Summary of Genesis Chapter 35

Genesis Chapter 35 recounts significant events in the life of Jacob, including God's reaffirmation of His covenant, the death of Rachel, and the establishment of a new place of worship.

God’s Command to Jacob:

God instructs Jacob to go to Bethel and settle there, commanding him to build an altar to God, who appeared to him when he fled from his brother Esau (Genesis 35:1).

Jacob responds by telling his household to get rid of foreign gods and purify themselves, emphasizing the importance of worshiping the one true God (Genesis 35:2-3).

Journey to Bethel:

Jacob and his family set out for Bethel. As they travel, God puts a fear of Jacob upon the cities around them, preventing them from pursuing him (Genesis 35:5).

This divine protection reassures Jacob as he returns to the place where he first encountered God.

The Death of Deborah:

During the journey, Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, dies and is buried under an oak near Bethel. Jacob names the oak Allon Bacuth, meaning "oak of weeping" (Genesis 35:8).

God’s Reaffirmation of the Covenant:

Upon arriving in Bethel, Jacob builds an altar and calls the place El Bethel, meaning "God of Bethel," because God had revealed Himself to him there (Genesis 35:7).

God appears to Jacob again, reaffirming the covenant promises made to him: that he will be fruitful, and that nations and kings will come from him. God also renames Jacob as Israel (Genesis 35:9-12).

The Birth of Benjamin and the Death of Rachel:

As Jacob travels toward Ephrath (Bethlehem), Rachel goes into labor. She gives birth to a son, Benjamin, but dies during childbirth (Genesis 35:16-19).

Jacob names the boy Benjamin, meaning "son of the right hand," but initially names him Ben-Oni, meaning "son of my sorrow" (Genesis 35:18).

Jacob’s Mourning:

Jacob buries Rachel on the way to Ephrath and sets up a pillar over her grave, which remains to this day (Genesis 35:20).

Jacob Returns to His Father:

Jacob continues his journey and comes to his father Isaac at Mamre, or Kiriath Arba (Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac had lived (Genesis 35:27).

Isaac is still alive at the age of 180, and the chapter concludes with Isaac’s death and burial by his sons Esau and Jacob (Genesis 35:28-29).

Key Themes

• Divine Guidance and Protection: The chapter emphasizes God’s guidance and protection over Jacob and his family as they return to Bethel, reinforcing the importance of obedience to God’s commands.
• Covenant Renewal: God’s reaffirmation of the covenant with Jacob highlights the continuity of His promises and the significance of Jacob’s role in the unfolding plan of salvation.
• Family and Loss: The death of Rachel and the birth of Benjamin illustrate the complexities of family life, love, and loss, emphasizing the emotional struggles that accompany significant life events.
• Worship and Identity: Jacob’s actions in building an altar and renaming places reflect the importance of worship and the acknowledgment of God’s presence in his life.

Genesis Chapter 35 is significant in the narrative of Jacob, showcasing his journey of faith, the reaffirmation of God’s promises, and the realities of family dynamics.