Genesis 35:6-15 – The Covenant Made to Jacob
When Jacob and his family safely get to Bethel, he builds an altar probably thanking God for His mercies to him and asking for His continued blessing. God appears to Jacob here at Bethel a second time. He confirms that He has changed his name to Israel.
Then God renews the covenant with him. God is God Almighty, able to keep His promises in His time, and to support and take care of Jacob and his family in the mean time. Two things are promised to Jacob. First, Israel will be the father of a great nation – great in number and great in honour and power. Second, he will be the master of a good land, the land of Canaan, which will be the inheritance of his children. Both of these promises have a spiritual significance which Jacob may not have understood as clearly as we can for Christ is the greatest promised descendant, the one who will save His people from their sins and take them to heaven, the promised land.
Jacob set up a memorial of this vision by setting up a pillar and making offerings upon it. He confirms the name of the place as Bethel, the house of God.
Questions
- What does Jacob do when he gets to Bethel?
- What does God promise Jacob?
- What does the name ‘Bethel’ mean?
- What does Jacob do after his vision?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks that God keeps His promises.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters