One Story | April 12, 2026

 

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Genesis 35

6 And Jacob came to Luz (that is, Bethel), which is in the land of Canaan, he and all the people who were with him, 7 and there he built an altar and called the place El-bethel, because there God had revealed himself to him when he fled from his brother. 8 And Deborah, Rebekah's nurse, died, and she was buried under an oak below Bethel. So he called its name Allon-bacuth. 9 God appeared to Jacob again, when he came from Paddan-aram, and blessed him. 10 And God said to him, "Your name is Jacob; no longer shall your name be called Jacob, but Israel shall be your name." So he called his name Israel. 11 And God said to him, "I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations shall come from you, and kings shall come from your own body. 12 The land that I gave to Abraham and Isaac I will give to you, and I will give the land to your offspring after you." 13 Then God went up from him in the place where he had spoken with him. 14 And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he had spoken with him, a pillar of stone. He poured out a drink offering on it and poured oil on it. 15 So Jacob called the name of the place where God had spoken with him Bethel.

Talk Sheet Questions

  1. What promises does God restate to Jacob in verses 11–12? List the key things God says He will do.

  2. KQ: Why do you think Bethel becomes such an important place in Jacob’s story? (See Gen 28:10-22). Where are some places you return to remember God’s promises?

  3. Deborah’s death is recorded with mourning and a name, “Allon-bacuth” (Oak of Weeping, Genesis 35:8). Why do you think this seemingly small detail is included in such a major divine encounter? What does this reveal about God that he reiterates these covenant promises in the middle of family tragedy and transition, rather than during a time of peace and prosperity?

  4. Why does God repeat the covenant promises to Jacob here? What does that reveal about God’s faithfulness?

  5. Prior to this (Chap 29-35) how does sin, dysfunction or lack of trust in God cause problems in Jacob’s family? How have those same things caused problems in your life?

  6. Jacob responds to God with worship and a memorial. What are some ways you can build reminders in your own life that help you remember God’s faithfulness? Be specific!

Prayer

Pray that you would be reminded of God’s promises and faithfulness even in the midst of family difficulty or tragedy.

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Scott Reavely