In Genesis 35, we see the chapter open with God telling Jacob/Israel to move from Shechem (where they were) to Bethel. Jacob instructed those in his household (family, children, grandchildren, servants) to put away their foreign gods and put on fresh clothes (Gen 35:2). This is a picture of sanctifying oneself or making oneself holy. The household did all that he instructed (Gen 35:3-4).
God's hand of protection was upon them as they traveled (Gen 35:5) all the way to Bethel (Gen 35:6-8). God announces the covenant again with Jacob showing that the covenant with Abraham and Isaac was definitely intended to be passed through Jacob (Gen 35:9-12). After this, Jacob/Israel built an altar to God and worshipped Him there (Gen 35:13).
Gen 35:16-21 gives the account of the death of Rebekah. She died while giving birth to Jacob's 12th son (Benjamin). She called him Ben-Oni (son of my sorrow), but Jacob named him Benjamin (son of my right hand). The names of the twelve (which consequently are the heads of the 12 tribes of Israel...in case you had not picked up on that) are listed in Gen 35:23-26.
Gen 35:28-29 records the death of Isaac who had lived to be an "old man" of "ripe age." He was buried by his sons Esau/Edom and Jacob/Israel). These final verses are structured in the same way as Abraham's death is recorded (Gen 25:8), thus indicating the end of another toledoth section.
The point of this chapter was to remind the reader of the fact that God was purposeful in all that He did. The twelve tribes came to be through the promised line of blessing. The blessing was given by grace (since certainly Jacob could do nothing to merit what was promised to his grandfather (Abraham) and father (Isaac) before him. Jacob retraced his steps in his last days to the place where God had spoken to him and there he worshipped. Returning to the place where God spoke to you....is a recurring theme in this book AND in the Christian life. Many years and many miles had occurred in Jacob's Journey since that first visitation in Bethel (Gen 28:10-22). He had lived a good life...that contained both blessing...and consequences of sin. In the end...he, like all of us, dies; but, he leaves 12 sons who comprise the great and blessed nation that are known as the chosen/elect people of God.
I am reminded that I experience the "journey" in my own life. I have gained a few "limps" along the way... God has always been faithful and true to His promise and is worthy of worship at the beginning, in the midst of, and at the end of the Journey.
Proverbs 26:17 is the takeaway today. We are wise to not get involved in the busines of others that does not concern us. To "insert" ourselves in other people's business leaves us vulnerable to consequences we may not expect or desire. Getting involved with that which does not concern us...is like grabbing a dog by the ear. He may just turn and bite.
Grace,
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It is interesting that God speaks to Jacob and tells them to leave, Jacob packs up and tells everyone at that point to put away their foreign gods. Almost when I tell the kids we are leaving clean up your rooms. I guess when I think about us today we are really no different. On the way to church we put on our good music and grab our bibles out of the trunk and make sure we throw out our worship folder from last week so that we can replace it with this weeks. I was sitting here thinking why had Jacob not told them to put away their foreign gods before now, but are we any better!
The Journey... I know I am in the middle of a journey. To be completely honest I am excited to see how God is going mold our family from our current 'journey'. I have been told to hang on, God's not finished yet! :)
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