“Put away the foreign gods that are among you and purify yourselves ...” (35:2). After the disasters at Shechem, Jacob instructed his family to get rid of the idols they were worshipping, and he led them in a re-consecration to God at Bethel. As they experienced loss (Rachel, Rebekah’s nurse Deborah, and Jacob’s father Isaac all died), the future was in question. At Bethel, Jacob was reminded that his purpose was not just to multiply and prosper (like Esau, ch 36), but to have a special relationship with God.

“God appeared to Jacob again ... and blessed him” (35:9). Through His intervention in our lives – His mercy, grace, and help – God calls us to a new purpose: to be His transformed people, shining in the world.