How does Genesis 35:9 connect to God's promises in Genesis 28:13-15? Text of the Two Encounters Genesis 35:9: “After Jacob had returned from Paddan-aram, God appeared to him again and blessed him.” “13 And behold, the LORD was standing above it and said, ‘I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie. 14 Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and east, to the north and south. All the peoples of the earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. 15 Look, I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.’ ” The Setting: Two Encounters, One Covenant - Genesis 28: first encounter at Bethel while Jacob is fleeing to Haran. - Genesis 35: second encounter at Bethel after Jacob has returned to Canaan. - Same place, same God, same covenant—now confirmed after roughly 30 years of journeying, wrestling, and growth. Promise Revisited: What God Repeats at Bethel - Land: In 28:13 God promises the land; in 35:12 (immediately following v. 9) He reiterates, “The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac I give to you.” - Offspring: 28:14 foretells descendants “like the dust of the earth”; 35:11 restates, “A nation—even a company of nations—shall come from you.” - Blessing to the nations: 28:14 pledges global blessing; 35:11-12 positions Jacob’s line to carry that blessing forward. - God’s presence: 28:15, “I am with you”; 35:9, “God appeared … and blessed him,” underscoring continuous, faithful presence. Progress of the Promise - Protection proved: 28:15 promised safekeeping; by 35:9 Jacob has survived Laban, Esau, and Shechem (cf. Genesis 31-34). - Return accomplished: 28:15 vowed a safe return; 35:6-7 records Jacob back at Bethel building an altar. - Name confirmed: 35:10 God changes Jacob’s name to Israel, marking covenant identity fulfilled in part (cf. Genesis 32:28). Why the Connection Matters - God’s word stands unchanged across decades (Numbers 23:19; Hebrews 6:17-18). - Each reaffirmation deepens Jacob’s faith and obedience, moving him from bargaining (28:20-22) to altar-building worship (35:14-15). - The linkage between the two chapters showcases a covenant-keeping God who guides, corrects, and blesses until every promise is literally completed. |
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