Genesis 35

Jehovah

And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother. Genesis 35:1–3

God calls Jacob back to Bethel where He first appeared to him. Jacob testifies that this God answered him in distress and walked with him the whole way — Jehovah, the premortal Christ, keeping His Bethel promise.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · another scripture interprets it of Him · a footnote points to Him · a traditional type, cited

• alludes to Genesis 28:13-15 — The LORD's appearance and promise at Bethel: 'I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest.'

Jehovah, the God of Bethel

El-bethel — God of the house of God

And he built there an altar, and called the place Elbethel: because there God appeared unto him, when he fled from the face of his brother. Genesis 35:7

Jacob names the altar for the God who appeared to him at Bethel. The One who appeared to the patriarchs is Jehovah.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · another scripture interprets it of Him · a traditional type, cited

• the same title in Genesis 31:13 — 'I am the God of Bethel.'

The premortal Christ

God Almighty — El Shaddai

And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padanaram, and blessed him. Genesis 35:9–13

God appears to Jacob, speaks in His own voice as God Almighty, renews the covenant and confirms the name Israel, then goes up from him. Exodus 6:3 says the God Almighty who appeared to Jacob is JEHOVAH, the premortal Christ.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · another scripture interprets it of Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him

• interpreted by Exodus 6:3 — 'I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.'
• the same title in Genesis 17:1 — To Abram: 'I am the Almighty God.'
• alludes to Genesis 32:28 — Recalls the name Israel first given at Peniel.

Birth of Christ

Bethlehem Ephrath — house of bread, fruitful

And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem. Genesis 35:19

Rachel is buried on the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem, the town where Jesus would be born (Micah 5:2 names Bethlehem Ephratah as the Ruler's birthplace). Matthew recalls 'Rachel weeping for her children' when the children of Bethlehem are slain after Jesus' birth.

How we know: a footnote points to Him · a traditional type, cited

• alluded to by Matthew 2:18 — 'Rachel weeping for her children' at Bethlehem after Jesus' birth (quoting Jeremiah 31:15).