Today’s Reading: Genesis 35-37
Genesis 35
• Yah commands Jacob to return to Bethel, where Jacob builds an altar to honor Him. Jacob instructs his household to remove foreign gods, purify themselves, and change their garments.
• Rachel dies giving birth to Benjamin, and she is buried near Bethlehem.
• Isaac dies and is buried by Jacob and Esau.
Genesis 36:
• This chapter details the genealogy of Esau, also known as Edom, and his descendants. It provides an account of his family’s leadership and the kings who reigned in Edom.
Genesis 37:
• Joseph, Jacob’s favorite son, receives a special coat, which stirs jealousy among his brothers.
• Joseph dreams of his family bowing down to him, further angering his brothers.
• His brothers plot against him, throwing him into a pit and selling him into slavery.
• Joseph is taken to Egypt, while his brothers deceive Jacob by dipping Joseph’s coat in goat’s blood, leading Jacob to believe his son is dead.
Reflections:
1. Purification Before Worship (Genesis 35):
• Jacob’s command to his household to remove idols and purify themselves reflects the importance of approaching Yah with a clean heart and true worship.
• Reflection: Are there “idols” or distractions in your life that need to be removed to focus fully on Yah?
2. Jealousy’s Consequences (Genesis 37):
• Joseph’s story reminds us of the dangers of jealousy and favoritism within families. Yet, Yah works through even the worst situations to fulfill His plans.
• Reflection: How can you trust Yah’s sovereignty when life takes unexpected or painful turns?
3. Yah’s Faithfulness (Genesis 36):
• The account of Esau’s descendants reminds us that Yah fulfills His promises to all people, even those outside the covenant line.
• Reflection: How does this chapter challenge you to see Yah’s faithfulness in the lives of others?
Translation Differences and Hebrew Study:
Genesis 35:7
• “And he built there an altar and called the place El Bethel…”
• Hebrew: “El Bethel” (אֵל בֵּית־אֵל)
• Meaning: “God of the House of God.” This name ties back to Jacob’s earlier encounter with Yah at Bethel (Genesis 28), emphasizing Yah’s faithfulness to His covenant promises.
Genesis 37:3
• “Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his sons because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a multicolored tunic.”
