Genesis 35:4

So they gave Jacob all their foreign gods and all their earrings, and Jacob buried them under the oak near Shechem.

Study Bible

So they gave Jacob all their foreign gods
In the ancient Near East, polytheism was prevalent, and the possession of household gods, or "teraphim," was common. These idols were often seen as protective deities or symbols of prosperity. Jacob's family, having lived in Paddan-Aram, may have acquired these idols from their time with Laban, who himself was an idolater. The act of giving up these gods signifies a turning point for Jacob's household, a renunciation of idolatry, and a commitment to worship the one true God. This mirrors the call to monotheism that is central to the Abrahamic covenant.

and all their earrings
Earrings in ancient cultures were not merely decorative; they often held religious or superstitious significance. They could be amulets or charms associated with pagan worship. By relinquishing these items, Jacob's family was purging themselves of any remaining ties to pagan practices. This act of purification is reminiscent of later Israelite practices where physical symbols of idolatry were destroyed to maintain spiritual purity (e.g., Exodus 32:2-4, where Aaron uses earrings to make the golden calf).

and Jacob buried them under the oak near Shechem
The oak near Shechem is significant both geographically and spiritually. Shechem was a central location in Canaan and held historical importance for the patriarchs. The act of burying the idols and earrings under the oak symbolizes a definitive break from past idolatry and a consecration of the family to God. Oaks were often sites of significant events or covenants in the Old Testament (e.g., Joshua 24:26, where Joshua sets up a stone under an oak as a witness to Israel's covenant with God). This burial can be seen as a type of spiritual renewal, foreshadowing the New Testament call to put away the old self and embrace a new life in Christ (Ephesians 4:22-24).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jacob
The patriarch who leads his family in a spiritual renewal by removing foreign gods and purifying themselves.

2. Foreign gods
Idols or deities that were not the God of Israel, which Jacob's family had acquired.

3. Earrings
Likely associated with idolatry or pagan practices, these were also surrendered as part of the purification process.

4. Oak near Shechem
A significant location where Jacob buried the foreign gods and earrings, symbolizing a break from past idolatry.

5. Shechem
A city in Canaan, significant in the history of Israel, where Jacob's family had settled temporarily.

Teaching Points

Spiritual Renewal Requires Action
Jacob's leadership in removing idols demonstrates that spiritual renewal often requires decisive action and tangible steps.

Symbolic Acts of Repentance
Burying the foreign gods under the oak symbolizes a complete break from past sins and a commitment to God.

Community Purification
The collective act of giving up idols and earrings shows the importance of communal purity and accountability in faith.

Idolatry's Subtlety
The presence of foreign gods among Jacob's family serves as a reminder of how easily idolatry can infiltrate our lives.

Legacy of Faithfulness
Jacob's actions set a precedent for future generations, emphasizing the importance of leaving a legacy of faithfulness to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What steps can we take today to identify and remove "foreign gods" or idols in our own lives?

2. How does the act of burying the idols under the oak tree serve as a powerful symbol of repentance and renewal?

3. In what ways can we, like Jacob, lead our families or communities in spiritual renewal and purification?

4. How do the actions of Jacob's family in Genesis 35:4 connect with the broader biblical account of turning away from idolatry?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to make a decisive break from something that was hindering your relationship with God. What did you learn from that experience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 32
The incident of the golden calf, where the Israelites fell into idolatry, highlights the recurring struggle against foreign gods.

Joshua 24
Joshua's call to the Israelites to put away foreign gods and serve the Lord parallels Jacob's actions in Genesis 35.

1 Samuel 7
Samuel instructs Israel to rid themselves of foreign gods, showing a consistent biblical theme of returning to God.

Acts 19
The Ephesians' renunciation of magic and burning of scrolls reflects a New Testament example of turning away from idolatry.