Genesis 35

29 verses

TL;DR

Jacob returns to Bethel, builds an altar, is renamed Israel, and the family faces key events including Rachel’s death and Isaac’s burial.

Summary

Jacob receives God’s instruction to return to Bethel and build an altar, where He appears again and gives Jacob a new name, Israel, and promises a great nation. He removes the household’s strange gods and cleanses himself and his people. Rachel gives birth to Benjamin but dies during labor, prompting Jacob to erect a pillar at her grave. Jacob’s family is outlined, listing the twelve sons from his wives and handmaids. The chapter concludes with Jacob visiting his father Isaac, who dies at an advanced age, and is buried in Hebron.

Outline

Jacob’s return to Bethel, altar‑building, and renaming as Israel
Rachel’s labor, death, and the erection of her grave pillar
Family lineage, Isaac’s death, and the culmination of the generation

Themes

Divine covenant and identity transformationPurity and the removal of idolatryFamily legacy and generational promise

Keywords

JacobBethelIsraelaltarpillarcovenantrenamingfamilyIsaacbirthdeath

People

JacobEsauRebekahDeborahIsraelRachelBenjaminReubenBilhahZilpahLeahJosephIsaacAbrahamMidwife

Places

BethelLuzCanaanShechemPadanaramEphrathBethlehemEdarArbaHebron

Things

altarstone pillardrink offeringoilstrange godsearringsoak

Key Verses

Genesis 35:1: God’s command to return to Bethel and build an altar establishes the chapter’s focus.
Genesis 35:10: Jacob’s renaming to Israel marks a pivotal identity transformation.
Genesis 35:20: The pillar at Rachel’s grave symbolizes remembrance and reverence.

Questions

What does Jacob’s renaming to Israel signify about his relationship with God?
Why does Jacob remove the strange gods before building the altar?
How does the erection of the pillar at Rachel’s grave reflect ancient burial practices and remembrance?

Sentiment

neutral
The chapter presents both solemn events (death, renaming) and divine blessings, resulting in a balanced tone.