Commentary on Genesis 35:4

Genesis 35:4 states: “And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.”

This verse occurs in the context of Jacob's journey back to Bethel after having lived in Shechem, a place fraught with personal and familial turmoil. The passage reveals significant theological and cultural implications regarding idolatry, consecration, and communal spirituality.

Exegesis and Theological Insights

The act of Jacob receiving "all the strange gods" reflects an essential aspect of covenant faithfulness. The term "strange gods" indicates the foreign idols that Jacob's household might have encountered, which were not aligned with the worship of Yahweh. This incident emphasizes the necessity of purging idolatry from among God's people.

• Matthew Henry: Henry notes that the "strange gods" symbolize the tendency of the people to adopt local pagan customs. He stresses the importance of the household's full commitment to worship the one true God, highlighting that to serve God, one must eliminate any barrier or distraction that might lead to spiritual compromise.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes elaborates on the "earrings" being tokens of superstitious practices that were often associated with idolatrous rituals. He asserts that these earthly adornments were not merely symbolic but could also be culturally tied to false worship. The act of giving these items to Jacob signifies a broader communal renunciation of idolatry.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke interprets Jacob's hiding of the idols under the oak as an act of sanctification and purity. He posits that this oak serves as a symbolic marker for the death of idolatry in Israel, leaving behind the old ways to embrace renewed worship towards God.

Cultural Context

The removal of idols was rooted in the broader cultural milieu of ancient Near Eastern religious practices where idol worship was prevalent. Jacob, as the patriarch, exemplifies leadership by taking decisive action against influences that could lead his family away from their divine calling.

• The act of burying signifies a renunciation of past allegiance to false gods and a commitment to Yahweh alone.
• Underlining the cultural pressure, it was common for families to integrate local deities into their worship. This verse serves as a critical point where Jacob establishes a clear boundary between Israel and the surrounding nations.

Spiritual Lessons

This passage carries rich spiritual lessons for contemporary believers:

• Idolatry Recognition: The verse prompts self-examination regarding “strange gods” in our lives today. It asks Christians to identify modern idols, material or otherwise, that distract from true worship.
• Community Responsibility: Jacob’s family’s action signifies a collective move towards holiness. It reminds congregations of their communal responsibilities in upholding purity in worship and practicing accountability among one another.
• Symbolism of Burial: The act of burying the idols under the oak emphasizes the importance of decisively dealing with sin and idolatry. It is not enough to hide or marginalize these influences; they must be removed completely from one’s spiritual landscape.

Conclusion

Genesis 35:4 illustrates a pivotal moment of spiritual renewal for Jacob and his family, as they turn away from foreign gods and reaffirm their allegiance to the God of Abraham and Isaac. This act serves not only as a historical account but as a timeless lesson on the necessity of purity in worship and the importance of recognizing and renouncing idolatry in all its forms.

In light of this verse, pastors and theologians are encouraged to guide congregations through self-reflection and the personal and communal acts of consecration, ensuring a covenant commitment that pleases God and aligns with His purposes.