Genesis 35
BSB1 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." 2 So 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. 3 Then 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." 4 So they gave Jacob all their foreign gods and all their earrings, and Jacob buried them under the oak near Shechem. 5 As they set out, a terror from God fell over the surrounding cities, so that they did not pursue Jacob’s sons. 6 So Jacob and everyone with him arrived in Luz (that is, Bethel) in the land of Canaan. 7 There Jacob built an altar, and he called that place El-bethel, because it was there that God had revealed Himself to Jacob as he fled from his brother. 8 Now Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died and was buried under the oak below Bethel. So Jacob named it Allon-bachuth. 9 After Jacob had returned from Paddan-aram, God appeared to him again and blessed him. 10 And God said to him, “Though your name is Jacob, you will no longer be called Jacob. Instead, your name will be Israel. " So God named him Israel. 11 And God told him, “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply. A nation—even a company of nations—shall come from you, and kings shall descend from you. 12 The land that I gave to Abraham and Isaac I will give to you, and I will give this land to your descendants after you." 13 Then God went up from the place where He had spoken with him. 14 So 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. 15 Jacob called the place where God had spoken with him Bethel. 16 Later, they set out from Bethel, and while they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth, and her labor was difficult. 17 During her severe labor, the midwife said to her, “Do not be afraid, for you are having another son." 18 And with her last breath—for she was dying—she named him Ben-oni. But his father called him Benjamin. 19 So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). 20 Jacob set up a pillar on her grave; it marks Rachel’s tomb to this day. 21 Israel again set out and pitched his tent beyond the Tower of Eder. 22 While 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: 23 The sons of Leah were Reuben the firstborn of Jacob, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. 24 The sons of Rachel were Joseph and Benjamin. 25 The sons of Rachel’s maidservant Bilhah were Dan and Naphtali. 26 And 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. 27 Jacob returned to his father Isaac at Mamre, near Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac had stayed. 28 And Isaac lived 180 years. 29 Then 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.
Study Notes — Genesis 35
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Genesis 35
- Themes from Genesis 35
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Genesis 35
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Genesis 35 begins with God commanding Jacob to return to Bethel, where He had first appeared to him, and to build an altar. Jacob obeys, and before they leave, he instructs his household to purify themselves and change their clothes. They then journey to Bethel, where Jacob builds an altar and worships God. God appears to Jacob again, reaffirming His covenant and renaming him Israel. The chapter also records the death of Rachel, who dies in childbirth, and the death of Isaac. Throughout the chapter, God's presence and covenant with Jacob are emphasized, as well as Jacob's growth in faith and obedience. Key verses include Genesis 35:1, where God commands Jacob to return to Bethel, and Genesis 35:11, where God reaffirms His covenant with Jacob.
Context for the Chapter
Genesis 35 is situated within the larger narrative of Jacob's life, which is a key part of the book of Genesis. The chapter follows Jacob's return from Paddan Aram and his reconciliation with Esau, and it precedes the narrative of Joseph's life. Within the larger biblical narrative, Genesis 35 is significant because it highlights God's covenant with Jacob and sets the stage for the nation of Israel's history. The chapter also looks forward to the coming of Christ, who would fulfill God's promises to Jacob and his descendants.
Heart Application
As believers, we can apply the principles of Genesis 35 to our own lives by prioritizing worship and obedience. We should seek to acknowledge God's presence in our lives and obey His commands, just as Jacob did. We should also trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, knowing that He is committed to fulfilling His promises to us.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Genesis 35 is about God's presence and covenant with Jacob. God commands Jacob to return to Bethel and build an altar, and Jacob obeys. The chapter highlights the importance of worship and obedience, and it looks forward to the fulfillment of God's promises in the nation of Israel and the coming of Christ. As believers, we can apply the principles of this chapter to our own lives by prioritizing worship and obedience, and by trusting in God's sovereignty and faithfulness.
Voices from the Church
“The altar which Jacob built was a witness to the presence of God, and it was also a symbol of the sacrifice that God would one day provide through His Son, Jesus Christ.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The covenant that God made with Jacob was a type of the covenant that Christ would establish with His people, and it highlights the importance of faithfulness and obedience in our relationship with God.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- God Commands Jacob to Return to Bethel (Genesis 35:1-5) — God commands Jacob to return to Bethel, where He had first appeared to him, and to build an altar. Jacob obeys, and before they leave, he instructs his household to purify themselves and change their clothes.
- Jacob's Household Purifies Themselves (Genesis 35:2-4) — Jacob's household purifies themselves and changes their clothes in preparation for worshiping God at Bethel.
- Jacob Builds an Altar at Bethel (Genesis 35:6-7) — Jacob builds an altar at Bethel and worships God, acknowledging His presence and faithfulness.
- God Reaffirms His Covenant with Jacob (Genesis 35:9-13) — God appears to Jacob again, reaffirming His covenant and renaming him Israel. God also promises to make Jacob fruitful and to bring forth a nation and company of nations from him.
- The Death of Rachel and Isaac (Genesis 35:16-29) — The chapter records the death of Rachel, who dies in childbirth, and the death of Isaac. These events highlight the passing of time and the fulfillment of God's promises to Jacob and his descendants.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- Genesis 35 highlights God's sovereignty, as He takes the initiative and commands Jacob to return to Bethel. This emphasizes God's power and control over all things.
- Covenant Theology
- The covenant that God makes with Jacob is a central theme in the chapter, emphasizing God's commitment to Jacob and his descendants. This covenant is a type of the covenant that Christ would establish with His people.
- Worship
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of worship, as Jacob builds an altar and worships God at Bethel. This highlights the need for believers to prioritize worship and acknowledge God's presence in their lives.
- Faithfulness and Obedience
- The chapter highlights the importance of faithfulness and obedience, as Jacob obeys God's commands and instructs his household to do the same. This emphasizes the need for believers to trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, and to obey His commands.
Lessons from Genesis 35
- The Importance of Worship — The chapter emphasizes the importance of worship, as Jacob builds an altar and worships God at Bethel. This highlights the need for believers to prioritize worship and acknowledge God's presence in their lives.
- The Need for Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of obedience, as Jacob obeys God's commands and instructs his household to do the same. This emphasizes the need for believers to trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, and to obey His commands.
- The Fulfillment of God's Promises — The chapter teaches us about the fulfillment of God's promises to Jacob and his descendants. This highlights the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, and of obeying His commands.
- The Significance of the Covenant — The covenant that God makes with Jacob is a central theme in the chapter, emphasizing God's commitment to Jacob and his descendants. This covenant is a type of the covenant that Christ would establish with His people.
- The Importance of Faith and Trust — The chapter highlights the importance of faith and trust in our relationship with God. Jacob's obedience to God's commands demonstrates his faith and trust in God, and this emphasizes the need for believers to trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness.
Themes from Genesis 35
- God's Presence — The chapter emphasizes God's presence, as He appears to Jacob and reaffirms His covenant with him. This highlights the importance of acknowledging God's presence in our lives and worshiping Him.
- Covenant — The covenant that God makes with Jacob is a central theme in the chapter, emphasizing God's commitment to Jacob and his descendants. This covenant is a type of the covenant that Christ would establish with His people.
- Worship — The chapter emphasizes the importance of worship, as Jacob builds an altar and worships God at Bethel. This highlights the need for believers to prioritize worship and acknowledge God's presence in their lives.
- Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of obedience, as Jacob obeys God's commands and instructs his household to do the same. This emphasizes the need for believers to trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, and to obey His commands.
- Faithfulness — The chapter teaches us about God's faithfulness, as He reaffirms His covenant with Jacob and fulfills His promises to him. This highlights the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, and of obeying His commands.
Questions for Meditation
- What does Genesis 35 teach us about God's sovereignty and faithfulness?
- How does Jacob's obedience to God's commands demonstrate his faith and trust in God?
- What is the significance of the altar that Jacob builds at Bethel?
- How does the chapter highlight the importance of worship and obedience in our relationship with God?
- What does the chapter teach us about the fulfillment of God's promises to Jacob and his descendants?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. God Commands Jacob to Return to Bethel (Genesis 35:1-5)
| 35:1 | God commands Jacob to return to Bethel, where He had first appeared to him, and to build an altar. |
| 35:2 | Jacob instructs his household to purify themselves and change their clothes in preparation for worshiping God at Bethel. |
2. Jacob's Household Purifies Themselves (Genesis 35:2-4)
| 35:2 | Jacob's household purifies themselves and changes their clothes in preparation for worshiping God at Bethel. |
| 35:3 | Jacob says, 'Let us arise and go up to Bethel, so I can make an altar there to God, who answered me in my day of distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.' |
3. Jacob Builds an Altar at Bethel (Genesis 35:6-7)
| 35:6 | Jacob and all the people with him came to Luz (that is, Bethel) in the land of Canaan. |
| 35:7 | He built an altar there and called that place El-Bethel, because it was there that God had revealed Himself to him when he was fleeing from his brother. |
4. God Reaffirms His Covenant with Jacob (Genesis 35:9-13)
| 35:9 | Then God appeared to Jacob again after he returned from Paddan Aram, and He blessed him. |
| 35:10 | God said to him: 'Your name is Jacob, but you will no longer be called Jacob. Instead, your name will be Israel.' |
5. The Death of Rachel and Isaac (Genesis 35:16-29)
| 35:16 | They set out from Bethel, and when they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth, and her labor was difficult. |
| 35:19 | So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the altar that Jacob builds at Bethel?
The altar that Jacob builds at Bethel is a symbol of his worship and obedience to God. It also represents the covenant that God makes with Jacob, which is a central theme in the chapter.
How does Genesis 35 relate to the larger biblical narrative?
