Genesis 35

God Commands Jacob to Go to Bethel (v.1–3):

God tells Jacob to move to Bethel and build an altar there to honor Him.

Jacob instructs his household to get rid of foreign gods and purify themselves, signaling a return to worship of the true God.

They depart, and a terror from God falls upon the cities around them, preventing them from pursuing Jacob’s family.

Renewal at Bethel (v.4–7):

At Bethel, Jacob builds an altar and names the place El-Bethel ("God of Bethel"), recalling God’s appearance to him there years earlier.

Jacob’s household buries all the foreign gods and earrings, marking a fresh commitment to worshiping God alone.

God reaffirms the covenant with Jacob, changing his name to Israel again, and reiterating that his descendants will inherit the land.

The Death of Deborah (v.8):

Deborah, the nurse of Rebekah, dies and is buried under an oak near Bethel.

The event is marked with mourning, and the place is named Alon-Bacuth ("Oak of Weeping").

God Appears to Jacob Again (v.9–15):

After Jacob’s return to Bethel, God appears to him again and blesses him, reaffirming his new name Israel and the promises of land and descendants.

God tells Jacob that the nation of Israel will come from him and his descendants, and that the land promised to Abraham and Isaac will be passed on to them.

Jacob sets up a stone pillar at Bethel and pours a drink offering on it, honoring the covenant.

The Birth of Benjamin and Death of Rachel (v.16–20):

Jacob and his family leave Bethel and travel toward Ephrath (Bethlehem), but Rachel goes into labor.

Rachel dies during childbirth, giving birth to Benjamin. She names him Ben-Oni ("Son of my sorrow"), but Jacob renames him Benjamin ("Son of the right hand").

Rachel is buried on the way to Bethlehem, and Jacob sets up a pillar over her grave.

Reuben’s Sin and the Twelve Sons of Jacob (v.21–26):

Jacob continues his journey and camps beyond Migdal-Eder.

Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, sleeps with Bilhah, his father’s concubine, leading to consequences later in Israel’s history.

The chapter lists Jacob’s twelve sons, the foundation of 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

The Death of Isaac (v.27–29):

Jacob returns to Mamre, where his father Isaac is living.

Isaac dies at the age of 180, and his sons Esau and Jacob bury him together.

Key Themes:
Spiritual Renewal: Jacob’s journey to Bethel marks a time of renewal, both physically and spiritually, for him and his family. The renewal includes getting rid of idols, reaffirming God’s covenant, and focusing on worshiping God alone.

God’s Faithfulness to the Covenant: Despite past failures, God reaffirms His covenant promises to Jacob (Israel) and his descendants, showing His faithfulness.

The Significance of Names: The renaming of Jacob to Israel and the renaming of Benjamin reflect the shaping of the spiritual identity and destiny of Israel.

Sorrow and Hope: Rachel’s death represents sorrow, but the birth of Benjamin signifies hope for the future of Israel.

Family Dynamics: Reuben’s sin with Bilhah highlights the ongoing tension and struggles within Jacob’s family, setting the stage for future issues in Israel’s history.