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Genesis 35:1
Verse
Context
Jacob Returns to Bethel
1Then 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.”
Sermons
Warren Wiersbe
A.W. Tozer
J. Vernon McGeeJ. Vernon McGeeJ. Vernon McGee
Joe Focht
Don CourvilleSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Arise, go up to Beth-el - The transaction that had lately taken place rendered it unsafe for Jacob to dwell any longer at the city of Shechem; and it seems that while he was reflecting on the horrible act of Simeon and Levi, and not knowing what to do, God graciously appeared to him, and commanded him to go up to Beth-el, build an altar there, and thus perform the vow he had made, Gen 28:20, Gen 28:22.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And God said unto Jacob,.... When he was in great distress, on account of the slaughter of the Shechemites by his sons, not knowing what step to take, or course to steer for the safety of him and his family; then God, for his comfort and direction, appeared and spoke to him, either in a dream or vision, or by an impulse on his mind, or by an articulate voice: perhaps this was the Son of God, the second Person, who might appear in an human form, as he often did; since he afterwards speaks of God as of another divine Person, distinct from him, even his divine Father: arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there; which is said to be twenty eight miles from Shechem (r); hither he is bid to go in haste, and where, it is suggested, he would be safe, and where it would be right and proper for him to dwell awhile: and make there an altar to God; and offer sacrifice to him, praise him for salvation and deliverance wrought, pray to him for present and future mercies that were needful, and pay the vows he had there made, even to that God: that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother; who, resenting his getting the birthright and blessing from him, threatened to kill him; which obliged him to flee from his father's house, and go into Mesopotamia, and in his way thither God appeared to him, at the place called by him from thence Bethel, and gave him many precious promises; and Jacob there made a solemn vow, that if God would be with him, and keep him, and give him food and raiment, and return him to his father's house, the pillar that was then and there set up should be God's house, as well as he should be his God. Jacob had now been nine or ten years in the land of Canaan, and had all done for him he desired, and much more abundantly, and yet had not been at Bethel to make good his vow, either through forgetfulness or neglect; and therefore, as Jarchi thinks, was chastised for it in the affair of Dinah; or rather, for one can hardly think so good a man could forget, or would wilfully neglect such a vow as this, that he wanted opportunity of going thither, or waited for a divine order, and now he had both, which he readily embraced. (r) Bunting's Travels, p. 72.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here, I. God reminds Jacob of his vow at Beth-el, and sends him thither to perform it, Gen 35:1. Jacob had said in the day of his distress, If I come again in peace, this stone shall be God's house, Gen 28:22. God had performed his part of the bargain, and had given Jacob more than bread to eat and raiment to put on - he had got an estate, and had become two bands; but, it should seem, he had forgotten his vow, or at least had too long deferred the performance of it. Seven or eight years it was now since he came to Canaan; he had purchased ground there, and had built an altar in remembrance of God's last appearance to him when he called him Israel (Gen 33:19, Gen 33:20); but still Beth-el is forgotten. Note, Time is apt to wear out the sense of mercies and the impressions made upon us by them; it should not be so, but so it is. God had exercised Jacob with a very sore affliction in his family (ch. 34), to see if this would bring his vow to his remembrance, and put him upon the performance of it, but it had not this effect; therefore God comes himself and puts him in mind of it: Arise, go to Beth-el. Note, 1. As many as God loves he will remind of neglected duties, one way or other, by conscience or by providences. 2. When we have vowed a vow to God, it is best not to defer the payment of it (Ecc 5:4), yet better late than never. God bade him go to Beth-el and dwell there, that is, not only go himself, but take his family with him, that they might join with him in his devotions. Note, In Beth-el, the house of God, we should desire to dwell, Psa 27:4. That should be our home, not our inn. God reminds him not expressly of his vow, but of the occasion of it: When thou fleddest from the face of Esau. Note, The remembrance of former afflictions should bring to mind the workings of our souls under them, Psa 66:13, Psa 66:14. II. Jacob commands his household to prepare for this solemnity; not only for the journey and remove, but for the religious services that were to be performed, Gen 35:2, Gen 35:3. Note, 1. Before solemn ordinances, there must be solemn preparation. Wash you, make you clean, and then come, and let us reason together, Isa 1:16-18. 