Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryGenesis 35

Genesis 35:1-5: Jacob Summoned to Bethel; Jacob’s Journey Toward Bethel In this passage, God tells Jacob to go back to Bethel and fulfill his vow by building an altar there. Jacob listens and prepares his family for this important event, making sure they leave behind any idols or symbols of other religions. The whole family gives up their foreign gods and jewelry, and Jacob buries these things under an oak tree. As they travel, God protects them by making the people in nearby cities afraid to attack. This story teaches us that God reminds us not to forget our promises and that true worship means turning away from all other gods (Genesis 35:1-5 ).v. 1: God speaks to Jacob and tells him to go up to Bethel and live there. God also reminds Jacob to build an altar to Him, just like Jacob promised when he was running away from Esau (Genesis 28:22 ). Jacob has enjoyed God’s blessings, but he has put off fulfilling his vow for many years. This shows that it is easy for us to forget the promises we make to God, especially when life is comfortable. God sometimes uses difficulties to remind us of our duties.

v. 2-3: Jacob tells everyone in his household to get rid of any foreign gods, to clean themselves, and to change their clothes. He wants them to prepare for worship at Bethel. This is an example of how families should get ready when they are going to worship God together (Joshua 24:15 ). Jacob leads his family by telling them to remove idols, be clean, and show respect to God. The change of clothes is a symbol for changing their hearts and lives (Isaiah 1:16-18 ).

v. 4: The family gives Jacob all their idols and earrings, which may have been used for superstitious purposes. Jacob buries these things under an oak near Shechem so no one can find them again. This shows that real change means getting rid of all things connected with sin or false worship (Hosea 14:8 ). Jacob takes care to make sure these things cannot tempt his family in the future.

v. 5: As Jacob and his family travel, God causes the cities around them to be afraid, so no one tries to hurt them. Even though the people might have wanted to get revenge for what happened in Shechem, God keeps Jacob’s family safe. This teaches us that when we obey God, He can protect us in surprising ways (Exodus 34:24 ).

Genesis 35:6-15: Jacob’s Arrival at Bethel In these verses, Jacob and his whole group arrive safely at Bethel, just as God told him. When Jacob gets there, he builds an altar to worship God and remembers how God helped him in the past. God appears to Jacob again, giving him special blessings and repeating the promises made to Abraham and Isaac. Jacob also sets up a memorial pillar and calls the place Bethel, meaning "house of God." This passage shows the importance of keeping promises to God, honoring Him with worship, and remembering His kindness. God’s blessings and presence are what make a place truly special (Genesis 35:6-15 ).v. 6-7: Jacob comes to Luz, known as Bethel, with all his people. He builds an altar there and calls it El-Bethel, which means "God of Bethel." Jacob offers sacrifices and thanks God for all His help, especially for protecting him when he was running away from Esau (Genesis 28:22 ). This teaches us that the most important thing about worship is meeting with God Himself, not just being in a special place.

v. 8: Deborah, who was Rebekah’s nurse, dies and is buried under an oak tree near Bethel. The place is named Allon-bachuth, or "oak of weeping," because she was so loved and her death was deeply mourned. This reminds us to honor faithful people in our lives, and to always be ready for death—even in times of worship and when things are going well (Genesis 24:59 ).

v. 9-10: God appears to Jacob again after he returns from Padan-aram and blesses him. God repeats that Jacob’s name is now Israel, confirming it Himself, not just through the angel as before (Genesis 32:28 ). This brings Jacob encouragement and reminds him of his new identity as someone who wrestles with God and overcomes.

v. 11-12: God tells Jacob that He is God Almighty (El-Shaddai). God promises Jacob that many people and even kings will come from his family. God also repeats the promise of the land, passing it down from Abraham and Isaac to Jacob and his children. These promises are about both family and land, and they also point forward to Jesus (the promised seed) and heaven (the promised land) (Genesis 35:11-12 ).

v. 13: After speaking with Jacob, God leaves him in a visible way, showing that their meeting is over. This reminds us that our most special moments with God on earth are often short, but in heaven, we will be with Him forever .

v. 14-15: Jacob sets up a stone pillar at the place where God spoke to him. He pours a drink offering and oil on it, making it a special memorial to this meeting with God. Jacob again calls the place Bethel, "house of God." Even though Jacob honors the place, later people will turn away from God there, showing that true faith depends on people’s hearts, not just a location (Genesis 35:14-15 ).

