Read: Genesis 35
Because of
the actions of his sons it was no longer safe for Jacob to dwell where they
were, so God graciously appeared to Jacob and told him what to do, commanding
him to build an altar at Bethel (v. 1).
Jacob then commanded all in his household to put away their idols and
strange gods and to purify themselves (v. 2). Outward purification was
necessary before worship. So they
listened and rid themselves of all forms of idols and Jacob disposed of them
(v. 4). As they journeyed the terror of
God was upon the cities that were around them, and they were not pursued (v.
5). Here we see a supernatural awe sent
by the Lord showing His Divine protection.
When they got to their destination Jacob built the altar and called the
place El-bethel (v. 7). But Deborah,
Rebekah’s nurse, died and was buried there beneath an oak. This was the nurse that was sent with Rebekah
when Abraham’s servant went to find a wife for Isaac. How she came to be in Jacob’s family no one
really knows. God then appeared to Jacob
once again and reaffirmed his name change to Israel and confirmed to him the
Abrahamic blessing which included becoming a nation, kings coming from him and
receiving the land (v. 10-12). This was
not a dream or vision but a real manifestation of Jesus. Jacob saw and heard from the future Saviour
of the world! Jacob’s response was to
set up a pillar and offer God a drink offering to express his gratitude and
devotion to God (v. 14) and he named this place Bethel. These verses show how the development of
Jacob’s relationship with God was approaching a climax as he had received
several divine appearances. Jacob was
now heir to the divine promises of God that were given to Abraham and then
Isaac.
The family
then continued on their journey but were disrupted by Rachel going into labour
and giving birth to another son, Benjamin (v.
18). This was a hard labour that resulted in her death (v. 17) and she
was buried on the way to Ephrath (Bethlehem) and Jacob set up a pillar over her
tomb (v. 19-20). We are then told of
Reuben’s sin as he lay with Bilhah, his father’s concubine (v. 22). As a result of this adultery he lost the
respect of his father and Gen. 49:4 tells us that this is also why, even though
he was the firstborn, he would not have the greatness of the firstborn. The Messiah would not come from the line of
Reuben because he forfeited his blessing due to his shocking behaviour with
Bilhah. That is why this verse is
included in the Scriptures.
The chapter
concludes by summarizing Jacob’s offspring which would become the 12 tribes of
Israel (v. 23-26) and with the death of Isaac at the age of 180 (v. 28). Esau and Jacob buried their father (v. 29).
Prayer and Journaling
1. After
the conduct of Simeon and Levi at Shechem it is absolutely amazing that God
protected them on their journey to Bethel.
Safety and security is not found in our own strength or in alliances
with others but in fear of God. We must
trust the Sovereign God who is in control.
Ask the Lord to press onto your heart a greater understanding of His
Sovereignty and control. Ask Him to grow
in you a deeper trust of Him.
2. In
chapter 30:1 Rachel cries, “give me
children or else I die” and in this chapter her desire was granted but the
result was death. When we ask for things
from God it must be with the deepest submission to His will as God alone knows
what is best for us. How many prayers
does God in mercy shut out! Ask the Lord
to grow you in being submissive to His will, even if it means pain or suffering
for you or a loved one. Pray that you
would seek first His kingdom purposes over your own pleasure and comfort. Pray for a heart that is soft to Him and open
to His will and plan for your life.
3. Reuben’s
sin, just like Simeon’s and Levi’s sins, robbed him of becoming the Messianic
line. Yes, God forgives sins but there
are consequences. Don’t let sin rob
you! Confess! Confession is a beautiful thing in that it
leads to repentance and restoration. Ask
the Lord to grow you in looking deep into your heart and confessing your sin
freely to Him. Pray that the church
would grow in deeper levels of confession and repentance which will lead to
purity and righteousness.
