From Bethel to Mamre (aka...Kirjath Arba or Hebron)
Genesis 35:16-29
I. The Death of Rachel (vs. 16-20)
a. When Jacob was almost to Ephrath (Bethlehem) what is taking place with Rachel (see also Genesis 30:24)?
b. What is intended by, “she had hard labor?”
c. What reassurance is given by the midwife?
d. What does Rachel call her son that is born?
The meaning is: Son of My Sorrow.
e. What does Jacob call his newborn son?
f. What happens to Rachel?
II. Reuben’s Sin (vs. 21-22)
a. Israel continues on his journey with all his remaining family and pitches his tent beyond Eder. What is recorded at this time involving Reuben?
b. Is there any hint at this point that Reuben faces any consequences for this egregious sin?
c. Are there any secrets in this nomadic family?
d. Verses 22b – 26 list Jacob’s sons and the wives / concubines who bore them. Based on what we know of the sons of Jacob does it seem they are setting themselves up well to receive the covenant of God’s blessing?
e. How does God protect Jacob and his family from the cities enroute to Bethel?
III. What??? Isaac is Still Alive??? (vs. 23-29)
a. What shocker awaits us in verse 27?
Do you think Jacob ever thought he would see his father alive again?
b. How old was Isaac?
c. Isaac had outlived Abraham (175) by five years. (Genesis 25:7)
d. The scripture states Isaac was “gathered to his people” literally, joined his ancestors. Can we infer anything from this?
e. Who buries Isaac?
APPLICATION: How should Numbers 32:23 keep us humble and honest before God so that we understand we never get away with sin?
