Genesis 35:1-8 / The living testimony

Genesis 35:9-15 / The living covenant

God speaks to Jacob and encourages him that God is committed to him.  The everlasting covenant continues with Jacob and it extends after Jacob.  God is committed through and through.  Additional scripture: Genesis 12:2, 17:1-6 To Abraham: Genesis 12:7, 13:16, 12:3 To Isaac: Genesis 26:3-4 To Jacob: Genesis 28:13-14

Genesis 35:1-8 / The living testimony

God speaks to Jacob and instructs him to journey to Bethel.  Jacob responds with faith to go.  And as they go, God puts a defense around the group to ensure their safety. Additional Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:4, Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 12:6, Genesis 28:11-22, Genesis 33:20, Deuteronomy 7:1-2

Genesis 34:5-31 / Lust, Anger, Deception, and Murder

*sensitive topic warning* After Shechem commits sexual assault against Jacob’s daughter, Jacob and his brothers find out.  Then, Shechem and his father, Hamor, ask Jacob if he will give Dinah in marriage to Shechem.  Jacob’s sons take matters into their own hands for the response.   Additional Scripture: Genesis 17:1-14, James 4:12

Genesis 34:1-4 / Disgrace and humiliation

*sensitive topic warning* After Jacob’s family settles in Shechem, his daughter Dinah goes out into the town and is violently assaulted.  The predator then acts as if he loves her and wants to marry her.   Additional Scripture: Genesis 1:26-28, Hebrews 12:6, Revelation 3:19, Proverbs 10:6, Proverbs 3:29-34

Genesis 33:12-20 / Two brothers to two cities

After the reconciliation with Esau, Jacob does not follow Esau to his home, but continues on into the heart of Canaan.  Jacob knows God has called him and he wants to be obedient to the call. Additional Scripture: Romans 14:23, Hebrews 13:5-6, 1 John 4:8, Psalm 23:4, Proverbs 14:15, James 4:12