As we finish up looking at the life of Jacob (now named Israel) there is more family drama to watch for. But also we get to see the family line of the Israelite’s begin to be formed.
Genesis 34 opens up with a horrific and emotional story. How did Dinah’s brothers respond to her abuse? Were they in the right or were they acting in the flesh?
Genesis 35 we find the final son of Jacob being born and we find Rachel passing on. How did Jacob handle this? What did he do? The chapter ends with the death of his father Isaac. Who buried Isaac?
Genesis 36 gives some context into Esau’s life. How many wives did Esau have? How many children does it say he had? Is there anything interesting you saw in this chapter as you read about the kings and chiefs of these tribes?
What did you learn today about God, yourself, or others? How can you apply what you have learned in this text to your life? There is always a lesson, ask God what it is He is wanting you to see today. Then share something we can pray for you for this week.
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The thing that stands out to me today is how patient God is with us when we keep doing things in our own power and strength. Jacob’s family uses decption over and over to get what they want or what they feel is right and God allows them to do this – and He even protects them on the way because His plan is bigger than all the mistakes they make. God is getting them into the promised land.
As Esau reliazes the land isn’t big enough for him and his brother Jacob – he leaves the land. This will be big when it comes time for the Israelites to take over that land in the future. Bethel is within Canaan, which is the promised land. But it will still be quite some time before the Israelites fully take over that land…so another story for another day.
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I will share my study Bible commentary from Tony Evans in chapter 35:
V 1 “Get up! Go to Bethel and settle there. God’s timing is never accidental. He spoke to Jacob in the middle of a family crisis because he knew Jacob was desperate enough to listen.”
V2 “It appears Jacob experienced a personal revival, which spilled over into a family revival.” “In Jacob’s revival we see the three steps that anyone should follow when returning to God.
First, he said, get rid of the foreign gods among you. For the last twenty years, apparently, Laban’s idols had been stashed in Jacob’s household. It was time to make a clean break from them.
Second, purify yourselves. This is an extension of the first point: remove the sin from your midst.
Third, change your clothes. Changing your garments symbolizes a reorienting of life. For instance, when a judge puts on his robe, he’s not an ordinary man anymore; he has authority.”
My thoughts: Thanks to our Savior and Rescuer, Jesus Christ, we can have a personal revival anytime, anywhere, and it will look differently for each of us. Thank you, Lord Jesus, my Savior, Lord, Father, Friend and Guide!
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