Session 8
God protected Jacob and his family.
5 When they set out, a terror from God came over the cities around them, and they did not pursue Jacob’s sons.
6 So Jacob and all who were with him came to Luz (that is, Bethel)
in the land of Canaan.
7 Jacob built an altar there and called the place El-bethel
because it was there that God had revealed himself to him
when he was fleeing from his brother.
8 Deborah, the one who had nursed and raised Rebekah, died and was buried under the oak south of Bethel.
So Jacob named it Allon-bacuth.
Believers can rest in knowing God provides for His people.
Add the word “build” to the previously recorded verbs.
The change of the city’s name from Luz to Bethel
stressed the significance of the events in Jacob’s life.
He recognized it as a holy place where God revealed Himself.
Terror from God:
The specific Hebrew term translated terror appears only in Genesis 35:5.
It also can be rendered “fear.”
The related verb identifies the terror or panic of military leaders who have lost their courage.
It conveys the sense of being demoralized or dismayed.
In a specific illustration, the verb describes the terror of the Israelite army when Goliath issued his challenge (1 Sam. 17:11).
The term can also express awe or reverence.
Reread Genesis 35:8.
Acknowledge that this verse may seem out of place in this narrative.
Explain that the deaths of Deborah and Isaac (Gen. 35:27-29)
denote the passing of the previous generation.
Jacob heard the direction from God, returned to Bethel, and built an altar.
From there, he was ready to hear from God again.