Genesis 34–36
The Cost of Unfinished Transformation & God’s Faithfulness When Families Falter
Genesis 34 — When Transformation Has Not Gone Deep Enough
Genesis 34 is one of the most disturbing chapters in Genesis. There is no direct mention of God speaking, and that silence itself is telling.
Dinah and the Cost of Staying Near Compromise (Genesis 34:1–2)
Dinah “went out to see the women of the land.”
Jacob had physically returned to Canaan, but spiritually he had not yet returned to Bethel — the place of encounter and surrender (Genesis 28).
“Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)
Living close to the world while not fully consecrated always carries a cost.
Violence, Deception, and Misused Covenant (Genesis 34:13–31)
Simeon and Levi:
- Use circumcision (a holy covenant sign) as a weapon
- Act in anger, deceit, and vengeance
Jacob responds not with grief over sin but with fear of reputation:
“You have brought trouble on me…” (v.30)
This reveals something important:
Jacob is changed, but his household is not yet transformed.
Unfinished transformation often shows up most painfully in our families.
“Be sure your sin will find you out.” (Numbers 32:23)
Genesis 35 — God Calls Jacob Back to Bethel
“Go up to Bethel” — God’s loving redirection (Genesis 35:1)
“Go up to Bethel and settle there, and build an altar…”
Bethel means “House of God.”
This is where:
- Jacob first encountered God (Genesis 28)
- Promises were spoken
- Heaven touched earth
God is saying: “Return to the place where I first revealed Myself to you.”
Purification before Presence (Genesis 35:2–4)
Jacob commands his household:
- Get rid of foreign gods
- Purify yourselves
- Change your garments
This signifies:
- Repentance
- Separation from pagan influence
- Preparation to meet a holy God
“Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? He who has clean hands and a pure heart.” (Psalm 24:3–4)
Jacob finally acts as a spiritual leader, not just a provider.
God’s protection on the way (Genesis 35:5)
“The terror of God fell upon the towns…”
God protects Jacob not because Jacob is perfect, but because God is faithful.
God appears again as El Shaddai (Genesis 35:9–11)
“God appeared to Jacob again… and said, ‘I am El Shaddai.’”
Why El Shaddai here?
- El Shaddai = God Almighty, the All-Sufficient One
- Jacob is weak, grieving, limping, and leading a broken family
God reveals Himself as: “You are not sufficient — but I am.”
This name was used with Abraham when fruitfulness seemed impossible (Genesis 17:1).
Reaffirmation of the Abrahamic Promise (Genesis 35:11–12)
God repeats:
- Nations
- Kings
- Land
Why repeat it?
Because human failure never cancels divine promise.
“If we are faithless, He remains faithful.” (2 Timothy 2:13)
This shows God’s character:
- Steadfast
- Patient
- Covenant-keeping
“God went up from him” (Genesis 35:13)
This short verse is profound.
It shows:
- God’s real presence
- A completed divine encounter
God meets, speaks, blesses — and then withdraws, trusting Jacob to walk in obedience.
Wine and oil at Bethel (Genesis 35:14)
Jacob:
- Pours out a drink offering (wine)
- Anoints the pillar with oil
Ancient meaning:
- Wine = life poured out
- Oil = consecration, joy, anointing
New Testament connection:
- Wine → Jesus’ blood poured out (Matthew 26:27–28)
- Oil → Anointing of Jesus (Luke 7:46; John 12:3)
Bethel quietly points forward to Christ.
Rachel’s death & Benjamin’s birth (Genesis 35:16–20)
Rachel names him Ben-Oni (son of my sorrow).
Jacob renames him Benjamin (son of my right hand).
This is redemption in naming.
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory.” (2 Corinthians 4:17)
Reuben’s sin & family fracture (Genesis 35:22)
Leadership failure continues, reminding us: God’s promises advance despite human brokenness.
Genesis 36 — God’s Faithfulness Even to Esau
Genesis 36 records Esau’s descendants in detail.
Why include this?
Because:
- God promised to bless Esau too (Genesis 27:39–40)
- God keeps every word, not just covenant lines
“The LORD is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made.” (Psalm 145:9)
God is not forgetful, selective, or unfair.
Big Picture: What We Learn About God
- God does not abandon unfinished people
- God disciplines but does not discard
- God redirects us back to places of encounter
- God’s covenant is stronger than family failure
What This Means for Us Today
- Partial obedience leaves room for pain
- True renewal begins with repentance and cleansing
- God invites us back — not to shame, but to worship
- Even when families falter, God remains faithful
Reflective Questions
- Is God calling me back to a “Bethel” moment?
- Are there idols I’ve tolerated that need to be buried?
- Am I relying on El Shaddai — or on my own strength?
Closing Prayer
El Shaddai,
You are the God who stays when we stumble.
Call us back to Bethel —
to first love, true worship, and surrendered hearts.
Cleanse what we’ve allowed,
heal what’s been broken,
and lead us forward in Your faithfulness.
We trust You, not because we are strong,
but because You are.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
