Genesis 35:1

KJV

¶ And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.

KJV (with Strong's)

And God {H430} said {H559} unto Jacob {H3290}, Arise {H6965}, go up {H5927} to Bethel {H1008}, and dwell {H3427} there: and make {H6213} there an altar {H4196} unto God {H410}, that appeared {H7200} unto thee when thou fleddest {H1272} from the face {H6440} of Esau {H6215} thy brother {H251}.

Complete Jewish Bible

God said to Ya'akov, "Get up, go up to Beit-El and live there, and make there an altar to God, who appeared to you when you fled 'Esav your brother."

Berean Standard Bible

Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel, and settle there. Build an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.”

American Standard Version

And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Beth-el, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, who appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 35:1 records a pivotal divine command to Jacob, instructing him to depart from the defiled environment of Shechem and return to Bethel, the "House of God." This directive serves as a call to spiritual renewal and purification, urging Jacob to re-establish his covenant relationship with God by constructing an altar there as an act of worship and consecration. The command specifically grounds itself in God's prior manifestation to Jacob at Bethel during his flight from Esau, thereby underscoring God's enduring faithfulness and Jacob's need for obedient remembrance and renewed devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a crucial turning point in Jacob's narrative within the book of Genesis. It immediately follows the deeply troubling events of [Genesis 34](/genesis/34 "The Incident at Shechem"), where Jacob's sons, Simeon and Levi, brutally retaliated against the men of Shechem for the rape of their sister Dinah, bringing great disrepute and danger upon Jacob's household. Prior to this, [Genesis 33](/genesis/33 "Jacob and Esau's Reconciliation") details Jacob's tense but ultimately peaceful reconciliation with his brother Esau. The divine command in [Genesis 35:1](/genesis/35-1 "God's command to Jacob to return to Bethel") thus serves as God's initiative to extricate Jacob and his family from a compromised and dangerous situation, directing them back to a place of covenant significance and spiritual purity, thereby re-centering the narrative on God's ongoing promises to Jacob.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command to "go up to Bethel" and "dwell there" carries significant weight. In ancient Near Eastern culture, altars were central to worship, serving as places for sacrifice, covenant renewal, and communion with the divine. The act of building an altar signified a public declaration of allegiance and devotion. Bethel itself, meaning "House of God," was not merely a geographical location but a sacred site where Jacob had a profound encounter with God decades earlier ([Genesis 28:10-22 "Jacob's Dream at Bethel"]). His flight from Esau was a moment of vulnerability and spiritual awakening, and God's appearance there established a foundational covenant. Returning to Bethel, therefore, was a call to remember and re-engage with that initial covenant, moving away from the moral and spiritual defilement that had characterized the recent events in Shechem.

* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 35:1](/genesis/35-1 "God's command to Jacob to return to Bethel") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty**, as God directly intervenes to guide Jacob. It reinforces **Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His promises despite human failings, echoing the promises made to Abraham and Isaac. The command to leave Shechem and return to Bethel underscores the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, calling God's chosen people to distinguish themselves from the surrounding pagan cultures. Furthermore, the instruction to build an altar emphasizes the **Importance of Worship and Remembrance** as central to maintaining a right relationship with God, recalling Jacob's earlier vow in [Genesis 28:20-22](/genesis/28-20-22 "Jacob's vow at Bethel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bethel (Hebrew, _Bêyth-ʼÊl'_):** From the Hebrew words for "house" and "God," literally meaning "house of God." This name is deeply significant, as it refers to the specific place where Jacob had his foundational dream of a ladder reaching to heaven and received God's covenant promises (cf. [Genesis 28:10-22](/genesis/28-10-22 "Jacob's Dream and Vow at Bethel")). God's command to return here is a call to remember and renew that initial, transformative encounter, signifying a return to spiritual roots and a place consecrated by divine presence.
* **fleddest (Hebrew, _bârach'_):** A primitive root meaning "to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly." This word precisely captures the urgency and fear that characterized Jacob's departure from Canaan decades earlier, when he was escaping the wrath of his brother Esau. God's reference to this past event serves as a powerful reminder of His faithful protection and provision during Jacob's most vulnerable time, providing a basis for trust and obedience in the present.
* **appeared (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to see, literally or figuratively," often implying a tangible manifestation or vision. In this context, it refers to God's visible or discernible manifestation to Jacob at Bethel. This emphasizes the personal, direct, and undeniable nature of God's interaction with Jacob, underscoring the reality of the divine encounter and the authenticity of the covenant promises made at that time.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there:"** This opening clause establishes God's direct, sovereign initiative in Jacob's life. The command "Arise" (Hebrew: *qum*) conveys urgency and a call to immediate action, signaling a necessary departure from the compromised environment of Shechem. The destination, Bethel, is not arbitrary but a place of profound spiritual significance, the "House of God," where Jacob had previously encountered the Lord and made a vow. The instruction to "dwell there" implies a sustained re-establishment of his household in a place consecrated to God, signifying a deeper, more permanent commitment to a life centered on divine presence.
* **"and make there an altar unto God,"** This is a specific divine instruction for an act of worship and consecration. In the Old Testament, altars were central to Israelite worship, serving as places for sacrifice, dedication, and communion with God. This command signifies Jacob's public and private commitment to God, acknowledging His supremacy and providing a means for his household to engage in proper worship after the recent moral failings in Shechem. It represents a spiritual cleansing and a renewed focus on God as the center of their lives and faith.
* **"that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother."** This concluding phrase serves as a powerful reminder of God's past faithfulness and a foundational reason for Jacob's present obedience. God explicitly recalls His initial, personal manifestation to Jacob at Bethel during a time of extreme vulnerability and fear, when Jacob was fleeing from his enraged brother Esau. This remembrance reinforces that the same faithful God who protected and promised to be with Jacob then is now calling him to a renewed phase of obedience, demonstrating God's consistent character and His enduring covenant promises.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Divine Command** is central, as God's direct speech to Jacob initiates the action, highlighting His sovereignty and active involvement in the patriarch's life. The mention of "Bethel" functions as **Symbolism**, representing not just a geographical location but a sacred space of divine encounter, covenant, and spiritual renewal. It stands in stark contrast to Shechem, which symbolizes defilement and compromise. The command to "make there an altar" is also **Symbolic**, representing acts of worship, dedication, and purification. Finally, the explicit reference to God's past appearance "when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother" serves as a form of **Anamnesis** or **Remembrance**, where God Himself recalls a pivotal moment in Jacob's personal history to underscore His unchanging faithfulness and to motivate Jacob's present obedience and trust.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 35:1 profoundly illustrates God's active involvement in the lives of His covenant people, even when they have strayed or are in compromised situations. It underscores the principle that God often initiates the call to spiritual renewal, guiding His children back to places of foundational encounter and covenant commitment. The command to build an altar signifies the enduring importance of intentional worship, consecration, and the re-establishment of God's rightful place at the center of one's life and household. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's faithfulness is not contingent on human perfection but is rooted in His unchanging character and His covenant promises, providing a secure foundation for repentance and renewed obedience.

* [Genesis 28:12-22](/genesis/28-12-22 "Jacob's Dream and Vow at Bethel") - The foundational encounter at Bethel, where God first appeared to Jacob and made covenant promises.
* [Psalm 50:14-15](/psalms/50-14-15 "Sacrifice of thanksgiving and calling on God") - Emphasizes the importance of sacrifices of thanksgiving and calling upon God in times of trouble, paralleling the altar's purpose.
* [Deuteronomy 6:10-12](/deuteronomy/6-10-12 "Remembering God's deliverance") - Highlights the importance of remembering God's past acts of deliverance and faithfulness to prevent forgetting Him in times of prosperity.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 35:1 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as Jacob was called to return to Bethel, a place of foundational spiritual significance, we too are often called by God to return to our "first love" or the core truths of our faith, especially after periods of spiritual drift, complacency, or moral compromise. This divine directive reminds us that spiritual growth and restoration often require intentional separation from defiling influences and a deliberate return to consecrated living. The command to build an altar emphasizes the enduring importance of intentional worship and dedicating specific times and spaces for communion with God. It challenges us to consider what "altars" we need to build or rebuild in our lives—acts of devotion, sacrifice, and commitment that signify God's centrality. Furthermore, God's gentle reminder of His past faithfulness during Jacob's flight from Esau serves as a powerful encouragement: recalling God's consistent presence and provision in our past strengthens our faith and empowers us to obey His directives in the present, anchoring our souls in His unchanging character. Ultimately, this verse calls for active obedience, reminding us that faith is not passive but involves tangible steps in response to God's clear commands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Shechem" might God be calling you to depart from in your life, and what "Bethel" is He calling you to return to?**
* **In what ways can you "build an altar" in your daily life, signifying a renewed commitment to worship and consecration to God?**
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness in your own life strengthen your trust and obedience in your current circumstances?**