2. Masters of families should use their authority for the promoting of religion in their families. Not only we, but our houses also, should serve the Lord, Jos 24:15. Observe the commands he gives his household, like Abraham, Gen 18:19. (1.) They must put away the strange gods. Strange gods in Jacob's family! Strange things indeed! Could such a family, that was taught the good knowledge of the Lord, admit them? Could such a master, to whom God had appeared twice, and oftener, connive at them? Doubtless this was his infirmity. Note, Those that are good themselves cannot always have those about them so good as they should be. In those families where there is a face of religion, and an altar to God, yet many times there is much amiss, and more strange gods than one would suspect. In Jacob's family, Rachel had her ִֶַ, which, it is to be feared, she secretly made some superstitious use of. The captives of Shechem brought their gods along with them, and perhaps Jacob's sons took some with the plunder. However they came by them, now they must put them away. (2.) They must be clean, and change their garments; they must observe a due decorum, and make the best appearance they could. Simeon and Levi had their hands full of blood, it concerned them particularly to wash, and to put off their garments that were so stained. These were but ceremonies, signifying the purification and change of the heart. What are clean clothes, and new clothes, without a clean heart, and a new heart? Dr. Lightfoot, by their being clean, or washing themselves, understands Jacob's admission of the proselytes of Shechem and Syria into his religion by baptism, because circumcision had become odious. 3. They must go with him to Bethel, Gen 35:3. Note, Masters of families, when they go up to the house of God, should bring their families with them. III. His family surrendered all they had that was idolatrous or superstitious, Gen 35:4. Perhaps, if Jacob had called for them sooner, they would sooner have parted with them, being convicted by their own consciences of the vanity of them. Note, Sometimes attempts for reformation succeed better than one could have expected, and people are not so obstinate against them as we feared. Jacob's servants, and even the retainers of his family, gave him all the strange gods, and the ear-rings they wore, either as charms or to the honour of their gods; they parted with all. Note, Reformation is not sincere if it be not universal. We hope they parted with them cheerfully, and without reluctance, as Ephraim did, when he said, What have I to do any more with idols? (Hos 14:8), or that people that said to their idols, Get you hence, Isa 30:22. Jacob took care to bury their images, we may suppose in some place unknown to them, that they might not afterwards find them and return to them. Note, We must be wholly separated from our sins, as we are from those that are dead and buried out of our sight, cast them to the moles and the bats, Isa 2:20. IV. He removes without molestation from Shechem to Bethel, Gen 35:5. The terror of God was upon the cities. Though the Canaanites were much exasperated against the sons of Jacob for their barbarous usage of the Shechemites, yet they were so restrained by a divine power that they could not take this fair opportunity, which now offered itself, when they were upon their march, to avenge their neighbours' quarrel. Note, The way of duty is the way of safety. While there was sin in Jacob's house, he was afraid of his neighbours; but now that the strange gods were put away, and they were all going together to Bethel, his neighbours were afraid of him. When we are about God's work, we are under special protection. God is with us, while we are with him; and, if he be for us, who can be against us? See Exo 34:24, No man shall desire thy land, when thou goest up to appear before the Lord. God governs the world more by secret terrors on men's minds than we are aware of.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
35:1-29 This chapter highlights God’s promises, Jacob’s vow, and the transition to Jacob’s sons’ carrying on the covenant. Deborah, Rachel, and Isaac all died, marking the end of an era and of the account of Isaac’s family (25:19–35:29). • Idols were removed (35:1-4) and pure worship was established (35:6-7). During this transition, the faith had to be revitalized so that the covenant could be carried forward by Jacob’s sons. 35:1-7 Jacob returned to Bethel, about fifteen miles south of Shechem, to complete the vows he had made there (28:20-22).
