Genesis 35:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Then God went up from him in the place where he had spoken with him.

NIV: Then God went up from him at the place where he had talked with him.

NASB: Then God went up from him at the place where He had spoken with him.

CSB: Then God withdrew from him at the place where he had spoken to him.

NLT: Then God went up from the place where he had spoken to Jacob.

KJV: And God went up from him in the place where he talked with him.

NKJV: Then God went up from him in the place where He talked with him.

After responding to God's renewed command (Genesis 35:1), Jacob arrived at the location where, twenty years before, he had a divine encounter (Genesis 28:10–12). God has reconfirmed all the covenant promises given to Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 17:1; 26:2–4). These now belong to Jacob and his descendants, as well (Genesis 28:13–15; 35:11–12). Part of that message is a reminder of Jacob's new name: Israel (Genesis 32:28; 35:10).

His message delivered, God departs from Jacob in Bethel and goes "up." His appearance to Jacob is not described in any detail (Genesis 35:9). This might have been a human form, or something more unusual. Whatever the case may be, the vision or presence is said to rise when it departs, as it did when God spoke with Abraham (Genesis 17:22).

In the following verses, Jacob will respond with worship (Genesis 35:14).

Genesis 35:1–15 describes the fulfillment of Jacob's vows made to the Lord some twenty years earlier. Then, Jacob encountered God after fleeing from Esau (Genesis 27:42). Now that Jacob has returned safely to Canaan and resolved the conflict with Esau, God commands him to build an altar at the place of their earlier meeting. Jacob rids his family of all of their false idols and builds the altar. God appears to him, confirming the covenant promises once more. Jacob responds to God's appearance and blessing by building a stone pillar and pouring a drink offering and oil over it. This location is named Bethel, meaning "House of God."

God commands Jacob to build an altar to Him at Bethel. This will fulfill vows Jacob made after encountering the Lord for the first time, as he was fleeing for his life from Esau. Jacob rids his family of all their false idols and travels to Bethel. God appears to him again, reaffirming all the covenant promises. As they travel away, Rachel dies giving birth to Jacob's twelfth son. His first son, Reuben, sleeps with Jacob's servant-wife Bilhah, losing his birthright as a result. Finally, Jacob's father Isaac dies at 180 years old.

Recent events have left Jacob fearful of the people of the land. His sons slaughtered an entire town to avenge their sister's rape. However, God apparently uses this bloodshed to inspire fear. Nobody attacks Jacob's family as they travel to Bethel, setting up an altar and renewing their covenant with God. Rachel dies giving birth to Benjamin. Jacob's eldest son sleeps with one of his servant-wives, losing his birthright. Isaac dies, and Jacob and Esau bury him in the family burial cave in Mamre. The story then focuses on Jacob's sons, primarily Joseph, as the family finds themselves drawn into Egypt.

The book of Genesis establishes fundamental truths about God. Among these are His role as the Creator, His holiness, His hatred of sin, His love for mankind, and His willingness to provide for our redemption. We learn not only where mankind has come from, but why the world is in its present form. The book also presents the establishment of Israel, God's chosen people. Many of the principles given in other parts of Scripture depend on the basic ideas presented here in the book of Genesis. Within the framework of the Bible, Genesis explains the bare-bones history of the universe leading up to the captivity of Israel in Egypt, setting the stage for the book of Exodus.

Accessed 5/4/2024 8:32:53 AM