Genesis 35:3 - Let us arise, and go up to Bethel. I will make there an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me on the way which I went.”
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What does "Genesis 35:3" mean?
This verse from Genesis 35:3 is a pivotal moment in the story of Jacob and signifies a return to a place of promise and a recommitment to God. Let's break down its meaning:
"Let us arise, and go up to Bethel":
"Let us arise": This is a call to action. Jacob is initiating a move, likely after a period of stagnation or settling down in a place not aligned with God's plan for him.
"Go up to Bethel": Bethel is a place of deep significance. It's where Jacob had his famous dream of the ladder to heaven (Genesis 28:10-22). There, God reaffirmed the covenant made with Abraham and Isaac, promising Jacob descendants and the land. Going back to Bethel is a return to the foundation of his relationship with God and to the place where God initially made those promises.
"I will make there an altar to God":
"I will make...an altar to God": This signifies an act of worship, remembrance, and dedication. Building an altar is a physical expression of Jacob's gratitude and commitment to God. It's a way of acknowledging God's sovereignty and seeking His continued favor.
"who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me on the way which I went.":
"who answered me in the day of my distress": This acknowledges God's past faithfulness. Jacob is recalling specific times when he called on God in hardship and God responded. This could refer to various difficult situations Jacob has faced, from fleeing Esau to wrestling with God.
"and was with me on the way which I went": This is a broader statement of God's providential guidance and protection throughout Jacob's life. He recognizes that God has been present and active, even in the midst of his wanderings and challenges.
In summary, the verse means:
Jacob is calling his household to leave their current location (Shechem in the previous chapters), which had become associated with violence and compromise (the rape of Dinah). He is initiating a journey back to Bethel, the place where God first revealed Himself to him. He intends to build an altar there as an act of worship and thanksgiving, recognizing God's faithfulness in answering his prayers during times of trouble and His constant presence throughout his life's journey.
Significance and Context:
Purification and Renewal: This return to Bethel is not just a physical relocation; it's a spiritual renewal. In the following verses, Jacob instructs his household to rid themselves of foreign gods and purify themselves, suggesting that they had drifted away from exclusive worship of Yahweh.
Fulfillment of Vow: Some scholars believe this is also Jacob fulfilling a vow he made in Genesis 28 when he was at Bethel the first time. He promised that if God would be with him and provide for him, he would return to Bethel and build an altar.
New Beginning: This move to Bethel marks a new chapter in Jacob's life and the history of his family. It's a return to God's original purpose for them and a step towards the fulfillment of His promises.
Genesis 35:3 - Let us arise, and go up to Bethel. I will make there an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me on the way which I went.”
What does "Genesis 35:3" mean?
This verse from Genesis 35:3 is a pivotal moment in the story of Jacob and signifies a return to a place of promise and a recommitment to God. Let's break down its meaning:
"Let us arise, and go up to Bethel":
"Let us arise": This is a call to action. Jacob is initiating a move, likely after a period of stagnation or settling down in a place not aligned with God's plan for him.
"Go up to Bethel": Bethel is a place of deep significance. It's where Jacob had his famous dream of the ladder to heaven (Genesis 28:10-22). There, God reaffirmed the covenant made with Abraham and Isaac, promising Jacob descendants and the land. Going back to Bethel is a return to the foundation of his relationship with God and to the place where God initially made those promises.
"I will make there an altar to God":
"I will make...an altar to God": This signifies an act of worship, remembrance, and dedication. Building an altar is a physical expression of Jacob's gratitude and commitment to God. It's a way of acknowledging God's sovereignty and seeking His continued favor.
"who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me on the way which I went.":
"who answered me in the day of my distress": This acknowledges God's past faithfulness. Jacob is recalling specific times when he called on God in hardship and God responded. This could refer to various difficult situations Jacob has faced, from fleeing Esau to wrestling with God.
"and was with me on the way which I went": This is a broader statement of God's providential guidance and protection throughout Jacob's life. He recognizes that God has been present and active, even in the midst of his wanderings and challenges.
In summary, the verse means:
Jacob is calling his household to leave their current location (Shechem in the previous chapters), which had become associated with violence and compromise (the rape of Dinah). He is initiating a journey back to Bethel, the place where God first revealed Himself to him. He intends to build an altar there as an act of worship and thanksgiving, recognizing God's faithfulness in answering his prayers during times of trouble and His constant presence throughout his life's journey.
Significance and Context:
Purification and Renewal: This return to Bethel is not just a physical relocation; it's a spiritual renewal. In the following verses, Jacob instructs his household to rid themselves of foreign gods and purify themselves, suggesting that they had drifted away from exclusive worship of Yahweh.
Fulfillment of Vow: Some scholars believe this is also Jacob fulfilling a vow he made in Genesis 28 when he was at Bethel the first time. He promised that if God would be with him and provide for him, he would return to Bethel and build an altar.
New Beginning: This move to Bethel marks a new chapter in Jacob's life and the history of his family. It's a return to God's original purpose for them and a step towards the fulfillment of His promises.