What does Genesis 35:12 mean?
God is appearing to Jacob and restating His covenant promises to this grandson of Abraham (Genesis 17:1; 28:13–14; 35:9–11). After reminding Jacob that his name has been changed to Israel (Genesis 32:28), God has promised that nations and kings will come from him. Now the Lord confirms that His promises to give the land of Canaan to Abraham and Isaac belong to Jacob and his descendants, as well.Jacob can rest assured that all God's covenant promises to Abraham and Isaac are still in effect. They will continue to apply to his many sons and their offspring to follow. As with his ancestors, Jacob will live to see only some of these promises fulfilled in his lifetime. His descendants will see them realized entirely (Hebrews 11:12–16).