised land.
This section also includes the account of Reuben's sin, where he slept with Bilhah, Jacob's concubine (Genesis 35:22). This act of defiance and disrespect had severe consequences, ultimately costing Reuben his birthright (Genesis 49:3-4; 1 Chronicles 5:1). The author notes, "Israel heard of it," emphasizing that sin, even committed in secret, will eventually be brought to light.
Almost as an aside, the author stops to point out that Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah (35:22). Though Bilhah was not his mother, this was still an egregious sin similar to incest. While Reuben might have thought that no harm would come from his sexual sin, Israel heard about it (35:22). And Reuben’s momentary thrill would thus become the very reason that Reuben would not inherit the covenant. This reminds us that no sin is committed in secret. In the end, everything comes to light.
The chapter concludes with a listing of Jacob's twelve sons (Genesis 35:23-26), highlighting their role as the patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel. Finally, the death of Isaac at the age of 180 is recorded, with both Jacob and Esau burying him together at Mamre (Genesis 35:27-29). This marked the end of an era and paved the way for the next generation to carry on the covenant promises.
I love the reunion we see here at Isaac’s death. Isaac, thought to be on death’s doorstep twenty years prior, finally passed away after living for 180 years (35:28). But unlike the last time Isaac expected his death, when his sons were conniving against each other to steal his blessing, this time Esau and Jacob buried him together in cooperation (35:29).
Genesis 35 serves as a reminder of the importance of returning to God, renewing our commitment to Him, and living in obedience to His commands. It also highlights the complexities of life, where joy and sorrow, faithfulness and sin, often intertwine. Despite the challenges, God's faithfulness remains constant, offering hope and restoration to those who seek Him. The remaining chapters of Genesis will describe the fate of Jacob's sons, as they are drawn into Egypt. Much of this story will focus on Rachel's son, Joseph.