Genesis Chapter 35 Bible Study – God Commands Jacob to Return to Bethel
God Calls Jacob to Bethel (Genesis 35:1)
After the violent events of Genesis 34, God speaks to Jacob, telling him to go to Bethel, dwell there, and build an altar to the God who appeared to him when he fled from Esau (Genesis 35:1; cf. Genesis 28:10-22). This command recalls Jacob’s vow at Bethel years earlier, where he promised to worship God if He brought him back safely. God is now calling Jacob to fulfill that vow.
Jacob Commands His Household to Purify Themselves (Genesis 35:2-4)
Jacob instructs his household and all who are with him to remove foreign gods, purify themselves, and change their garments (Genesis 35:2). This call for purification is both physical and spiritual, signifying repentance and readiness to meet God (Exodus 19:10; Joshua 24:14).
They give Jacob all the foreign gods and earrings, and he buries them under the oak near Shechem (Genesis 35:4). This act of burying idols marks a decisive break from idolatry and a renewal of covenant faithfulness.
God’s Protection on the Journey (Genesis 35:5)
As they travel, the terror of God falls upon the surrounding cities, so no one pursues Jacob’s family. This divine protection fulfills Jacob’s earlier fear in Genesis 34:30 and demonstrates God’s covenant care (Psalm 105:14-15).
Jacob Arrives at Bethel and Builds an Altar (Genesis 35:6-7)
Jacob arrives at Luz (Bethel) and builds an altar, naming the place El-bethel, meaning “God of Bethel” (Genesis 35:6-7). This name emphasizes not just the location but the God who met him there. The mention that God appeared to him “when he fled from the face of his brother” recalls God’s faithfulness over many years.
The Death of Deborah, Rebekah’s Nurse (Genesis 35:8)
Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, dies and is buried under an oak below Bethel, which Jacob names Allon-bachuth, meaning “oak of weeping” (Genesis 35:8). This small note shows the close relationships within the extended household and marks a time of mourning.
God Appears Again to Jacob (Genesis 35:9-13)
God appears to Jacob again and reaffirms his new name, Israel (Genesis 35:9-10; cf. Genesis 32:28). He repeats the covenant promises given to Abraham and Isaac: fruitfulness, nations, kings, and possession of the land (Genesis 35:11-12). This reappearance confirms that despite recent family failures, God’s covenant remains intact. After speaking, God goes up from the place where He met with Jacob (Genesis 35:13).
Jacob Sets Up a Pillar at Bethel (Genesis 35:14-15)
Jacob sets up a pillar of stone, pours a drink offering and oil on it, and names the place Bethel (Genesis 35:14-15). This act mirrors his earlier pillar in Genesis 28:18-19 but now is done in maturity and fulfillment of his vow.
The Death of Rachel (Genesis 35:16-20)
Jacob’s family leaves Bethel and travels toward Ephrath. Along the way, Rachel goes into hard labor. The midwife reassures her that she has another son, but Rachel dies in childbirth (Genesis 35:16-19). Before dying, she names the boy Ben-oni, meaning “son of my sorrow,” but Jacob renames him Benjamin, “son of the right hand” (Genesis 35:18). Rachel is buried on the way to Ephrath (Bethlehem), and Jacob sets up a pillar over her grave (Genesis 35:20).
Reuben’s Sin with Bilhah (Genesis 35:21-22)
Israel pitches his tent beyond the tower of Edar, and there Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, lies with Bilhah, his father’s concubine, and Israel hears of it (Genesis 35:21-22). This act dishonors his father and later results in the loss of his birthright (Genesis 49:3-4; 1 Chronicles 5:1).
Jacob’s Twelve Sons Listed (Genesis 35:23-26)
The chapter records Jacob’s twelve sons by his wives and concubines:
- By Leah: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun
- By Rachel: Joseph, Benjamin
- By Bilhah (Rachel’s maid): Dan, Naphtali
- By Zilpah (Leah’s maid): Gad, Asher
This list solidifies the future tribes of Israel.
The Death of Isaac (Genesis 35:27-29)
Jacob comes to Mamre, where Isaac dwells. Isaac lives to 180 years, dies, and is gathered to his people (Genesis 35:28-29). Esau and Jacob together bury him, echoing the joint burial of Abraham by Isaac and Ishmael (Genesis 25:9), showing family unity in mourning.