Genesis 35:16-20: Death of Rachel This passage tells the sad story of Rachel’s death, Jacob’s beloved wife. While traveling from Bethel and close to Ephrath (Bethlehem), Rachel goes into difficult labor. Even though her life ends with the birth of her second son, this event is both joyful and sorrowful. Jacob buries Rachel near where she died and sets up a pillar to remember her. The story shows that even those who are blessed by God will still face pain and loss in life. It also teaches us to honor and remember those who have gone before us (Genesis 35:16-20 ).v. 16: As Jacob and his family travel from Bethel, Rachel begins to have labor pains before they reach Bethlehem. This sudden and difficult labor reminds us that pain can come at any time, and sometimes we cannot avoid it, even when we are close to safety.

v. 17: Rachel’s labor is very hard. The midwife tries to comfort her by telling her not to be afraid, because she will have another son. The midwife remembers Rachel’s earlier hope for more children (Genesis 30:24 ), but only God can truly give peace and take away fear in dangerous times.

v. 18: Rachel gives birth to her son, but she is dying. With her last breaths, she names him Ben-oni, which means "son of my sorrow." Jacob, however, calls him Benjamin, meaning "son of my right hand." Jacob wants his son’s name to be a blessing, not a reminder of sadness.

v. 19: Rachel dies and is buried on the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem. Jacob does not move her body to the family tomb but buries her near the place where she died. This shows that the most important thing is for the soul to rest with God, not where the body is buried.

v. 20: Jacob sets up a pillar on Rachel’s grave as a memorial. This pillar remains long afterward, marking Rachel’s burial place (1 Samuel 10:2 ). Jacob also set up a pillar to remember his joy at Bethel (Genesis 35:14 ). Remembering both happy and sad times can help us and others learn from what God has done in our lives (Hosea 12:4 ).

Genesis 35:21-29: The Disgrace of Reuben and the Death of Isaac This passage tells about several important events in Jacob’s family. Jacob, now called Israel, moves to a new place. During this time, his oldest son Reuben commits a great sin with Bilhah, which brings shame and trouble to the family. The chapter also lists all twelve sons of Jacob, who become the ancestors of the tribes of Israel. Finally, Jacob visits his father Isaac at Hebron, and the chapter ends with the death of Isaac. The story reminds us that even important families face problems, but God’s promises continue through each generation (Genesis 35:21-29 ).v. 21: Israel (Jacob) moves his tents beyond the tower of Edar. Even though he is a prince with God, he still lives in tents and does not settle in a city. This shows that God’s people are often like strangers in this world, waiting for a better home in the future (Hebrews 11:9-10 ).

v. 22: Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn son, commits a terrible sin by sleeping with Bilhah, his father’s concubine. This act is very shameful and wrong, something even non-believers would not do (1 Corinthians 5:1 ). Because of this sin, Reuben later loses his rights as firstborn (Genesis 49:4 ). Jacob hears about it and is deeply hurt, but nothing more is said here, showing how painful this was for him.

v. 23-26: The passage lists all twelve sons of Jacob, who are the heads of the tribes of Israel. This is the first time the Bible gives all their names together. These twelve sons are remembered throughout the Bible, even in the last book (Revelation 7:4; 21:12 ).

v. 27: Jacob visits his father Isaac in Mamre, near Hebron. This is where Abraham and Isaac had lived. Jacob probably brings his family there after his mother Rebekah dies, so Isaac will not be alone.

v. 28-29: Isaac lives to be 180 years old, the longest of the patriarchs. He dies "old and full of days" and is buried by both his sons, Esau and Jacob. This peaceful funeral shows how God changed Esau’s heart, since he once wanted to harm Jacob after their father’s death (Genesis 27:41 ). God can stop people from doing harm either by changing their hearts or by stopping their actions.