“Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:”
This verse occurs within the larger context of Jacob’s journey back to Bethel, the place where God had appeared to him earlier in his life. Let’s dive into a brief Bible study on Genesis 35:2.
Historical Background:At this point in the biblical narrative, Jacob had returned from Paddan-aram, where he had spent many years with his uncle Laban. During his time there, Jacob had acquired wealth and family but had also faced challenges and conflicts. Now, as he returns to the land of Canaan, he is instructed by God to go to Bethel, where he had made a vow to God years earlier.
Command to Jacob’s Household:In Genesis 35:2, Jacob addresses his household and all those traveling with him. He instructs them to put away the strange gods that are among them. The “strange gods” refer to the idols or foreign gods that some members of Jacob’s household had acquired during their time in Paddan-aram. It is likely that these idols were associated with Laban’s household and were brought along as a result of the intermingling of cultures.
Spiritual Cleansing and Change:Jacob not only commands the removal of the foreign gods but also emphasizes the need for cleanliness and a change of garments. This can be understood both literally and symbolically. The physical cleansing and change of clothes represent a visible sign of their commitment to remove all traces of idolatry and impurity from their lives. Symbolically, it signifies a spiritual cleansing and renewal, preparing them to worship and encounter God at Bethel.
Lessons and Applications:
- Rejecting Idolatry:The command to put away the strange gods highlights the importance of rejecting any form of idolatry in our lives. Idols can take various forms today, such as material possessions, worldly ambitions, or false ideologies. Just as Jacob’s household had to rid themselves of physical idols, we need to identify and remove anything that hinders our worship and devotion to the one true God.
- Pursuing Holiness:The call to be clean and change garments signifies the pursuit of holiness. As believers, we are called to live lives that are set apart for God’s purposes, free from the contamination of sin. This involves regular self-examination, confession, and repentance, allowing God to purify our hearts and minds.
- Preparing for Worship:Jacob’s instructions remind us that approaching God requires preparation and reverence. Before coming to worship, it is beneficial to examine our hearts, confess our sins, and ensure that we are in a right relationship with God. This posture of humility and readiness enables us to encounter God more fully and receive His blessings.
- Covenant Faithfulness:Jacob’s return to Bethel and the removal of the foreign gods reflects his renewed commitment to the covenant he had made with God. Similarly, this verse serves as a reminder of our own need to remain faithful to our covenant relationship with God, keeping His commandments and seeking His presence throughout our lives.
In summary, Genesis 35:2 captures Jacob’s command to his household to put away the foreign gods, be clean, and change their garments as they prepare to return to Bethel. This verse emphasizes the importance of rejecting idolatry, pursuing holiness, preparing for worship, and remaining faithful to God’s covenant. It encourages us to examine our lives, rid ourselves of anything that hinders our relationship with God, and approach Him with reverence and devotion.