Genesis 35 is situated within the larger narrative of Jacob's life, which is a key part of the book of Genesis. The chapter follows Jacob's return from Paddan Aram and his reconciliation with Esau, and it precedes the narrative of Joseph's life.
What does the chapter teach us about God's sovereignty and faithfulness?
The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and faithfulness, as He takes the initiative and commands Jacob to return to Bethel. This emphasizes God's power and control over all things, and it teaches us to trust in His sovereignty and faithfulness.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 35:1 → Genesis 28:10-22 | The command to return to Bethel is a reference back to Jacob's initial encounter with God at Bethel, where God appeared to him in a dream. |
| 2 | Genesis 35:9 → Genesis 32:24-33 | God's appearance to Jacob again after he returned from Paddan Aram is a reference back to their previous encounter, where God wrestled with Jacob and renamed him Israel. |
| 3 | Genesis 35:11 → Genesis 17:1-8 | God's promise to make Jacob fruitful and to bring forth a nation and company of nations from him is a reference back to the covenant that God made with Abraham, which is a central theme in the book of Genesis. |
| 4 | Genesis 35:13 → Genesis 17:1-8 | God's reaffirmation of His covenant with Jacob is a reference back to the covenant that God made with Abraham, which is a central theme in the book of Genesis. |
| 5 | Genesis 35:16 → Genesis 30:22-24 | The birth of Benjamin is a fulfillment of God's promise to Rachel, which is a central theme in the narrative of Jacob's life. |
| 6 | Genesis 35:19 → Ruth 4:11 | The burial of Rachel at Bethlehem is a reference forward to the narrative of Ruth, where the story of Naomi and Ruth takes place in Bethlehem. |
| 7 | Genesis 35:22 → Leviticus 18:8, 20:11 | The sin of Reuben is a reference forward to the laws given in Leviticus, which prohibit sexual immorality and incest. |
| 8 | Genesis 35:27 → Genesis 25:9-11 | The death of Isaac is a reference back to the narrative of Abraham's life, where Isaac is a central figure. |
| 9 | Genesis 35:29 → Genesis 25:9-11 | The burial of Isaac is a reference back to the narrative of Abraham's life, where Isaac is a central figure. |
| 10 | Genesis 35:1 → John 1:1 | The command to return to Bethel is a reference forward to the coming of Christ, who would fulfill God's promises to Jacob and his descendants. |
Sermons on Genesis 35
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Help Wanted: A Potter by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob and his encounter with God at Bethel. Jacob had run away from his family and was sleeping with a stone as a pillow when he |
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Beg to Be Filled and Resist Filling by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the struggles and doubts that believers may face in their journey with God. He emphasizes that those who have experienced defeat and setbacks |
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(Genesis) Genesis 33:18-20 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the sad and sordid chapter in the life of Jacob, who is now known as Israel. Jacob's life reflects a growth and development in his relationshi |
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(Genesis) Genesis 33:13-17 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon on Genesis 33:13, the preacher discusses the encounter between Jacob and his brother Esau. Jacob expresses concern about the safety of his family and livestock, as t |
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(Genesis) Genesis 35:1-2 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and his journey back to Bethel. Jacob is called by God to return to Bethel and make an altar there. The preacher emphasiz |
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(Genesis) Genesis 35:3-13 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not wasting our lives as Christians. He draws parallels to the story of the children of Israel who wasted 40 years wanderi |
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(Genesis) Genesis 35:14-29 by J. Vernon McGee | J. Vernon McGee discusses the significance of Jacob's actions in Genesis 35:14-29, particularly the establishment of a drink offering and the naming of his son Benjamin. He highlig |
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(Genesis) Genesis 34 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the focus is on Jacob and his family, particularly the children of Leah. The speaker highlights the fact that Jacob's family is always full of excitement and events |
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(Genesis) Genesis 35 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Jacob and the tragic events that took place in his life. Jacob, despite being a spiritual giant, was not prepared for the challe |
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(Genesis) Genesis 36 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of Rachel's death in the life of Jacob. Despite Jacob's flawed character, Rachel was the one positive influence in his life, |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Genesis 35
In Genesis 35, we see the Lord appearing to Jacob again, and reaffirming His covenant with him. The Lord commands Jacob to return to Bethel, and to build an altar there, which Jacob does. The Lord then appears to Jacob again, and blesses him, reaffirming His promise to make him fruitful and to bring forth a nation and company of nations from him. This chapter teaches us about the importance of worship and obedience, and the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The covenant is a bond between God and His people, and it is a bond that cannot be broken.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Initiative
Throughout the chapter, God takes the initiative, commanding Jacob to return to Bethel and reaffirming His covenant with him. This highlights God's sovereignty and His desire to be in a relationship with His people.
Jacob's Obedience
Jacob's obedience to God's commands is notable, as he instructs his household to purify themselves and change their clothes before worshiping God at Bethel.
The Importance of Worship
The chapter emphasizes the importance of worship, as Jacob builds an altar and worships God at Bethel. This highlights the need for believers to prioritize worship and acknowledge God's presence in their lives.