Genesis 35:1
Jacob Returns to Bethel
1Then 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.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Help Wanted: A Potter
By Warren Wiersbe6.4K53:28GEN 12:10GEN 35:1JER 18:1JER 19:1JER 19:10JON 3:1MAT 26:69In 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 had a vision of a ladder with angels going up and down. This vision revealed to Jacob that behind all of life is a personal God who watches over him. The preacher emphasizes that God is a person with power and control over history, and that even when faced with challenges or mistakes, God is a forgiving God who gives us another chance. The sermon concludes with the preacher encouraging listeners to trust in God's control over their lives and not to worry or despair.
Beg to Be Filled and Resist Filling
By A.W. Tozer4.7K38:01Holy SpiritGEN 35:1MAT 6:33MAT 7:16ROM 14:11PHP 2:5PHP 3:10HEB 13:8In 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 are actually getting closer to God. He encourages the audience to let go of their fears and trust in God's will, reminding them of the sacrifices Jesus made on the path to victory. The preacher urges the listeners to have the same mindset as Christ, who humbled himself and became obedient even unto death. He concludes by highlighting the exaltation and triumph of Jesus, encouraging believers to confess him as Lord and experience victory in their own lives.
(Genesis) Genesis 33:18-20
By J. Vernon McGee4.6K05:44GenesisGEN 24:3GEN 25:19GEN 25:28GEN 27:46GEN 28:2GEN 33:20GEN 35:1In 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 relationship with God. The speaker emphasizes that as Christians, our growth is slow and we may stumble along the way, but it is important to keep getting up and seeking a close walk with the Lord. The sermon also highlights the importance of heredity and environment in the lives of believers, as seen in Jacob's family and the troubles they faced.
(Genesis) Genesis 33:13-17
By J. Vernon McGee4.6K04:58GenesisGEN 33:13GEN 33:17GEN 35:1GEN 35:29PRO 14:12In 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 they are vulnerable and unable to travel quickly. Esau offers to leave some of his men to assist Jacob, showing a reconciled relationship between the brothers. Jacob then settles in the land of Sucketh, where he builds houses and shelters for his cattle. The preacher emphasizes Jacob's growth in faith as he identifies himself with the name of God, El Elohi Israel, signifying his spiritual journey towards Bethel.
(Genesis) Genesis 35 Introduction
By J. Vernon McGee4.4K05:41GEN 34:30GEN 35:1MAT 6:33GAL 6:7In 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 challenges he faced. The speaker highlights the tragic event at Shechem, where Jacob's daughter Dinah was raped and his sons Simeon and Levi retaliated by murdering the responsible prince. This act brought shame to Jacob's name and revealed that he was still relying on his own cleverness rather than trusting in God. The sermon emphasizes the need for Jacob to learn from his mistakes and turn to God for guidance.
(Genesis) Genesis 32-34
By Joe Focht1.4K56:47GenesisGEN 32:9GEN 32:28GEN 35:1GEN 35:9MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob wrestling with God in the dark. Jacob, who is alone and afraid, is suddenly attacked by someone in the darkness. They wrestle throughout the night, and eventually, Jacob realizes that he is wrestling with God. Despite Jacob's fear and uncertainty, God is faithful and desires to bless him. The preacher emphasizes the importance of letting go of our own efforts and trusting in God's provision.
Jacobs Wrestle
By Don Courville5961:06:10GEN 32:24GEN 35:1PRO 3:5HEB 6:12JAS 4:7
This sermon delves into the life of Jacob, highlighting his encounters with Esau, the importance of obedience to God's commands, the risks of moving out of God's will, and the consequences of living near danger. It emphasizes the need for humility, patience, and submission to God's authority, as well as the dangers of disobedience and delayed obedience. The story of Dinah serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of independence and moving away from God's protection.
