Meaning of Genesis 35
Genesis 35 is a chapter in the Bible from the Old Testament. In this chapter, several significant events take place in the life of Jacob, a central figure in the Bible’s book of Genesis.
The chapter begins with God commanding Jacob to move to Bethel, a city in Canaan, and build an altar. This is in response to the violent actions of Jacob’s sons Simeon and Levi in the previous chapter. Jacob gathers his household, purifies them, and they journey to Bethel. They bury the foreign gods under the oak at Shechem as a demonstration of their recommitment and devotion to God. God protects Jacob and his people as they travel.
Arriving in Bethel, Jacob builds the altar as God instructed. God appears to Jacob again, and renews the covenant that had been made with Abraham and Isaac. God reaffirms the name change of Jacob to Israel, which means “he who contends with God”.
The chapter also chronicles the death of Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, and Rachel, Jacob’s favored wife. Rachel dies while giving birth to Benjamin. She is buried in Bethlehem and Jacob sets up a monument at her grave. Benjamin’s birth is significant because it fulfills God’s promise to Jacob that a nation would come from his descendants.
The chapter ends with the death of Isaac, Jacob’s father, who is buried by his sons Esau and Jacob. Furthermore, the chapter provides a list of the twelve sons of Jacob, who are founders of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Genesis 35 marks a period of transformation for Jacob, moving him from a period of trial and challenge to a place of greater peace and fulfillment of God’s promises. It is a significant chapter that reaffirms God’s continued plan and purpose in the narrative of the Bible.
Genesis 35 kjv
Genesis 35 in the King James Version (KJV) is a chapter of the Bible in which God tells Jacob to go to Bethel and build an altar. This chapter starts with Jacob and his family purifying themselves and getting rid of their idols before moving to Bethel.
DURING THIS JOURNEY:
1. Rebekah’s nurse, Deborah, dies and is buried under an oak tree, which is then named “Allon-bachuth,” which means “Oak of Weeping.”
2. God appears to Jacob again, reaffirms his new name as Israel and renews the covenant promise of giving him and his descendants the land. Here again, Jacob sets up a stone pillar in Bethel in honour to God.
3. The family continues travelling towards Ephrath, during which Rachel goes into labor which proved to be hard, and she dies giving birth to Benjamin. She is buried on the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem, and Jacob sets a pillar on her grave.
4. The narrative also mentions a brief but unfavourable episode involving Reuben, Jacob’s oldest son, and Bilhah, Rachel’s maid.
5. Isaac, Jacob’s father, dies at a good old age and is buried by his sons Esau and Jacob.
Genesis 35, therefore, is a mixture of joy and sorrow, blessing and judgement. The sins of the family are dealt with, the last ties with idolatry are severed, and Jacobs’s name change to Israel is confirmed. God’s reaffirmation of His promises of land and descendants to Jacob takes centre stage again. The chapter concludes with a list of the 12 sons of Jacob/Israel – the patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Genesis 35 nkjv
Genesis 35 in the New King James Version of the Bible is primarily about Jacob returning to Bethel, a place that held significant importance for him, as God initially appeared to him there when he had fled from his brother Esau. God then reappears and instructs Jacob to build an altar at Bethel.
The chapter begins with God commanding Jacob to return to Bethel and dwell there, and to make an altar unto God. Jacob, in response, tells his household to get rid of all their foreign gods, purify themselves, and change their garments. After they do so, Jacob buries all their foreign gods and earrings under an oak tree near Shechem.
When Jacob and his group journey to Bethel, a terror upon the city protects them from being pursued. At Bethel, Jacob builds an altar as God had instructed. God then appears to Jacob again, blesses him, and reaffirms the name change from Jacob to Israel.
In this chapter, God also reconfirms the covenant He made with Abraham and Isaac, promising that a nation and a ‘company of nations’ shall proceed from him and kings shall come out of his loins; and He reassures Jacob that the land He gave Abraham and Isaac will also be given to Jacob’s offspring.
