“Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.”– Genesis 35:2 (KJV)
“So Jacob told everyone in his household to get rid of all their pagan idols and purify themselves, and put on clean clothing.”– Genesis 35:2 (NLT)
“Jacob told his family and all who were with him, ‘Get rid of the foreign gods you have with you, and purify yourselves and change your clothes.’– Genesis 35:2 (MSG)
What Does Genesis 35:2 Mean?
When we look at Genesis 35:2, we start to unpack a significant moment in Jacob’s life. God is calling Jacob to return to Bethel, the place where Jacob had that amazing dream of a ladder reaching to heaven. In our lives, being called back to a spiritual place can happen. Sometimes, we may feel distant from God and need to go back to our roots, to remember those foundational moments when we first started our relationship with Him. This command from God represents a fresh start, an opportunity to renew our devotion and commitment to Him.
Jacob’s prompt response is essential for us. He didn’t hesitate or think twice; he knew what he needed to do. Like Jacob, we must respond to God’s call by taking action. The text mentions that he instructed everyone in his household to get rid of their foreign gods. This indicates that there were idols and distractions among them. We must search our hearts and lives to identify things that may be taking God’s place. Are there distractions that keep us from wholeheartedly serving God? Do we have “gods” like money, success, or other relationships that get in the way? Jacob’s command to purify themselves serves as a reminder to cleanse ourselves of anything that pulls us away from God.
Genesis 35:2 Explanation and Commentary
In this verse, Jacob is not just providing a casual invitation to his family; he is leading them into a significant spiritual resetting. The act of rising and going to Bethel is not merely a geographical movement; it marks a shift in their spiritual journey. Bethel, meaning “House of God,” has deep significance for Jacob because this marked the place where he experienced God’s presence profoundly. He saw visions, and God made promises to him, ensuring that he would become a great nation. Going back reflects Jacob’s understanding that to fulfill God’s promises, he needed to be in the right place spiritually.
When we think of purification, we see how vital it is for our spiritual lives. Jacob’s family was asked to rid themselves of idols. This is an important point because idolatry can take many forms, even in our modern lives. We might not have wooden idols, but we can consider how we prioritize our time, energy, and resources. Are there things we value more than our relationship with God? Jacob made the call for his family and for us to cleanse ourselves. This means letting go of anything that is unspiritual and aligning our hearts, thoughts, and actions toward God.
It is also noteworthy that Jacob tells his family to change their clothing. This symbolizes the need for renewal and transformation in our lives. Just like Jacob’s family needed new garments, we are also called to shed old ways of living and embrace a new identity in Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we read that if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation. Our old selves have passed away; we must choose to live out of our new identities. Jacob’s instruction to change clothing signifies a symbolic fresh start, which we can apply to our own lives today.
As we look at this part of Genesis, we see that it is not solely focused on the past but also speaks to our future. Jacob brings his family back to the roots of their faith, potentially leading them to a future where they can truly experience God’s love and provision. They can establish a new spiritual legacy, and we too can create a legacy of faith in our families and communities by prioritizing God in our lives.
Context of Genesis 35:2
The verse takes place after a challenging time in Jacob’s life. Earlier in Genesis, we read about his flight from Esau, the loss of his beloved wife Rachel, and the considerable burden of family dynamics. It is in this context that God speaks to Jacob, showing us that even amidst our mess and chaos, God is present and calls us to return to Him.
In the previous chapter, we learn that Jacob had just faced conflict and division among his children. The need for transformation and renewal in his household is evident. Genesis 35:1 indicates that God is telling Jacob to go back to Bethel; this reveals a divine intention. God is committed to Jacob despite his past issues and struggles. For us, this is an encouraging reminder that God’s grace is sufficient. He desires for us to come back to Him, no matter how far we’ve strayed or the mistakes we’ve made.
In this moment, God is positioning Jacob to reclaim his faith and set the stage for blessings to flow into his family. When we reflect on Jacob’s journey, we see a pivotal moment of restoration in his life. God asks Jacob to purify his family, leading to spiritual renewal that is crucial as they prepare to inhabit the Promised Land. As we consider our walk with God, we can take comfort in knowing that restoration is always available when we turn back to Him.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Genesis 35:2
The first command is to “arise.” This is powerful because it conveys urgency. When we perceive God’s call in our lives, we must be ready to respond. Waiting can sometimes be tempting, but we can find encouragement in Jacob’s swift action. The next part of the command is to “go up to Bethel.” This shows that God often calls us to higher places. Spiritually speaking, He desires for us to ascend in faith and experience more of Him in our lives. Bethel was not just a location; it was a place enriched with God’s presence and promises.
When Jacob tells his family to “dwell there,” it implies settling in the presence of God. God invites us to abide in Him, to ensure that our spiritual lives are nourished consistently. This means creating habits, like daily prayer, reading Scripture, and spending time in worship, that deepen our relationship with Him. Dwell reminds us that this is not a temporary visit but an ongoing relationship where we are continually renewed by God’s Spirit.
Next, Jacob instructs them to make an altar. An altar represents worship and sacrifice. As we build altars in our lives, we create spaces where we engage with God intentionally. Our everyday activities can become acts of worship when we acknowledge God’s presence. Whether we are at school, work, or home, our mindset of gratitude and reliance on Him can build these altars everywhere we go.
Lessons to Learn From Genesis 35:2
This verse is rich with lessons for us today. The first lesson we can glean is the importance of responding to God’s call. Just like Jacob answered immediately, we too are called to listen for God’s voice and act promptly. Sometimes we might hesitate, questioning our ability or feeling unworthy, but God is ready to receive us, guiding us into a brighter future.
The next lesson is the significance of purification in our lives. We should actively seek areas that may be causing distractions in our relationship with God. This could involve sacrifices such as putting away distractions, harmful habits, or anything that gets in the way of a true connection with our Savior. We need to create healthy environments for our families that prioritize faith and godliness.
Another lesson is the transformational aspect of changing our garments, symbolizing a new way of living. As believers, we can live as new creations, which require us to let go of past hurts, sins, and mistakes. Embracing our new identity in Christ empowers us to live victoriously. We should encourage one another in our walk, reminding each other of our worth and the unique calling God has placed on our lives.
Lastly, being grounded in spiritual places like Bethel can help us navigate life’s uncertainties. Establishing certain places or moments in our lives to connect with God can offer us greater strength and encouragement. For example, dedicating time for prayer before bed or attending church consistently can be the Bethel in our lives, where we return to hear God’s voice and allow Him to refresh our spirits.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on Genesis 35:2, we recognize that this passage is a beautiful invitation to return to God, experience His grace, and equip ourselves for a life rooted in faith. Just like Jacob, we face challenges that try to pull us away from His guidance, but the truth is that God is always waiting for our return. Let us remember that purifying our hearts and homes, dedicating time in worship, and changing our lives aligns us with God’s will for us. May we continually seek out those Bethels in our lives where we meet God beautifully. Let us encourage one another on this journey, reminding each other of the hope and love we share in Christ.
There are many other topics to enrich our understanding and draw us closer to God. You might find interest in topics like Genesis 18 or Genesis 19. Each passage opens the door to more insight and learning about the amazing ways God interacts with us.