Jacob Moves to Bethel
By Chuck Smith43225:09JacobGEN 35:1EPH 2:4In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses Jacob's move to Bethel as described in Genesis 35:1. God instructs Jacob to go to Bethel and dwell there. Jacob takes a strong spiritual stand and tells his family to get rid of their foreign gods and cleanse themselves. Pastor Chuck emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God's word in our lives and the patience of God in waiting for us to turn back to Him. He encourages listeners to remember that no matter how far they may feel from peace, they are only one step away from God.
Arise Let Us Go Up to Bethel and Dwell There
By Peter Brandon1153:47ConsecrationGod's PresenceGEN 35:1Peter Brandon emphasizes the call to return to Bethel, where Jacob encountered God, urging believers to consecrate themselves by putting away idols and seeking God's presence. He highlights the importance of being cleansed and prepared to experience the blessings of God, which include awe, peace, joy, and love within the community of faith. Brandon warns against the decline in spiritual fervor and encourages a return to genuine worship and reliance on the Holy Spirit for revival. He illustrates the transformative power of God's presence and the necessity of being sensitive to the Spirit's leading in the church. Ultimately, he calls for a collective movement towards Bethel, where God can manifest His glory and bless His people.
Jacob's Return
By Peter Brandon742:31Spiritual RenewalGod's PresenceGEN 35:1Peter Brandon preaches on Jacob's return to Bethel, emphasizing the importance of dwelling in God's presence and the need for spiritual preparation by putting away foreign gods and being cleansed. He highlights that Bethel represents not just a physical location but a spiritual state where God's presence brings awe, peace, joy, and love. Brandon encourages believers to seek revival by returning to the essence of their faith, allowing God's power to manifest in their lives and communities. He reminds the congregation that God can bless at any age, and true revival is about getting back to the presence and glory of God.
The Local Church That God Blesses - Power in the Local Church
By Peter Brandon654:48Power in the Local ChurchPresence of GodGEN 35:1Peter Brandon emphasizes the significance of the local church that God blesses, focusing on the need for power within the church. He draws parallels between the Old Testament Bethel and the New Testament church, highlighting the importance of God's presence, which brings awe, peace, joy, and love among believers. Brandon stresses the necessity of cleansing from idolatry and the importance of being under God's sovereign control to experience true revival and power. He encourages the congregation to seek a deeper relationship with God, leading to a transformative impact on their community. The sermon concludes with a call to action for the church to arise and dwell in the presence of God.
Jacob and the Law of Life
By T. Austin-Sparks0GEN 28:16GEN 29:15GEN 31:13GEN 35:1MAT 20:28GAL 4:19EPH 5:25COL 1:24HEB 10:25T. Austin-Sparks preaches on the life of Jacob, highlighting the three key aspects: the birthright, Bethel or the House of God, and service, all interconnected as phases of one thing. Jacob's active nature and perception of Divine things led him to understand the value of the birthright and the significance of the House of God. The sermon emphasizes the importance of subjection as the first law of service, showing that all service to God must be consciously related to His Church, the Body of Christ. True service, like Jacob's pursuit of Rachel, can never be satisfied with anything less than that which is wholly of the Spirit, emphasizing the need for spiritual fruit born out of God's intervention.
Revisiting Old Altars
By John Henry Jowett0GEN 35:1PSA 27:4PSA 84:10PHP 4:8HEB 13:16John Henry Jowett emphasizes the importance of revisiting our early altars and sacred places that hold special significance in our spiritual journey. He highlights how certain scents, locations, or memories can serve as reminders of God's presence and lead us back to moments of divine encounter. Jowett encourages the congregation to create meaningful altars of communion and engage in acts of service that will continue to inspire and uplift them throughout their lives.
