GENESISChapter 35

“purify yourselves and change your garments”

I. Introduction

A. Jacob reluctant to take leadership.

1. Moved to a pagan land.

2. Happens to men and women all the time.

a)   Folks in essence, “have seen the face

of the Lord.” b)   At least for that moment. c)  Few take up the spiritual reigns of leadership!

(1) Many have a “Shechem” experience.(2) Often takes a few more bad experiences! (a)   Jacob back on the road to Bethel.

II. Genesis 35:1-3

A. Rachael stole the idols.

1. Jacob able to honestly deny anything

about them.2. The whole family has them!3. Changes need to take place. a)   First thing get rid

of the idols.

(1) We must get rid of our idols!

(2) There can be no other gods. (a)   Not even the god

of self! (b) Put away the things that are ungodly.

b) Next thing is “purity.”(1) Great deal of “sifting”.

(a)   Purification of gold requires heat. (b)   Purification of water requires precision equipment.(2) A planned process. (a)   Must be willing to let the Lord “sift” his/her life.

(b) We must allow this to happen.

c) “Change their garments.”

(1) “garment” = “covering.”(2) = “habit.”

(a) The Nun’s “habit” or her “garment”

or “covering.”

(b) “Change your habits!”(c) Our habits reflect covering.

(i) We develop bad habits.

(ii) The Lord will change those habits!

(a) Is the Lord our “habit”,

our “covering?”

4. Jacob is beginning to take his spiritual role!

 III. Genesis 35:4

A. Earrings a sign of worship!

IV. Genesis 35:5-7

A. Luz – Jacob renamed it Bethel – “the house of God”, now El-Bethel – “the God of the house of God”.

V. Genesis 35:8

A. Deborah was Rebekah’s nurse.

1. She never saw Jacob after sending him away.

VI. Genesis 35:9-15

A. The Lord renews his covenant with Jacob.

1. Jacob back where he needs to be.

2. First mention of the “drink offering”.

VII. Genesis 35:16-21

A. Rachael named her son Ben-oni = “son of my

sorrow!”

1. Jacob was partial to Joseph and now Benjamin!

a)   The 10 other boys were a

disappointment. b)   12 sons of Jacob = 12 tribes of “Israel”!

 VIII. CONCLUSION

A. Genesis 35:22-29

1. This chapter ends with Isaac’s death.