What is the meaning of Genesis 35:7? There Jacob built an altar • Jacob obeys God’s call to return to Bethel (Genesis 35:1) and immediately responds with worship, just as his grandfather Abraham did when God appeared to him (Genesis 12:7; 26:25). • Altars in Genesis mark decisive moments of covenant and gratitude—Noah after the flood (Genesis 8:20); Isaac at Beersheba (Genesis 26:25); Jacob earlier at Shechem (Genesis 33:20). • Building this altar shows that Jacob understands every victory—safe travel, protection from surrounding cities (Genesis 35:5)—comes from the Lord, echoing Exodus 20:24 where God promises His presence where an altar is raised to Him. and he called that place El-bethel • Naming places after divine encounters preserves the memory of God’s work for future generations, just as Jacob did earlier at Bethel (Genesis 28:19) and Moses at Rephidim (Exodus 17:15). • By publicly naming the site, Jacob invites his household and all who will hear the story to recognize God’s faithfulness—much like Samuel later erects a memorial stone called Ebenezer (1 Samuel 7:12). • The repetition of the name Bethel in Jacob’s life (Genesis 35:15) underlines its significance as a spiritual anchor point: God met him here at the beginning of his journey and now again on his return. because it was there that God had revealed Himself to Jacob • Genesis 28:12-17 records God’s first revelation at Bethel—the ladder reaching to heaven, angels ascending and descending, and the Lord standing above, assuring Jacob of covenant promises. • Decades later, Jacob can testify that God has kept every word: protection abroad (Genesis 31:5, 42) and a safe return to Canaan (Genesis 32:10). • Repeated revelation highlights God’s patience and persistence; though Jacob’s walk was imperfect, God remained steadfast (cf. Deuteronomy 7:9; Psalm 105:8). as he fled from his brother • The mention of flight recalls the bitter family conflict ignited by Jacob’s deception of Isaac and Esau (Genesis 27:41-43). • God met Jacob at his lowest point—lonely, fearful, and running for his life (Genesis 28:10-11). Now, years later, God meets him again after reconciling with Esau (Genesis 33:4); the memory of divine mercy brackets Jacob’s entire exile. • Scripture often reminds believers of past deliverance to fuel present faith: Israel’s Exodus (Deuteronomy 15:15) and David’s rescue from lions and bears before facing Goliath (1 Samuel 17:37). summary Genesis 35:7 shows Jacob intentionally memorializing God’s faithfulness. He raises an altar to declare, “The Lord brought me full circle.” By naming the spot El-bethel, he marks it as a perpetual reminder that the God who revealed Himself in Jacob’s darkest hour is the same God worthy of worship and trust today. |
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