Going Back to the Altar
By John Hames0GEN 31:30GEN 34:30GEN 35:1PRO 14:14JAS 4:8John Hames preaches on the importance of returning to our spiritual 'Bethel' when we find ourselves straying away from God's path. Using Jacob's experience as an example, he highlights the dangers of becoming distracted by worldly pursuits, compromising with sin, neglecting spiritual disciplines, and losing faith in God. Hames emphasizes the need to reexamine our consecration, realign with God's will, and reignite our passion for Him through prayer and seeking His presence.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Arise, go up to Beth-el - The transaction that had lately taken place rendered it unsafe for Jacob to dwell any longer at the city of Shechem; and it seems that while he was reflecting on the horrible act of Simeon and Levi, and not knowing what to do, God graciously appeared to him, and commanded him to go up to Beth-el, build an altar there, and thus perform the vow he had made, Gen 28:20, Gen 28:22.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And God said unto Jacob,.... When he was in great distress, on account of the slaughter of the Shechemites by his sons, not knowing what step to take, or course to steer for the safety of him and his family; then God, for his comfort and direction, appeared and spoke to him, either in a dream or vision, or by an impulse on his mind, or by an articulate voice: perhaps this was the Son of God, the second Person, who might appear in an human form, as he often did; since he afterwards speaks of God as of another divine Person, distinct from him, even his divine Father: arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there; which is said to be twenty eight miles from Shechem (r); hither he is bid to go in haste, and where, it is suggested, he would be safe, and where it would be right and proper for him to dwell awhile: and make there an altar to God; and offer sacrifice to him, praise him for salvation and deliverance wrought, pray to him for present and future mercies that were needful, and pay the vows he had there made, even to that God: that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother; who, resenting his getting the birthright and blessing from him, threatened to kill him; which obliged him to flee from his father's house, and go into Mesopotamia, and in his way thither God appeared to him, at the place called by him from thence Bethel, and gave him many precious promises; and Jacob there made a solemn vow, that if God would be with him, and keep him, and give him food and raiment, and return him to his father's house, the pillar that was then and there set up should be God's house, as well as he should be his God. Jacob had now been nine or ten years in the land of Canaan, and had all done for him he desired, and much more abundantly, and yet had not been at Bethel to make good his vow, either through forgetfulness or neglect; and therefore, as Jarchi thinks, was chastised for it in the affair of Dinah; or rather, for one can hardly think so good a man could forget, or would wilfully neglect such a vow as this, that he wanted opportunity of going thither, or waited for a divine order, and now he had both, which he readily embraced. (r) Bunting's Travels, p. 72.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here, I. God reminds Jacob of his vow at Beth-el, and sends him thither to perform it, Gen 35:1. Jacob had said in the day of his distress, If I come again in peace, this stone shall be God's house, Gen 28:22. God had performed his part of the bargain, and had given Jacob more than bread to eat and raiment to put on - he had got an estate, and had become two bands; but, it should seem, he had forgotten his vow, or at least had too long deferred the performance of it. Seven or eight years it was now since he came to Canaan; he had purchased ground there, and had built an altar in remembrance of God's last appearance to him when he called him Israel (Gen 33:19, Gen 33:20); but still Beth-el is forgotten. Note, Time is apt to wear out the sense of mercies and the impressions made upon us by them; it should not be so, but so it is. God had exercised Jacob with a very sore affliction in his family (ch. 34), to see if this would bring his vow to his remembrance, and put him upon the performance of it, but it had not this effect; therefore God comes himself and puts him in mind of it: Arise, go to Beth-el. Note, 1. As many as God loves he will remind of neglected duties, one way or other, by conscience or by providences. 