A lot of this past week’s readings in Genesis involved the story of Jacob. I think it is a life story that many struggle with due to Jacob’s earlier life involving the birthright of Esau and the stealing of Esau’s blessing. Ultimately, these events result in Jacob running away from his brother. Genesis is written as a story or historical account without a lot of commentary and we must read it as such. We can resolve issues of his actions by our understanding of God’s nature elsewhere as well as the consequences that happened in the lives of those we are reading about.
When we get to chapter 35, there has been a terrible occurrence with Jacob’s daughter, Dinah. His sons dealt with the inhabitants harshly (and through deceit) which may have prompted the leaving and going back to Bethel, according to the word of the Lord. Consequences are very important in the narrative of Genesis. From the sin of Adam and Eve onward, there has been a very physical consequence of their sins and that became part of the Jewish understanding of sin in general. (That may give us a little insight as we study through the gospels as well. The Jews were looking for very physical signs of both sin and righteousness)
I think we see a lot of maturing on the part of Jacob through his story. He has to endure the deceitfulness of Laban, who doesn’t treat him like family but more like an indentured servant. He is still afraid of Esau, but Esau has matured as well. Their reunion is a heartening reminder that we can grow and mature, moving past our previous failures, sins, and even wrongs we see others committing against us. Life is about learning and maturing, repenting of sin and working to do better. Genesis has a lot of examples of those who sinned but learned from it. Abraham is certainly one of those as well.
When we reached chapter 35, Jacob is again at Bethel, and God renamed him from Jacob (meaning supplanter or one following closely), signifying his relationship with Esau, to Israel. There seems to be some question as to whether Israel meant “one who fights/contends” or “one who perseveres”. I can see both fitting but perhaps at this point of his life and for the people who would be his descendants the latter fits well. With ancient language, meanings can be difficult to nail down. After this, God reaffirms the nation promise to Abraham which will now continue in the line of Israel. “I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations shall come from you, and kings shall come from your own body.” (Genesis 35:11)
The end of chapter 35 includes the death of Rachel and the birth of Israel’s youngest, Benjamin. That will be important to remember later in the story of Joseph.
Abraham wasn’t perfect and neither was Israel (Jacob). No man has ever been perfect (sinless). We all sin and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). The only one to walk this earth and never sin was Jesus, our Savior (1 Peter 2:22). You and I are going to make mistakes. The take home lesson is to repent, grow, and mature, relying on the Lord for salvation!
