The End of an Era

In Genesis 35, we are finishing what is called "the Jacob story". While Jacob’s death does not occur in this chapter, his story ends. The plan of redemption continues but now we look at his 12 sons, with a focus on Joseph.  In our passage, Jacob's story is completed as he returns to where it all started, Bethel, where he fled his brother’s murderous rage. While in chapter 34, there was no mention of God, in chapter 35 God is mentioned close to a dozen times. We see God's relentless grace in persevering Jacob and the whole family so that even though broken, God again calls Jacob to faith and obedience, confirming the promises made. While we have seen the best and worst of Jacob, God has remained the same: gracious, faithful and persevering.