Genesis 35–36
New beginnings. God once more appeared and told Jacob what to do. This was a part of the Bethel promise (28:13–15). We walk by faith when we obey God in spite of circumstances or consequences. But a change in geography does not guarantee a change in life, so Jacob told the whole family to bury the past and get rid of their heathen charms and idols. At Bethel, Jacob built a new altar and worshiped “the God of the house of God.”
New sorrows. Three deaths are recorded in this chapter, for death is one of the facts of life. Jacob’s obedience to God did not prevent him from experiencing trials. He lost a friend, Deborah; a favorite wife, Rachel; and then his beloved father. (In spite of what he said in 27:2, Isaac lived for forty-three years after that!) Perhaps the greatest sorrow of all was the sin of his firstborn son Reuben. Sin is expensive, and this one cost Reuben the birthright (
New joys. The birth of Benjamin cost Rachel her life (30:1). Jacob wisely changed the name from “son of my sorrow” to “son of my right hand” (the place of honor). It was an act of faith at a time when Jacob’s heart was broken. Like Benjamin, our Lord Jesus is a Son of sorrow (
Since the family was complete, the sons and mothers were listed. Esau’s family tree is much more imposing than Jacob’s, but this is the last we hear of it. Despite their failures, the sons of Israel are the chosen instruments to accomplish God’s will on earth.