Genesis 35 also records some personal, emotional aspects of Jacob’s life. Jacob’s wife Rachel dies while giving birth to their second son, Benjamin; and Rachel was buried on the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem. Jacob sets a pillar on her grave, which exists unto this day.
The chapter concludes with Jacob’s father Isaac’s death at the age of 180. Esau and Jacob bury him. This signifies the reconciliation between Jacob and Esau, as they come together to bury their father.
So, Genesis 35 is a mixed chapter featuring elements of divine revelation, obedience, blessing, sorrow, and death.
Genesis 35 niv
Genesis 35 is a chapter in the book of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, in the New International Version (NIV). Here’s a breakdown of what happens in Genesis 35:
1. God tells Jacob to return to Bethel, the place where God first appeared to him when he was fleeing from his brother, Esau. Jacob is told to build an altar there to recognize God.
2. Before they go, Jacob instructs his family to get rid of all their foreign gods, purify themselves and change their clothes.
3. They travel to Bethel. Jacob builds an altar to worship God, and God again appears to Jacob. God reaffirms the covenant he made with Jacob, promising that nations and kings will be among his descendants.
4. God renews Jacob’s name as Israel. He also reiterates the promises He gave to Abraham and Isaac about giving their descendants the land.
5. Jacob sets up a stone pillar to commemorate this place where God talked with him.
6. They then travel from Bethel. Along the way, Rachel, Jacob’s beloved wife, gives birth to a son but dies in childbirth. Jacob names the son Benjamin.
7. Rachel’s tomb is marked by a pillar, which is said to still exist at the time of the Bible’s writing.
8. The family moves on again, but during this time Reuben, Jacob’s oldest son, sleeps with Bilhah, causing future family problems.
9. Genesis 35 closes with a genealogical recap of Jacob’s twelve sons, who are the fathers of the twelve tribes of Israel.
10. Lastly, Isaac, Jacob’s father dies. Jacob and Esau, who were once enemies, come together to bury him.
Genesis 35 explores themes of obedience, promise, loyalty, and grief. It is a significant chapter in setting up the future nation of Israel.
What is Genesis 35 all about?
Genesis 35 is a chapter within the book of Genesis, the first book in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible or the Torah in Judaism. This chapter follows the journey of Jacob, the son of Isaac and grandson of Abraham, who is an essential figure in biblical stories.
At the very beginning of Genesis 35, God commands Jacob to move to Bethel and build an altar there – in remembrance of the time God appeared to him when he was fleeing from his brother Esau.
Upon receiving this command, Jacob instructs his household to purify themselves and get rid of all the foreign gods. Jacob buries all these alien gods and earrings under an oak at Shechem.
After they set out, a terror falls upon the towns around them, protecting Jacob and his family as they journey to Bethel. Once in Bethel, Jacob builds an altar, and God appears to him again. God reasserts the name “Israel” to Jacob and renews the covenant given to Abraham and Isaac to him and his descendants.
Shortly thereafter, Rachel, Jacob’s beloved wife, dies while giving birth to his twelfth son, Benjamin. Jacob sets up a pillar as a memorial over Rachel’s grave.
The chapter then briefly mentions an incident of incest involving Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn son, and Bilhah, Rachel’s servant and Jacob’s concubine.
The chapter concludes with the death of Isaac at the age of 180, and that he was buried by his sons, Esau and Jacob. So overall, the chapter is about Jacob obeying God’s commands, the renewal of God’s covenant, family loss, and some personal family indiscretions.
What does Genesis 35 teaches?
Genesis 35 is a chapter in the Holy Bible which revolves around the story of Jacob, one of the patriarchs of the Israelites. This chapter highlights several important themes:
1. Obedience to God: Jacob listens to God’s command to return to Bethel, the place where he had his dream of the stairway to heaven. Despite fear and uncertainty, he obeys, reflecting the importance of obedience to God’s guidance.
