Genesis Chapter 35
There was going to be trouble for Jacob and his family had they stayed in Shechem after what his sons had done (see chapter 34). God spoke to Jacob and told him it was time to move out and to go to Bethel. Jacob would then be directed to go to the homeland of his father and of his grandfather. He was to go to the promised land.
Jacob instructed his family to get ready to leave. In that preparation he instructed them to put away all the foreign idols and they literally buried any jewelry or things associated with pagan worship. This is a good thing for us to do as well. If there are still items in our homes from our past life that defile the life that we are called to, that of being a follower of Jesus Christ, we should get rid of them. Like Jacob we do not need anything distracting us from moving forward in our relationship with Christ.
Let's Reflect
1. We don’t know exactly what God did for them as they travelled through various cities, but we know that God was with them and protected them. What does the Bible say God did for them as they travelled? I would venture to guess that Jacob and his family were not even aware of the work of God on their behalf.
2. What did Jacob do when he came to Luz (Bethel)? And why did he rename it El-Bethel?
3. In this place God made it official. Jacob would now be called what? God also restated His covenant promise that Jacob would be given the land that was promised to his father Isaac and his grandfather Abraham.
4. Who did God promise would come from the lineage of Jacob?
5. What happened to his wife Rachel on their journey to the land of his father?
6. Benjamin was born to Jacob on this journey home. How many sons did Jacob now have?
7. It seems Jacob had arrived home just in time to see his father buried. How old was his father Isaac when he died? Who came also to bury Isaac?
