“And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.”
Historical Context: Genesis 35 takes place after Jacob’s return to the land of Canaan. In the previous chapter, Jacob reconciled with his brother Esau after many years of separation. Genesis 35 begins with God’s command to Jacob to go to Bethel, the place where God appeared to him before he fled from Esau.
The Call to Arise: God initiates the conversation with Jacob, telling him to arise and go up to Bethel. The word “arise” signifies a call to action and implies a sense of urgency. This indicates that God has a specific purpose for Jacob in Bethel.
Bethel: Bethel holds significant spiritual importance in Jacob’s life. It was at Bethel that Jacob had his dream of a ladder reaching to heaven with angels ascending and descending (Genesis 28:10-22). There, God made a covenant with Jacob, promising to be with him, bless him, and give him the land on which he lay. Returning to Bethel serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and the renewal of Jacob’s commitment to God.
Dwell in Bethel: God instructs Jacob to dwell in Bethel, indicating that it is not a temporary visit but a place where he is to settle and establish a more permanent presence. This suggests that God has a specific plan for Jacob’s life and spiritual journey in Bethel.
Making an Altar: God commands Jacob to make an altar to Him in Bethel. Altars were places of worship and sacrifice, where people would offer their worship, prayers, and sacrifices to God. By making an altar, Jacob is acknowledging God’s presence, expressing his devotion, and seeking communion with God.
God’s Past Appearance: God reminds Jacob of His previous appearance to him when he fled from Esau. This serves as a reminder of God’s protection, guidance, and faithfulness in Jacob’s life. It also emphasizes the significance of Jacob’s return to Bethel as a way to reconnect with God and reaffirm his faith.
Application:
- Just as God called Jacob to arise and go to Bethel, we should be attentive to God’s leading in our own lives. God often calls us to specific places or tasks to fulfill His purposes.
- Bethel represents a place of encounter with God. We can seek places of spiritual significance to connect with God, reflect on His faithfulness, and renew our commitment to Him.
- Making an altar symbolizes our worship and devotion to God. We can create personal altars in our lives by setting aside intentional times and spaces for prayer, worship, and communion with God.
- Remembering God’s past appearances and experiences of His faithfulness can encourage us to trust Him in the present and future. Reflecting on God’s goodness in our lives can deepen our faith and strengthen our relationship with Him.
Remember to study the surrounding verses and seek additional resources for a more comprehensive understanding of Genesis 35 and its significance in the broader context of the Bible.