2. Purification: Prior to returning to Bethel, Jacob instructs his family to get rid of all their foreign idols, purify themselves and change their clothes. This symbolizes the rejection of sin, and preparation to meet and worship God.
3. God’s Faithfulness: When Jacob and his family dutifully return to Bethel, God appears to Jacob again, renewing the covenant He had made earlier. God changes Jacob’s name to Israel and reiterates that a nation will come from his descendants.
4. Life and Death: The chapter also highlights the circle of life and death. While it reveals the birth of Benjamin, it also speaks of death – the death of Deborah, Rachel, and Isaac which evoke a sense of mortality.
5. The Power of Names: The chapter also emphasizes how names have significant meanings. God gives Jacob a new name, Israel, signifying his transformation and new identity. Rachel names her son “Ben-oni” meaning “son of my trouble”, but Jacob changes it to Benjamin meaning “son of my right hand”, a more positive affirmation.
Therefore, Genesis 35 teaches about obedience to God, purification, God’s faithfulness to His promises, the realities of life and death, and the significance of names.
A Sermon on Genesis 35
Title: A Pilgrimage Back to Bethel
Genesis 35 recounts the story of Jacob’s return to Bethel, his recommitment to God, the loss of his beloved wife Rachel, and the deaths of his father Isaac and nurse Deborah.
1. The Call to Return to Bethel (Genesis 35:1-4)
Jacob, having settled among the people of Shechem, is commanded by God to return to Bethel, the place where he had first encountered God. This is a metaphor for our lives where in the midst of our busyness, sin, or waywardness, God calls us back to Him, back to our ‘Bethel’.
2. The Purity of Presenting Ourselves to God (Genesis 35:2-4)
Before Jacob and his household set out for Bethel, they rid themselves of foreign gods and purify themselves. As Christians, when we approach God, we are enjoined to get rid of any hindrances [Heb. 12:1] and to cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit [2 Cor. 7:1].
3. The Promises of God’s Protection & Presence (Genesis 35: 5-15)
As Jacob and his household journey, God grants them protection from surrounding tribes. When Jacob arrives at Bethel, God reaffirms His presence, blessing Jacob with fruitfulness and reiterating the covenant promise of land to his descendants. This reminds us that when we return to the Lord and obey His instructions, His presence goes with us and His blessings rest on us.
4. The Pain of Life’s Reality (Genesis 35:16-29)
The story then takes a sorrowful turn as Rachel dies in child birth and Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, commits an abominable act. Jacob’s father dies too. However, even in the face of grief, we see that God’s promise remains steadfast, and Jacob’s descendants continue to multiply. This speaks to God’s comfort and faithfulness in our trials and tribulations.
In conclusion, Genesis 35 teaches us about obedience to God’s call, the need for purity, the assurance of God’s presence and protection, and His faithfulness in trials. It encourages us to seek our ‘Bethel’, a closer walk with God, regardless of life’s challenges.
Key people in Genesis 35
Genesis 35 is an important chapter within the first book of the Bible. Key figures include:
1. Jacob (Israel): The son of Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob is one of the three patriarchs of the Israelites. In Genesis 35, God appears to Jacob again, blesses him and reaffirms his new name Israel (which means “he struggles with God”). Jacob sets up a stone pillar at the place where God had talked with him.
2. Rachel: Jacob’s beloved wife. In this chapter, Rachel dies while giving birth to Jacob’s twelfth son, Benjamin.
3. Benjamin: The twelfth and youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. His name means “son of sorrow.” He becomes the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
4. Leah: Jacob’s first wife. At the end of the chapter, she is mentioned as the mother of six of Jacob’s sons and one daughter, Dinah.
5. Isaac: The father of Jacob. He died at the age of 180 and was buried by his sons Esau and Jacob.
6. Deborah: The nurse of Rebekah, Isaac’s wife, and Jacob’s mother. In Genesis 35, it’s mentioned that she died and was buried under the oak in Bethel, which was then named Allon Bacuth (“Oak of Weeping”).
