ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Genesis 35

Gen. 35:1–29 Jacob moves by stages from Shechem to Bethel, eventually coming to Hebron, where his father Isaac is still alive. Transformed by the experiences of Bethel and Peniel, Jacob is now ready to assume his role as the one through whom God’s promises to Abraham will be continued.

Gen. 35:1 Jacob had only set up a pillar at Bethel when God appeared to him (28:18). By returning to Bethel and building an altar there, Jacob acknowledges that God has been faithful to him (see 28:20–22).

Gen. 35:2–3 Jacob prepares his household for entering God’s presence: Bethel is the “house of God.” They must rid themselves of foreign gods, as emphasized in the first of the Ten Commandments (Ex. 20:3). Rachel’s theft of her father’s household gods suggests that polytheistic beliefs existed within Jacob’s household. These must be abandoned. Jacob’s household must purify themselves (Gen. 35:2). This may explain Jacob’s final instruction to change garments (v. 2; see Ex. 19:10).

Gen. 35:4 It is not clear whether the rings that were in their ears were worn by the people or by the foreign gods. Some ancient Near Eastern evidence indicates that idols could have earrings. Jacob probably buried these cultic objects.

Gen. 35:5 a terror from God. While the nature of this terror is unknown, other passages in Genesis record how the fear of God is used to protect the patriarchs (e.g., 20:8; 26:28–29). Jacob’s fears (34:30) are answered by God’s protection, in spite of Simeon and Levi’s excessive revenge (34:25).

Gen. 35:6 Luz (that is, Bethel). See note on 28:19.

Gen. 35:8 Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, was mentioned in 24:59, though not by name. Deborah’s presence with Jacob may suggest that Rebekah had sent her to him in connection with her promise to bring Jacob back home (27:45).

Gen. 35:9 blessed him. This not only confirms the blessing of 32:29 but also makes Jacob equal to Abraham and Isaac (see 24:1; 25:11).

Gen. 35:10 On the change of Jacob’s name to Israel, see note on 32:28.

Gen. 35:11–12 God’s second statement emphasizes that Jacob is now heir to the divine promises given to Abraham and Isaac. kings shall come from your own body. The promise of royal descendants is first given to Abraham in 17:6. This theme will reappear in Joseph’s dreams (37:6–10), showing that the ultimate fulfillment of the promise will come through Jacob’s descendants. The land that I gave. The divine promise of the land is renewed to include Jacob and his descendants.

Gen. 35:14–15 pillar. See note on 28:18. drink offering. This is the only mention in Genesis of such an offering. Later references suggest that wine was used (e.g., Num. 15:1–10).

Gen. 35:16–20 Rachel dies while giving birth. The name that Rachel gives her newborn son, Ben-oni, is potentially ambiguous (see esv footnote). Jacob changes the name to make its meaning certain. Benjamin means “son of my right hand.”

Gen. 35:18 her soul was departing. This is one place in the OT where the Hebrew word translated “soul” refers to what gives life to the body.

Gen. 35:22–23 Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine. While Reuben’s action may have been prompted by lust, it challenged Jacob’s position as head of the household. Jacob later denies Reuben the inheritance due him as the firstborn (49:3–4).

Gen. 35:26 These were the sons of Jacob who were born to him in Paddan-aram. Strictly speaking (see vv. 16–20), Benjamin was not born in Paddan-aram, but this is a general summary statement.

Gen. 35:27 Mamre, or Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron). See notes on 13:18; 23:2.

Gen. 35:28–29 In spite of hinting that he would soon die in 27:1–2, Isaac has remained alive during Jacob’s 20 years of exile in Paddan-aram.