2. When we have vowed a vow to God, it is best not to defer the payment of it (Ecc 5:4), yet better late than never. God bade him go to Beth-el and dwell there, that is, not only go himself, but take his family with him, that they might join with him in his devotions. Note, In Beth-el, the house of God, we should desire to dwell, Psa 27:4. That should be our home, not our inn. God reminds him not expressly of his vow, but of the occasion of it: When thou fleddest from the face of Esau. Note, The remembrance of former afflictions should bring to mind the workings of our souls under them, Psa 66:13, Psa 66:14. II. Jacob commands his household to prepare for this solemnity; not only for the journey and remove, but for the religious services that were to be performed, Gen 35:2, Gen 35:3. Note, 1. Before solemn ordinances, there must be solemn preparation. Wash you, make you clean, and then come, and let us reason together, Isa 1:16-18. 2. Masters of families should use their authority for the promoting of religion in their families. Not only we, but our houses also, should serve the Lord, Jos 24:15. Observe the commands he gives his household, like Abraham, Gen 18:19. (1.) They must put away the strange gods. Strange gods in Jacob's family! Strange things indeed! Could such a family, that was taught the good knowledge of the Lord, admit them? Could such a master, to whom God had appeared twice, and oftener, connive at them? Doubtless this was his infirmity. Note, Those that are good themselves cannot always have those about them so good as they should be. In those families where there is a face of religion, and an altar to God, yet many times there is much amiss, and more strange gods than one would suspect. In Jacob's family, Rachel had her ִֶַ, which, it is to be feared, she secretly made some superstitious use of. The captives of Shechem brought their gods along with them, and perhaps Jacob's sons took some with the plunder. However they came by them, now they must put them away. (2.) They must be clean, and change their garments; they must observe a due decorum, and make the best appearance they could. Simeon and Levi had their hands full of blood, it concerned them particularly to wash, and to put off their garments that were so stained. These were but ceremonies, signifying the purification and change of the heart. What are clean clothes, and new clothes, without a clean heart, and a new heart? Dr. Lightfoot, by their being clean, or washing themselves, understands Jacob's admission of the proselytes of Shechem and Syria into his religion by baptism, because circumcision had become odious. 3. They must go with him to Bethel, Gen 35:3. Note, Masters of families, when they go up to the house of God, should bring their families with them. III. His family surrendered all they had that was idolatrous or superstitious, Gen 35:4. Perhaps, if Jacob had called for them sooner, they would sooner have parted with them, being convicted by their own consciences of the vanity of them. Note, Sometimes attempts for reformation succeed better than one could have expected, and people are not so obstinate against them as we feared. Jacob's servants, and even the retainers of his family, gave him all the strange gods, and the ear-rings they wore, either as charms or to the honour of their gods; they parted with all. Note, Reformation is not sincere if it be not universal. We hope they parted with them cheerfully, and without reluctance, as Ephraim did, when he said, What have I to do any more with idols? (Hos 14:8), or that people that said to their idols, Get you hence, Isa 30:22. Jacob took care to bury their images, we may suppose in some place unknown to them, that they might not afterwards find them and return to them. Note, We must be wholly separated from our sins, as we are from those that are dead and buried out of our sight, cast them to the moles and the bats, Isa 2:20. IV. He removes without molestation from Shechem to Bethel, Gen 35:5. The terror of God was upon the cities. Though the Canaanites were much exasperated against the sons of Jacob for their barbarous usage of the Shechemites, yet they were so restrained by a divine power that they could not take this fair opportunity, which now offered itself, when they were upon their march, to avenge their neighbours' quarrel. Note, The way of duty is the way of safety. While there was sin in Jacob's house, he was afraid of his neighbours; but now that the strange gods were put away, and they were all going together to Bethel, his neighbours were afraid of him. When we are about God's work, we are under special protection. God is with us, while we are with him; and, if he be for us, who can be against us? See Exo 34:24, No man shall desire thy land, when thou goest up to appear before the Lord. God governs the world more by secret terrors on men's minds than we are aware of.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
35:1-29 This chapter highlights God’s promises, Jacob’s vow, and the transition to Jacob’s sons’ carrying on the covenant. Deborah, Rachel, and Isaac all died, marking the end of an era and of the account of Isaac’s family (25:19–35:29). • Idols were removed (35:1-4) and pure worship was established (35:6-7). During this transition, the faith had to be revitalized so that the covenant could be carried forward by Jacob’s sons. 35:1-7 Jacob returned to Bethel, about fifteen miles south of Shechem, to complete the vows he had made there (28:20-22).