“And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.”
Context: Genesis 35 recounts the events that occurred after Jacob’s return to Canaan from Paddan-aram. Jacob had settled in Shechem, where his daughter Dinah was violated, leading to the revengeful massacre of Shechem by his sons Simeon and Levi. In the aftermath of these events, God instructed Jacob to go to Bethel, the place where God had appeared to him earlier.
Returning to Bethel: In this verse, Jacob proposes to his household to arise and go up to Bethel. Bethel held significant meaning for Jacob because it was the place where God had appeared to him in a dream and made a covenant with him (Genesis 28:10-22). Jacob had vowed to make the Lord his God if He protected and provided for him, and God had faithfully fulfilled His promises. Now, Jacob is recommitting himself to God and leading his family back to the place of his encounter with the divine.
Making an altar: Jacob declares his intention to make an altar to God at Bethel. Altars were places of worship and offerings, where people would come to seek God’s presence and offer sacrifices. By building an altar, Jacob seeks to honor and worship God, expressing his gratitude for God’s faithfulness throughout his life. It is a symbol of his renewed commitment to God and his acknowledgment that God had answered him in times of distress.
Remembering God’s faithfulness: Jacob highlights two specific aspects of God’s faithfulness. First, he acknowledges that God had answered him in the day of his distress. This refers to the challenging times Jacob had faced, such as when he fled from Esau, his brother, or when he labored for Laban for many years. In all those moments, God had heard Jacob’s prayers and provided for him.
God’s presence along the way: Secondly, Jacob recognizes that God was with him in the way he went. Throughout his journey from Padan-aram back to Canaan, God had protected Jacob, guided his steps, and blessed him abundantly. Jacob acknowledges God’s continuous presence and guidance in his life’s journey.
Lessons to Learn:
- Remembering God’s faithfulness: Like Jacob, it is essential for us to remember and acknowledge God’s faithfulness in our lives. In times of distress or difficulty, we can look back at how God has answered our prayers and provided for us. This remembrance can strengthen our faith and trust in God, knowing that He has been with us in the past and will continue to be with us in the future.
- Returning to the place of encounter: Jacob’s decision to return to Bethel reminds us of the importance of returning to the places of our spiritual encounters with God. These places may include the church, a retreat center, or any other location where we have experienced God’s presence and heard His voice. Going back to such places can reignite our spiritual fervor, reestablish our commitment to God, and deepen our relationship with Him.
- Building altars of worship: Jacob’s intention to build an altar teaches us the significance of creating spaces and times for worship in our lives. While we may not construct physical altars today, we can set aside specific times and places for prayer, praise, and worship. These intentional acts of devotion can help us express our gratitude to God and draw closer to Him.
Genesis 35:3 offers valuable insights into Jacob’s desire to return to Bethel, build an altar, and remember God’s faithfulness. As we reflect on this verse, may we also cultivate a heart of gratitude, a commitment to worship, and a deepening relationship with our faithful God.
