Genesis Chapter 35 – Detailed Explanation

 

Genesis Chapter 35 – Detailed Explanation

Genesis 35 marks a pivotal moment in Jacob's journey, as he recommits himself to God, faces significant losses, and experiences God's reaffirmation of His covenant. The chapter can be divided into several key sections:

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1. God Commands Jacob to Return to Bethel (35:1-5)

• Verse 1: God instructs Jacob to go to Bethel and build an altar. Bethel was where Jacob had his vision of the ladder (Genesis 28:10-22). This was a call to spiritual renewal.

• Verses 2-3: Jacob tells his household to put away foreign gods, purify themselves, and change their garments—symbolizing repentance and renewal of their commitment to God.

• Verse 4: The family gives Jacob all their foreign gods and earrings (possibly amulets with pagan significance), which he buries under the oak tree near Shechem.

• Verse 5: As they travel, God instills fear in surrounding cities, preventing any attacks on Jacob’s family.

Key Takeaways:

• Returning to Bethel represents returning to God.

• Purification and removing idols symbolize repentance and devotion.

• God protects those who obey Him.

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2. Jacob Arrives at Bethel and Worships God (35:6-8)

• Verse 6: Jacob arrives at Luz (another name for Bethel).

• Verse 7: He builds an altar and renames the place El-Bethel (meaning "God of Bethel"), emphasizing his renewed relationship with God.

• Verse 8: The death of Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, is mentioned. This signifies the closing of an era, as Rebekah (Jacob's mother) is never mentioned again after he left for Haran.

Key Takeaways:

• Building an altar signifies gratitude and devotion to God.

• The mention of Deborah’s death may highlight the passage of time and transition in Jacob’s journey.

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3. God's Covenant with Jacob Reaffirmed (35:9-15)

• Verse 9: God appears to Jacob again, reinforcing His blessings.

• Verse 10: God reaffirms Jacob's new name, Israel, which was first given in Genesis 32:28.

• Verses 11-12: God repeats the Abrahamic covenant—promising Jacob that a great nation and kings will come from him.

• Verse 13-15: Jacob sets up a stone pillar, pours a drink offering, and reaffirms Bethel as a sacred place.

Key Takeaways:

• God's promises remain constant despite human failings.

• Jacob's new name, Israel, signifies transformation and purpose.

• The drink offering represents dedication and thanksgiving.

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4. Rachel Dies Giving Birth to Benjamin (35:16-20)

• Verses 16-17: Rachel goes into difficult labor as they travel from Bethel.

• Verse 18: As she dies, she names her son Ben-Oni ("son of my sorrow"), but Jacob renames him Benjamin ("son of my right hand").

• Verses 19-20: Rachel is buried near Bethlehem, and Jacob sets up a pillar in her memory.

Key Takeaways:

• Rachel’s death fulfills her own prophecy in Genesis 30:1, where she said, “Give me children, or I die!”

• The renaming of Benjamin reflects Jacob's desire to give a positive identity to his son rather than one associated with sorrow.

• Bethlehem later becomes significant as the birthplace of Jesus.

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5. Reuben’s Sin with Bilhah (35:21-22)

• Verse 21: Jacob moves to Migdal Eder, near Bethlehem.

• Verse 22: Reuben, Jacob’s eldest son, sleeps with Bilhah (Rachel’s maid and concubine of Jacob). This act is a grave offense and later causes Reuben to lose his birthright (Genesis 49:3-4).

Key Takeaways:

• Reuben’s act was an attempt to assert dominance, similar to later power struggles in Israel’s history.

• Sin has consequences, as seen in Reuben’s loss of his status as the firstborn.

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6. The Twelve Sons of Jacob Listed (35:23-26)

• This passage lists Jacob's twelve sons, who become the twelve tribes of Israel:

  • Leah’s sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun.

  • Rachel’s sons: Joseph, Benjamin.

  • Bilhah’s sons (Rachel’s maidservant): Dan, Naphtali.

  • Zilpah’s sons (Leah’s maidservant): Gad, Asher.

Key Takeaways:

• This is the first full listing of the twelve tribes.

• Despite family dysfunction, God’s promises are fulfilled.

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7. The Death of Isaac (35:27-29)

• Verse 27: Jacob returns to his father Isaac in Hebron.

• Verse 28: Isaac dies at the age of 180.

• Verse 29: Esau and Jacob reunite to bury him, echoing how Isaac and Ishmael buried Abraham.

Key Takeaways:

• Despite past conflicts, Jacob and Esau come together in unity.

• Isaac’s death marks the transition to a new generation.

• God's promises continue through Jacob, not Esau.

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Conclusion and Spiritual Lessons

1. Return to God: Just as Jacob returned to Bethel, believers should return to their first love and recommit to God.

2. Remove Idols: Idols (both physical and spiritual) must be removed to truly follow God.

3. God’s Protection: When we obey, God guards us, just as He protected Jacob’s family.

4. God’s Faithfulness: Despite Jacob’s struggles, God reaffirms His promises.

5. Sin Has Consequences: Reuben's sin cost him his birthright.

6. God’s Plan Prevails: Despite difficulties, God’s plan continues through Jacob’s lineage, ultimately leading to Jesus Christ.

Genesis 35 highlights the importance of spiritual renewal, God’s unwavering promises, and the impact of human choices.