### FAQ

**Why did God command Jacob to return to Bethel specifically?**

Answer: God commanded Jacob to return to Bethel specifically because it was a site of immense spiritual significance for him. Decades earlier, as Jacob fled from Esau, God appeared to him there in a profound dream, establishing a covenant and promising His presence and protection ([Genesis 28:12-19](/genesis/28-12-19 "Jacob's Dream and Vow at Bethel")). By commanding Jacob to return, God was calling him back to the place of his foundational encounter, to remember and renew his initial dedication and vows, and to purify his household from the defilement associated with the recent events in Shechem. It was a call to spiritual reset and covenant re-engagement.

**What is the significance of building an altar in this context?**

Answer: The command to build an altar was highly significant. In the ancient Near East, altars were central to worship and served as places for offering sacrifices, making covenants, and communing with God. For Jacob, building an altar at Bethel symbolized a renewed commitment to formal worship and consecration, both personally and for his entire household. It was a public declaration of his devotion to God, a means of spiritual cleansing after the moral failings in Shechem, and a re-establishment of God as the central focus of their lives, providing a tangible place for their devotion and thanksgiving.

**Why does God remind Jacob of His past appearance "when thou fleddest from the face of Esau"?**

Answer: God reminds Jacob of His past appearance during his flight from Esau to underscore His unwavering faithfulness and to provide a strong foundation for Jacob's present obedience and trust. This specific memory recalls a time of extreme vulnerability and fear for Jacob, during which God demonstrated His protective presence and made foundational promises ([Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "God's Promise to Jacob at Bethel")). By bringing this to Jacob's mind, God assures him that the same faithful God who was with him in his past distress is still with him now, providing comfort, demonstrating His consistency, and giving Jacob every reason to trust and obey the current divine command.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine command for Jacob to return to Bethel, the "House of God," and construct an altar there, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as Bethel was the designated place of God's presence and encounter for Jacob, Christ Himself is the ultimate "House of God," the very dwelling place of God among humanity, through whom we gain direct access to the Father ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word became flesh") and [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life")). The altar Jacob was commanded to build, symbolizing sacrifice and consecration, powerfully foreshadows the singular, perfect sacrifice of Christ on the cross, which atones for sin once and for all and establishes a new and living way for continuous worship and communion with God ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Christ's superior sacrifice") and [Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Christ's one sacrifice")). God's faithfulness to Jacob, recalling His past appearance during a time of flight and vulnerability, is supremely realized in God's ultimate faithfulness to His people through Christ, who is "the same yesterday and today and forever" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Jesus Christ is the same")). The call for Jacob's spiritual renewal and separation from defilement is fully accomplished in the believer's union with Christ, who cleanses us from sin and empowers us to live a life consecrated to God through the indwelling Holy Spirit, making us living temples of God ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 31:13

I [am] the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, [and] where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.

Hosea 12:4

Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him [in] Bethel, and there he spake with us;

Genesis 35:7

And he built there an altar, and called the place Elbethel: because there God appeared unto him, when he fled from the face of his brother.

Genesis 31:3

And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.

Psalms 91:15

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I [will be] with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

Deuteronomy 32:36

For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that [their] power is gone, and [there is] none shut up, or left.

Psalms 47:4

He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.