Genesis — Chapter 35

AND GOD SAID TO JACOB: ARISE AND GO UP TO BETHEL, AND DWELL THERE. — Jacob's return to Bethel: God renews the promise of the name Israel and all the covenant promises (vv. 10-12). Jacob buries all the foreign idols and earrings at Shechem before going — a public act of purification and total dedication to the true God. Note: Rachel dies in childbirth of Benjamin (v. 16-19) near Bethlehem — the city where Christ was born.

AND GOD SAID TO HIM: THOU SHALT NOT BE CALLED JACOB HENCEFORTH, BUT ISRAEL SHALL BE THY NAME. — The confirmation of the new name at Bethel, previously given at Peniel (Gen. 32:28). Israel = \"one who prevails with God\" or \"prince of God.\" The twelve sons of Jacob are listed (vv. 22-26) — the twelve patriarchs of the twelve tribes. Lapide: this is one of the foundational texts of the people of God in the Old Testament, corresponding anagogically to the twelve Apostles who are the founders of the New Israel (Rev. 21:12-14).