Genesis 32–35: Tragedy & Promise

Read the Bible in 2011 ◊ Week 9: Monday

God also said to him,
“I am God Almighty;
Be fruitful and multiply;
A nation and a company of nations shall come from you,
And kings shall come forth from you.
The land which I gave to Abraham and Isaac,
I will give it to you,
And I will give the land to your descendants after you.”
Genesis 35:11–12

In Monday’s Bible reading, Genesis 32–35, Jacob returns home to Canaan, while still in fear of his life from Esau. He placates his brother with gifts and humility, and although there are declarations of peace, undertones of wariness remain.

In these chapters some of the seeds of the favoritism and jealousy planted in Jacob’s family begin to bear bitter fruit. The rape of his daughter Dinah by Shechem, its aftermath of violent revenge by her brothers and the contempt shown by Reuben to his father all reveal a family out of control.

Jacob’s wife, Rachel, dies giving birth to Benjamin, and his father, Isaac, dies towards the end of chapter 35. No mention is made of his mother, Rebekah, and she must have died while he was away for so many years.

In all this personal disaster, God is faithful to Jacob. He protects him and his household from Esau, and the covenant God made with Abraham is continued through Jacob.

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