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Genesis 35 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
Which is more dangerous, heading to Bethel or disobeying God?
We often justify disobedience with fear. We often convince ourselves that safety is more important than a total commitment to Jesus. But the truth is, either way, fear is present. Going all-in with Jesus can be scary, but going our own way and attempting to escape fear is even worse.
I think we would agree that being on a difficult road with Jesus is far better than being in a safe place without Him. This was an issue for Jacob. Two sentences sum up Jacob’s fearless decision and God’s mighty response.
Then they gave Jacob all their foreign gods and their earrings, and Jacob hid them under the oak near Shechem. 5 When they set out, a terror from God came over the cities around them, and they did not pursue Jacob’s sons.
Genesis 35:4-5 HCSB
Jacob eradicated the gods he clung to and God eradicated the threat to Jacob’s journey. There is so much depth to these two sentences.
I think we love the idea of this story, but not necessarily the practice of it. We all hold onto the gods of our past. We all go back to them for comfort, peace, and safety. We justify our decision to stay in a foreign land rather than journey through the valley of our enemies. The struggle is real.
So Jacob and all who were with him came to Luz (that is, Bethel) in the land of Canaan.
Genesis 35:6 HCSB
The very next verse sums up the results of this decision for Jacob. He came safely and securely into the land God had called him to. In the end, there was nothing to fear. There was no good reason to stay in Shechem.
Imagine if Jacob would have stayed. Imagine the disappointment and turmoil of such a decision. Imagine the depressing cycle of failure that would overcome him day after day as his family clung to their false gods of security. Imagine the conviction upon his soul knowing that God had called him elsewhere but not trusting he could make it there safely. Maybe you are there right now? What is your Bethel? What is your false god?
Which is more dangerous, heading to Bethel or disobeying God? When will you decide to gather up your foreign gods and earrings and bury them for good?
“It was well that he should get back to Bethel, and consider the whole story of his life, as you may trace a river from source to mouth from an overlooking hill. The divine summons is always bidding us be clean and change our garments, and be rid of idols. There God gave him the great new name of Israel; and took to himself the reassuring name of El-Shaddai. It was as though, as the Almighty, he pledged himself to realize the highest and best. Let us take heart!”
F.B. Meyer