Then let us arise and go to Bethel. I will build an altar there to God, who answered me in my day of distress. He has been with me wherever I have gone." Then let us ariseThis phrase signifies a call to action and obedience. The Hebrew root for "arise" is "קוּם" (qum), which often implies not just physical rising but also a spiritual awakening or readiness to fulfill God's command. In the context of Jacob's journey, it reflects a decisive moment of commitment to follow God's direction, leaving behind any complacency or hesitation. and go up to Bethel
"Bethel," meaning "House of God" in Hebrew, is a significant location in Jacob's life. It is where he previously encountered God in a dream (Genesis 28:19). The phrase "go up" suggests a pilgrimage or ascent, both physically and spiritually, to a place of divine encounter. Historically, Bethel was a central place of worship and covenant renewal for the patriarchs, symbolizing a return to foundational faith and promises. I will build an altar there
Building an altar is an act of worship and dedication. The Hebrew word for "altar" is "מִזְבֵּחַ" (mizbeach), which comes from a root meaning "to sacrifice." This indicates Jacob's intention to honor God through sacrifice and worship, acknowledging His sovereignty and grace. Altars in the Old Testament were places of encounter, remembrance, and covenant, serving as tangible expressions of faith and devotion. to God, who answered me
This phrase highlights God's responsiveness and faithfulness. The Hebrew root for "answered" is "עָנָה" (anah), which conveys the idea of responding or paying attention. Jacob acknowledges that God is not distant or indifferent but actively involved in his life, listening and responding to his cries in times of need. This assurance of divine interaction is a cornerstone of faith, encouraging believers to trust in God's attentive care. in my day of distress
The "day of distress" refers to times of trouble and adversity. The Hebrew word for "distress" is "צָרָה" (tsarah), often used to describe situations of anguish or hardship. Jacob's life was marked by such moments, yet he recognizes that God was his refuge and deliverer. This acknowledgment serves as a reminder that God is present and powerful even in the darkest times, offering hope and deliverance. He has been with me
This phrase underscores God's constant presence and faithfulness. The Hebrew concept of God's presence, "עִמָּנוּ" (immanu), is foundational to the biblical narrative, emphasizing that God is not only transcendent but also immanent, walking alongside His people. Jacob's testimony of God's companionship reassures believers of the enduring promise that God will never leave nor forsake them. wherever I have gone
This phrase speaks to the omnipresence and guidance of God throughout life's journey. The Hebrew word for "wherever" is "בְּכֹל" (bekol), meaning "in all" or "throughout," indicating that there is no place or situation beyond God's reach. Jacob's life journey, filled with both triumphs and trials, illustrates the truth that God's guidance and protection are not limited by geography or circumstance, offering believers confidence in His unchanging presence. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe patriarch who is leading his family back to Bethel. He is a central figure in the account, having experienced God's faithfulness throughout his life. 2. BethelA significant location in Jacob's life, where he previously encountered God in a dream ( Genesis 28:10-22). It is a place of worship and remembrance for Jacob. 3. AltarA structure Jacob intends to build as a symbol of worship and gratitude to God for His faithfulness and protection. 4. GodThe divine being who has been with Jacob, providing guidance and answering him in times of distress. 5. Day of DistressRefers to the various challenges and trials Jacob faced, including his flight from Esau and his dealings with Laban. Teaching Points God's FaithfulnessReflect on how God has been faithful in your life, just as He was with Jacob. Consider the ways He has answered you in your times of distress. The Importance of RemembranceLike Jacob returning to Bethel, we should have places or practices that remind us of God's past faithfulness and promises. Worship as ResponseBuilding an altar symbolizes worship and gratitude. Consider how you can express your thankfulness to God in your daily life. God's Presence in TrialsTrust that God is with you in every situation, providing guidance and support, just as He was with Jacob. Commitment to GodJacob's journey to Bethel represents a commitment to God. Evaluate your own commitment and how you can deepen your relationship with Him. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jacob's return to Bethel demonstrate his faith and obedience to God? 2. In what ways can you create "altars" in your life to remember and honor God's faithfulness? 3. Reflect on a "day of distress" in your life. How did you experience God's presence and help during that time? 4. How can the account of Jacob's journey to Bethel encourage you in your current walk with God? 5. What other biblical figures experienced God's faithfulness in times of distress, and how can their accounts inspire you? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 28:10-22This passage describes Jacob's first encounter with God at Bethel, where he dreams of a ladder reaching to heaven and receives God's promises. Psalm 46:1This verse speaks of God as a refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble, echoing the theme of God's presence in times of distress. Hebrews 13:5This New Testament verse reassures believers of God's constant presence, similar to His promise to Jacob. | A Call to Religious Observances | D. Wilson, M. A. | Genesis 35:1-15 | | At Bethel Again | W. S. Smith, B. D. | Genesis 35:1-15 | | Family Reformation; Or, Jacob's Second Visit to Bethel | Spurgeon, Charles Haddon | Genesis 35:1-15 | | Forgetfulness of God's Goodness | The Evangelical Preacher | Genesis 35:1-15 | | God with Us | R.A. Redford | Genesis 35:1-15 | | Jacob Returning to Bethel | J. Bradley, M. A. | Genesis 35:1-15 | | Jacob Sent to Bethel | Homilist | Genesis 35:1-15 | | Jacob's Return to Bethel | M. Braithwaite. | Genesis 35:1-15 | | Jacob's Second Journey to Bethel | T. H. Leale. | Genesis 35:1-15 | | Lessons | A. F. Barfield. | Genesis 35:1-15 | | Lessons from the Life of Jacob | G. Deane, B. Sc. | Genesis 35:1-15 | | The Forgotten Vow | | Genesis 35:1-15 | | The Revival | E Craig. | Genesis 35:1-15 | | The Second Journey of Jacob to Bethel | F. W. Robertson, M. A. | Genesis 35:1-15 | | A Needed Reformation | A. Fuller. | Genesis 35:2-4 | | Buried Idols | W. L. Watkinson. | Genesis 35:2-4 | | Lessons | G. Hughes, B. D. | Genesis 35:2-4 | | Lessons | G. Hughes, B. D. | Genesis 35:2-4 | | The Putting Away of Idols | F. B. Meyer, B. A. | Genesis 35:2-4 |
People Allon, Aram, Arba, Asher, Benjamin, Benoni, Bilhah, Dan, Deborah, Eder, Ephrath, Esau, Gad, Isaac, Issachar, Jacob, Joseph, Leah, Levi, Mamre, Naphtali, Rachel, Rebekah, Reuben, Simeon, Zebulun, ZilpahPlaces Allon-bacuth, Bethel, Bethlehem, Canaan, Eder, El-bethel, Ephrath, Hebron, Kiriath-arba, Luz, Mamre, Paddan-aram, ShechemTopics Altar, Answering, Arise, Bethel, Beth-el, Build, Distress, Rise, Trouble, WhereverDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 35:3 4921 day Genesis 35:1-5 5095 Jacob, life Genesis 35:2-4 7384 household gods
8799 polytheism Library February the Eighth Revisiting Old Altars
"I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress." --GENESIS xxxv. 1-7. It is a blessed thing to revisit our early altars. It is good to return to the haunts of early vision. Places and things have their sanctifying influences, and can recall us to lost experiences. I know a man to whom the scent of a white, wild rose is always a call to prayer. I know another to whom Grasmere is always the window of holy vision. Sometimes a particular pew in a particular church …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling YearOur Last ChapterConcluded with the Words, "For Childhood and Youth are Vanity"...
Our last chapter concluded with the words, "For childhood and youth are vanity": that is, childhood proves the emptiness of all "beneath the sun," as well as old age. The heart of the child has the same needs--the same capacity in kind--as that of the aged. It needs God. Unless it knows Him, and His love is there, it is empty; and, in its fleeting character, childhood proves its vanity. But this makes us quite sure that if childhood can feel the need, then God has, in His wide grace, met the …
F. C. Jennings—Old Groans and New Songs The Death of Abraham
'Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.'--GENESIS xxv. 8. 'Full of years' does not seem to me to be a mere synonym for longevity. That would be an intolerable tautology, for we should then have the same thing said three times over--'an old man,' 'in a good old age,' 'full of years.' There must be some other idea than that in the words. If you notice that the expression is by no means a usual one, that it is only …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Trials and visions of Devout Youth
'And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report. Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The National Oath at Shechem
'And Joshua said unto the people. Ye cannot serve the Lord: for He is an holy God; He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins. 20. If ye forsake the Lord, and serve strange gods, then He will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that He hath done you good. 21. And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the Lord. 22. And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves, that ye have chosen you the Lord, to serve Him. And they said, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
"So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God" (Rom. 14:12). In our last chapter we considered at some length the much debated and difficult question of the human will. We have shown that the will of the natural man is neither Sovereign nor free but, instead, a servant and slave. We have argued that a right conception of the sinner's will-its servitude-is essential to a just estimate of his depravity and ruin. The utter corruption and degradation of human nature is something which …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God The Birth of Jesus.
(at Bethlehem of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke II. 1-7. ^c 1 Now it came to pass in those days [the days of the birth of John the Baptist], there went out a decree [a law] from Cæsar Augustus [Octavius, or Augustus, Cæsar was the nephew of and successor to Julius Cæsar. He took the name Augustus in compliment to his own greatness; and our month August is named for him; its old name being Sextilis], that all the world should be enrolled. [This enrollment or census was the first step …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Gen. xxxi. 11
Of no less importance and significance is the passage Gen. xxxi. 11 seq. According to ver. 11, the Angel of God, [Hebrew: mlaK halhiM] appears toJacob in a dream. In ver. 13, the same person calls himself the God of Bethel, with reference to the event recorded in chap. xxviii. 11-22. It cannot be supposed that in chap xxviii. the mediation of a common angel took place, who, however, had not been expressly mentioned; for Jehovah is there contrasted with the angels. In ver. 12, we read: "And behold …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 35:3 NIVGenesis 35:3 NLTGenesis 35:3 ESVGenesis 35:3 NASBGenesis 35:3 KJV
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