7. God: In this chapter, God instructs Jacob to return to Bethel and build an altar. He then reaffirms His covenant with Jacob, officially changing his name to Israel and promising to give the land of Abraham and Isaac to him and his descendants.
8. Reuben: Jacob’s eldest son. In a brief mention, it is said that he sleeps with Bilhah, his father’s concubine, which is later held against him by Jacob.
9. Esau: Jacob’s older twin brother. He is mentioned at the very end of the chapter, where it is said that he and Jacob bury their father Isaac together.
Real world examples on Genesis 35
Genesis 35 is a chapter in the Bible that relates to the return of Jacob to Bethel, as well as the birth of Benjamin and the death of Rachel and Isaac.
1. Return to Bethel – Genesis 35 begins with God telling Jacob to return to Bethel, the place where God first revealed himself to Jacob. In the real world, this can be compared to times when individuals reconnect with their roots, their faith, or their foundational values – perhaps after a period of straying away or forgetting about them. It can also be interpreted as returning to a state of peace and reconnecting with God after a period of turmoil or disobedience.
2. Purification and Dedication – Jacob told his household to get rid of their foreign gods, purify themselves, and change their clothes. This symbolizes the need for a physical and spiritual cleansing before coming before God. In real life, it could be reflecting the need to get rid of bad habits, negative influences, or anything that hinders our relationship with God for us to fully dedicate our lives to Him.
3. Death of Rachel – Just as Rachel dies giving birth to Benjamin in this chapter, people today still face life-threatening childbirth complications, though far less due to advancements in medical science. It reminds us of the fragility of life and the sacrifices made in bringing new life into the world.
4. Death of Isaac – The death and burial of Isaac can be viewed as a representation of the end of a generation and a reminder of mortality. The mourning of this loss and remembrance of the deceased is seen in every culture and time period.
Remember, the Bible often uses metaphorical language and concepts that have spiritual meanings. The interpretations provided here are just some of the ways you might connect life experiences with the events of Genesis 35.
Brief Explanation of Genesis 35
Genesis 35 is a chapter in the first book of the Bible, Genesis, within the Old Testament. In this chapter, God instructed Jacob to return to Bethel, a sacred place where Jacob had previously seen a vision of a ladder reaching into heaven. Here, he was to build an altar to God. Upon receiving this, Jacob asked his household to get rid of all the foreign gods they have, purify themselves, and change their clothes.
After Jacob and his household did as instructed, they travelled to Bethel. Once they were there, God showed himself to Jacob again. He reminded Jacob of the new name He had given him, Israel, and promised that the land He had given to Abraham and Isaac would also belong to Jacob and his descendants. After this divine encounter, Jacob built an altar and named the place where God had spoken with them, El-Bethel.
Following this, the chapter also narrates about the death of Rachel, Jacob’s beloved wife, during the birth of their second son, Benjamin. Rachel was buried near Bethlehem, and Jacob erected a monument over her grave.
The chapter then concludes with the brief reunion of Jacob (Israel) and his father, Isaac, and the eventual death of Isaac. It also highlights the acts of Reuben, Jacob’s eldest son, who slept with Bilhah, his father’s concubine which caused him to lose his birthright. And, the chapter ends with the listing of the 12 sons of Jacob, the patriarchs of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.
Frequently asked questions for Genesis 35
Genesis 35 seems to bring up some frequently asked questions. Here are potential interpretations based on expert opinions though the Bible is complex and interpretations can be subjective.
1. **Who is Deborah? When and why did she die?**
Deborah was Rebekah’s nurse mentioned in Genesis 24:59, though her appearance in Genesis 35 is somewhat sudden and her death is mourned by the family. The Bible doesn’t explain when and why she was with Jacob’s family at this time.
