“And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.”
Genesis 35:5 is part of the account of Jacob’s return to Bethel, following his stay in Shechem. In this verse, we see the divine protection and intervention of God on behalf of Jacob and his family.
To fully understand the significance of Genesis 35:5, it is essential to look at the broader context. Prior to this verse, Jacob had settled near Shechem, and his daughter Dinah was violated by Shechem, the son of Hamor, a prince of the area. This incident led to anger and vengeance from two of Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, who killed all the men of Shechem. As a result, Jacob’s family was in a vulnerable position, fearing retaliation from the neighboring cities.
In Genesis 35:1, God instructs Jacob to move to Bethel and build an altar there. Jacob obeyed God’s command, and as they journeyed towards Bethel, a profound fear or terror fell upon the surrounding cities. This divine intervention prevented them from pursuing or attacking Jacob and his family.
The phrase “the terror of God” signifies the awe-inspiring power and presence of God, which struck fear into the hearts of the people in the neighboring cities. It demonstrates God’s ability to protect His chosen people and fulfill His promises. This protection allowed Jacob and his family to continue their journey to Bethel in safety, knowing that God was with them.
Genesis 35:5 highlights the providential care of God for His people, even in the face of potential danger. It reminds us that when we align ourselves with God’s will and follow His instructions, He is faithful to guide and protect us. It also emphasizes the sovereignty of God over all circumstances, including the actions and intentions of others.
As we reflect on Genesis 35:5, we can draw several lessons:
- Obedience to God’s instructions: Jacob’s obedience to God’s command to go to Bethel demonstrates the importance of following God’s guidance. When we align ourselves with His will, we position ourselves for His divine protection and blessings.
- God’s protective presence: The terror of God upon the surrounding cities highlights the power of God’s presence in protecting His people. We can take comfort in knowing that God is with us, shielding us from harm.
- Trusting in God’s sovereignty: The events in Genesis 35:5 remind us that God is in control of all circumstances. Even when we face potential threats or dangers, we can trust in His sovereignty and rest assured that He will work things out according to His purposes.
In summary, Genesis 35:5 showcases God’s protective intervention on behalf of Jacob and his family. It underscores the importance of obedience to God’s instructions, highlights His presence as a shield, and encourages us to trust in His sovereignty.
