Jacob Returns to Bethel – Renewal of the Covenant
After the turmoil in Shechem, God commands Jacob to return to Bethel—the place where Jacob first encountered Him and vowed to serve Him. This chapter marks a significant spiritual renewal for Jacob and his household as they repent, purify themselves, and recommit to God’s covenant. In the face of past failures and new challenges, Jacob is reminded of God’s unwavering faithfulness.
This passage teaches us the importance of returning to foundational moments of faith, renewing our relationship with God, and responding to His promises with worship and obedience. Let’s explore the journey back to Bethel, uncovering its lessons for us today.
Genesis 35:1-3
“Then God said to Jacob, ‘Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there; and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother.’ And Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, ‘Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your garments. Then let us arise and go up to Bethel; and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me in the way which I have gone.’”
God calls Jacob to return to Bethel, a place of significance in Jacob’s spiritual journey. Bethel was where Jacob first encountered God in a dream and received His promises of protection and provision (Genesis 28:10-22). Jacob obeys God’s command by purifying his household, instructing them to put away foreign gods and prepare for worship.
Insight: Jacob’s directive to remove idols and purify themselves reflects a spiritual cleansing necessary for renewed fellowship with God. The act of changing garments symbolizes a fresh start and a commitment to holiness.
Life Application: Are there “idols” or distractions in your life that hinder your devotion to God? How can you actively remove them to renew your relationship with Him?
Genesis 35:4-5
“So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods which were in their hands, and the earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the terebinth tree which was by Shechem. And they journeyed, and the terror of God was upon the cities that were all around them, and they did not pursue the sons of Jacob.”
Jacob’s household obeys, surrendering their idols and symbols of pagan worship. Jacob buries these items under a tree, signifying a decisive break with their old ways. As they journey to Bethel, God protects them by instilling fear in the surrounding cities, ensuring they are not attacked despite the events in Shechem.
Insight: God’s protection often accompanies our steps of obedience, reminding us that His faithfulness is not contingent on our past but on His promises.
Life Application: What steps of obedience is God calling you to take today, trusting that He will protect and guide you as you follow His commands?
Genesis 35:6-7
“So Jacob came to Luz (that is, Bethel), which is in the land of Canaan, he and all the people who were with him. And he built an altar there and called the place El Bethel, because there God appeared to him when he fled from the face of his brother.”
Jacob fulfills God’s command by building an altar at Bethel and naming it El Bethel, which means “God of the house of God.” This act of worship reflects Jacob’s acknowledgment of God’s faithfulness and his renewed commitment to Him. The altar serves as a public testimony of God’s presence in Jacob’s life.
Insight: Returning to Bethel represents not just a physical journey but a spiritual one, as Jacob reconnects with the God who guided him through years of trials and blessings.
Life Application: Have you revisited the spiritual “Bethels” in your life, the moments where you experienced God’s presence and promises? How can you build altars of remembrance and gratitude in your spiritual journey?
Genesis 35:8-10
“Now Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died, and she was buried below Bethel under the terebinth tree. So the name of it was called Allon Bachuth. Then God appeared to Jacob again, when he came from Padan Aram, and blessed him. And God said to him, ‘Your name is Jacob; your name shall not be called Jacob anymore, but Israel shall be your name.’ So He called his name Israel.”
The death of Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, marks a time of mourning for Jacob’s household. In the midst of this, God reaffirms Jacob’s new identity as Israel, reminding him of his transformation and calling. This reiteration of his name change emphasizes God’s faithfulness and Jacob’s role in His covenant plan.
Insight: God often reaffirms His promises and identity for us during times of transition, loss, or renewal, providing assurance of His purposes in our lives.
Life Application: How can you hold on to God’s promises and identity for you during seasons of loss or change?
Genesis 35:11-15
“Also God said to him: ‘I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall proceed from you, and kings shall come from your body. The land which I gave Abraham and Isaac I give to you; and to your descendants after you I give this land.’ Then God went up from him in the place where He talked with him. So Jacob set up a pillar in the place where He talked with Him, a pillar of stone; and he poured a drink offering on it, and he poured oil on it. And Jacob called the name of the place where God spoke with him, Bethel.”
God reaffirms the covenant He made with Abraham and Isaac, promising Jacob descendants, kings, and the land of Canaan. In response, Jacob builds a pillar, offers sacrifices, and worships God. This moment signifies Jacob’s acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty and his gratitude for God’s faithfulness.
Insight: Worship is the appropriate response to God’s faithfulness, expressing gratitude and reverence for His promises.
Life Application: How do you respond to God’s faithfulness in your life? Are you intentional about worshiping Him and expressing your gratitude for His blessings?
Themes and Lessons
- Renewal through Repentance: Jacob’s call to purify his household and return to Bethel reminds us of the importance of repentance and spiritual renewal in our walk with God.
- God’s Faithfulness in the Face of Failure: Despite Jacob’s missteps and the chaos in Shechem, God remains faithful to His promises, guiding Jacob back to Bethel and reaffirming His covenant.
- The Importance of Worship and Gratitude: Jacob’s altar and offerings at Bethel demonstrate the need to acknowledge and celebrate God’s faithfulness through worship and thanksgiving.
- Leadership in Spiritual Renewal: Jacob leads his household in repentance and worship, setting an example of how families can grow together in faith.
Rich Life Applications
- Are there areas of your life where God is calling you to repent and renew your commitment to Him?
- How can you lead your family or community in worship, obedience, and spiritual renewal?
- Do you take time to reflect on and celebrate God’s faithfulness in your spiritual journey?
- How do you respond to God’s promises and blessings during seasons of loss or transition?
Jacob’s return to Bethel is a powerful reminder of the need for spiritual renewal and recommitment. By purifying his household, building an altar, and worshiping God, Jacob demonstrates the steps we must take to restore our relationship with God. This chapter reminds us that God’s faithfulness endures through our failures, calling us to respond with repentance, worship, and gratitude.