2. **What exactly is the “pillar of Rachel’s grave”?**
This pillar was a marker set up by Jacob at the site of Rachel’s grave, commemorating her death and marking her resting place.
3. **Why did God rename Jacob “Israel” again?**
God reasserting Jacob’s name change to Israel could act as reaffirmation of the covenant first established in Genesis 32:28, reinforcing the significance of his identity and mission.
4. **Why did Rachel die while giving birth to Benjamin?**
Rachel’s death was likely a result of severe childbirth complications, a common occurrence at the time.
5. **What does God mean by “a company of nations shall come from you”?**
This phrase refers to the promise God made to Abraham and Isaac about being the fathers of many nations. It essentially links to the forming of the 12 tribes of Israel from Jacob’s 12 sons.
6. **Who are the sons of Jacob that are listed in Genesis 35:22-26?**
The sons listed here are the 12 sons of Jacob who later on become the ancestors of the 12 tribes of Israel.
7. **Why did Isaac die?**
Isaac’s death, aged 180, is a natural death due to old age.
Please remember that theological interpretation can vary significantly among scholars, readers, and specific religions, and my responses should be seen as generalized summaries.
Possible References for Genesis 35
In the Bible, Genesis 35 refers to the 35th chapter of the Book of Genesis, the first book of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. Here are some possible references:
1. God’s command to Jacob (Genesis 35:1): This refers to God instructing Jacob to return to Bethel, a place where he has previously spoken to God, and build an altar there.
2. Purification of Jacob’s Household (Genesis 35:2-4): Before going to Bethel, Jacob requests his family to get rid of false gods, change their clothes, and purify themselves. This refers to the renunciation of idolatry and purification of his household.
3. God’s appearance to Jacob (Genesis 35:9-15): God comes to Jacob again after he built an altar at Bethel and blesses him. God confirms Jacob’s new name “Israel” (meaning struggles with God), promising him a great nation with kings and a land inheritance.
4. Rachel’s Death (Genesis 35:16-20): On their way to Ephrath, Rachel goes into severe labor with her second son, Benjamin. Rachel dies after childbirth, and Jacob buries her and erects a pillar at her grave.
5. Reuben and Bilhah (Genesis 35:22): Reuben, Jacob’s eldest son, sleeps with Bilhah, Jacob’s concubine, which he later is punished for.
6. Death of Isaac (Genesis 35:27-29): Jacob returns to his father, Isaac, who dies at the age of 180. Esau and Jacob, his sons, bury him.
Individual verses of this chapter could refer to any of these events or others in the detailed story, depending on context. Interpreting the specific meanings can depend on religious context, historical context, and personal interpretation. This chapter is significant because it marks several major events in Jacob’s life and the lives of his family members.
Conclusion on Genesis 35
Genesis 35 is the passage in the Bible where God commands Jacob to settle in Bethel and construct an altar. After doing as instructed, God appears to Jacob again and renews the covenant originally made with Abraham and Isaac, signifying that the promises of land and a multiplicity of descendants would continue through Jacob’s lineage.
Some key events include the name change of Jacob to Israel, the birth of Benjamin, the death of Rachel (Jacob’s beloved wife), and the death of Isaac.
The conclusion of Genesis 35 specifically is marked by two deaths: Rachel’s and Isaac’s. Rachel, Jacob’s favorite wife, dies in childbirth, delivering Benjamin. This signifies a period of great sorrow for Jacob, but also the completion of the 12 sons who would become the forefathers of 12 tribes of Israel.
Isaac’s death represents not only the end of an era but also the passing on of the covenant to the next generation.
Genesis 35 thus concludes with the clear establishment of Jacob (Israel) and his twelve sons as the bearers of God’s covenant. It’s about the family’s transition, the continuation of God’s promise, and the incredible lineage that would proceed from Jacob’s children. Even in a period of solemnity due to significant losses, there’s the maintenance of divine promise and prosperity for Israel’s lineage.