Genesis 35:2 – “So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, ‘Get rid of the foreign gods you have with you, and purify yourselves and change your clothes.’”
Extended Explanation
In Genesis 35:2, Jacob addresses his household with a serious command: to get rid of the foreign gods, purify themselves, and change their clothes. This verse marks a significant moment of spiritual preparation and renewal for Jacob and his family as they prepare to return to Bethel, where Jacob had first encountered God.
Jacob’s instruction to remove foreign gods signifies a call to exclusive devotion to the one true God. Despite God’s continuous guidance and blessings, some members of Jacob’s household had retained idols, reflecting the influence of surrounding cultures. Jacob understands that to fully return to God, they must cleanse themselves of these idols, both physically and spiritually.
The call to purify themselves and change their clothes symbolizes a fresh start. In biblical terms, clothing often represents one’s status or identity. By changing their clothes, Jacob’s household is symbolically shedding their past associations with idolatry and recommitting themselves to God.
Historical Context
The context of Genesis 35:2 comes after a period of turmoil in Jacob’s family. His daughter Dinah had been violated, leading to a violent retaliation by her brothers, Simeon and Levi (Genesis 34). This event put Jacob’s family at odds with the surrounding peoples, making them vulnerable.
Amid this chaos, God instructs Jacob to return to Bethel, the place where God first revealed Himself to Jacob in a dream. However, before they can return to this sacred place, Jacob recognizes the need for his household to purify themselves, both from physical idols and spiritual impurities, to be in right standing with God.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Genesis 35:2 underscores the necessity of purity and exclusive worship of God in the life of believers. Jacob’s command reflects the biblical principle that God is a jealous God who demands undivided loyalty (Exodus 20:3-5). The presence of foreign gods in Jacob’s household was incompatible with the worship of the one true God.
This verse also highlights the need for inner and outer purification as a prerequisite for encountering God. The act of getting rid of idols and changing clothes signifies repentance and a turning away from sin, which is essential for maintaining a relationship with God.
Literary Analysis
From a literary perspective, Genesis 35:2 serves as a transitional moment in Jacob’s narrative. The verse is direct and imperative, reflecting the urgency and seriousness of the situation. Jacob’s leadership is evident as he takes decisive action to lead his family in spiritual renewal.
The mention of “foreign gods” and the instructions to purify and change clothes also create a stark contrast between the former life of the household and the new commitment they are about to make. This contrast emphasizes the theme of transformation and renewal that runs throughout Jacob’s story.
Biblical Cross-References
- Joshua 24:23: Joshua similarly instructs the Israelites to get rid of foreign gods and turn their hearts to the Lord.
- Exodus 20:3: The first of the Ten Commandments, which forbids the worship of other gods.
- Colossians 3:9-10: The New Testament call to “put off the old self” and “put on the new self,” which parallels the changing of clothes in Genesis 35:2.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Genesis 35:2 is a powerful reminder of the need to rid our lives of anything that competes with our devotion to God. In modern terms, “foreign gods” could be anything that takes priority over our relationship with God, such as materialism, pride, or other distractions.
This verse challenges believers to examine their lives, identify idols, and take steps to remove them. It also emphasizes the importance of spiritual cleansing and renewal, encouraging Christians to regularly seek God’s forgiveness and strive for holiness.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Genesis 35:2 reflects God’s loving nature in that He desires what is best for His people—a pure and undivided relationship with Him. By instructing Jacob to cleanse his household, God is not being harsh; rather, He is guiding them towards a life that is free from the bondage of idolatry and aligned with His will.
God’s love is evident in His willingness to accept and restore those who turn away from sin and return to Him, just as He did with Jacob and his family. This verse shows that God’s call to purity is ultimately an expression of His desire to protect and bless His people.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Genesis 35:2 connects to Jesus Christ in the call to purification and the removal of sin. Jesus Christ, through His sacrifice on the cross, made it possible for us to be cleansed from our sins (1 John 1:7). Just as Jacob called his household to purify themselves before encountering God, Jesus invites all people to come to Him for cleansing and renewal.
In the New Testament, the concept of putting off the old self and putting on the new self (Ephesians 4:22-24) is a direct parallel to the act of changing clothes in Genesis 35:2. This transformation is made possible through Christ, who gives us a new identity as children of God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What are the “foreign gods” in your life—things that distract you from fully committing to God?
- How can you take steps to purify your heart and mind in your walk with God?
- In what ways can you lead your family or community in spiritual renewal, as Jacob did?
- How does understanding God’s desire for a pure and undivided heart impact your relationship with Him?
- How does this verse help you understand the connection between the Old Testament practices and the work of Jesus Christ?
This article invites you to reflect on Genesis 35:2, challenging you to consider your own spiritual journey and how you can draw closer to God by removing anything that hinders your relationship with Him.