Genesis 35: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Genesis 35 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

In Genesis chapter 35, God commands Jacob to return to Bethel, the place where Jacob first encountered the divine. As Jacob obeys, he instructs his household to put away foreign gods and purify themselves, illustrating the importance of dedicating one's life to the one true God. Upon their journey, God protects Jacob and his family, striking fear into the cities around them to prevent them from pursuing Jacob's clan.

Key verse

“God said to him, “Your name is Jacob. Your name shall not be Jacob any more, but your name will be Israel.” He named him Israel.”
Genesis 35:10 (WEB)

Outline

Genesis 35:1–4 God's Command to Jacob
Genesis 35:5–8 Journey to Bethel and Protection
Genesis 35:9–14 God Renames Jacob
Genesis 35:15–19 Rachel's Death and Burial
Genesis 35:20–22 Reuben's Sin
Genesis 35:23–27 Jacob's Sons Listed
Genesis 35:28–29 Isaac's Death

Discussion questions

In v1, what specific command does God give to Jacob regarding Bethel?
What does Jacob tell his household to do in v2 before they go to Bethel?
In vv. 10-11, why does God change Jacob's name to Israel and what implications does this have?
In v20, what might the act of Jacob setting up a pillar on Rachel's grave signify?
When have you felt called to 'put away the foreign gods' in your life, as Jacob instructs in v2?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Genesis 35: Genesis 28, Genesis 17, Genesis 49.

Before next time: read Genesis 36.