Read the Daily Bible Verse – Genesis 35:20 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Genesis 35:20 is a verse that carries significant weight within the context of family, remembrance, and God’s promises. Found within the story of Jacob, his journey of faith, and the loss of his beloved wife Rachel, this verse marks a moment of profound personal sorrow, remembrance, and historical significance. Understanding Genesis 35:20, especially in the King James Version (KJV), requires delving into its contextual meaning, examining its implications for life, comparing it with other biblical texts, and exploring its relevance today.
In this article, we’ll walk through various aspects of Genesis 35:20, considering its original context, meaning, application, and commentary. We will also look at the broader biblical perspective of remembrance, death, and legacy, as illustrated by other scriptures.
The Context of Genesis 35:20 KJV
The Journey of Jacob and Rachel
Genesis 35:20 comes at a point where Jacob, the son of Isaac and grandson of Abraham, has been traveling with his family, heeding God’s call to return to his homeland. Jacob’s journey is filled with moments of faith, personal growth, and divine encounters. In Genesis 35, Jacob is specifically instructed by God to return to Bethel and make an altar there, where he had previously experienced a powerful vision and encounter with God. Bethel held special spiritual significance, as it was a place where God had affirmed His covenant with Jacob, promising him blessings and protection.
The Death of Rachel
Genesis 35:20 is set amidst a tragic moment in Jacob’s life: the death of Rachel, his beloved wife. While on the journey, Rachel goes into labor and struggles through childbirth. She bears a son, Benjamin, but sadly, Rachel dies during childbirth. Jacob, grieving deeply, erects a pillar over her grave as a symbol of remembrance and respect. Genesis 35:20 states:
“And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel’s grave unto this day.”
The Significance of the Pillar
The erection of a pillar was common in ancient times as a means of marking significant events or locations. In Rachel’s case, the pillar served as a permanent memorial, representing Jacob’s love and reverence for his wife and honoring her memory for generations to come. This pillar not only represented loss but also marked a defining moment in the journey of the people who would become the nation of Israel.
The Genesis 35:20 Meaning
Honoring Loved Ones in the Face of Loss
The verse encapsulates the tradition of memorializing loved ones who have passed away, a practice still deeply significant in our lives today. The pillar Jacob erected became a memorial to Rachel, serving as a reminder for Jacob and his descendants of her legacy and importance within the family. In erecting the pillar, Jacob showed honor, respect, and love for Rachel.
A Mark of God’s Continuing Promise
Though the verse centers around Rachel’s death, it is set within a chapter where God renews His covenant with Jacob. The pillar, therefore, becomes a part of Jacob’s larger spiritual journey and story—a visible reminder of God’s faithfulness. Though Rachel’s death marked an end, the pillar stood as a testament to the ongoing promise that would continue through her son, Benjamin, and the rest of Jacob’s descendants.
Genesis 35:20 Application in Life
1. The Importance of Remembering and Honoring Loved Ones
Genesis 35:20 emphasizes the value of honoring loved ones who have passed away. Just as Jacob placed a pillar over Rachel’s grave, we also seek ways to remember and honor those we have lost. This act of remembrance can bring comfort, provide closure, and serve as a reminder of the impact our loved ones had on our lives.
2. Finding Strength and Comfort in God During Loss
Jacob’s life was not without hardships and losses. However, he found comfort and strength in God’s promises and direction. In moments of grief, we can look to Jacob’s example as a reminder that, even amidst sorrow, God’s presence remains a source of hope.
3. Erecting Memorials of Faith
While not everyone may physically build pillars to remember loved ones, we can find ways to commemorate the legacies of those who have passed, especially those who have shaped our faith journey. Whether through dedicated actions, prayer, or teaching others about their lives, such “memorials” can serve as testimonies of faith, encouraging future generations.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
1. Genesis 28:18-22 – Jacob’s First Pillar at Bethel
In Genesis 28:18-22, Jacob sets up a stone as a pillar at Bethel following a powerful dream in which he sees a ladder reaching to heaven. This pillar marked a divine encounter and a commitment to God. Years later, the pillar over Rachel’s grave is similarly significant, reminding Jacob of God’s faithfulness during moments of both joy and sorrow.
2. Joshua 4:20-24 – The Memorial Stones at the Jordan
When the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, God instructed Joshua to take twelve stones from the riverbed and set them as a memorial to commemorate the crossing. The stones served as a reminder of God’s miraculous deliverance. Much like the pillar in Genesis 35:20, these stones marked God’s presence and faithfulness.
3. 1 Samuel 7:12 – The Ebenezer Stone
In 1 Samuel 7:12, Samuel set up a stone named Ebenezer, which means “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” The stone was a physical reminder of God’s assistance and protection in battle. Jacob’s pillar in Genesis 35:20 also signifies God’s ongoing guidance and support, even during times of personal loss.
Modern-Day Relevance
1. Creating Memorials of Faith
Modern believers can take inspiration from Genesis 35:20 in creating spiritual “pillars” in their lives, whether by establishing traditions, dedicating time to remember loved ones, or setting reminders of God’s presence. These actions can help strengthen faith, serve as testimonies to others, and remind us of God’s promises through life’s ups and downs.
2. Strength in Family Heritage
Rachel’s legacy continued through her son, Benjamin, whose descendants would become part of the twelve tribes of Israel. In modern times, reflecting on family heritage, faith journeys, and shared memories with loved ones can help us find strength, connect to our roots, and draw upon the values passed down to us.
3. Honoring Life’s Journey and God’s Role Within It
Genesis 35:20 reminds us that God is present in every season of life—times of joy, sorrow, loss, and hope. By recognizing His presence and seeking ways to honor our journey, we can cultivate gratitude, resilience, and purpose, knowing our lives are a part of a larger divine story.
Conclusion
Genesis 35:20 is a deeply moving verse that reminds us of the importance of honoring those we have lost, the continuity of God’s promises, and the power of remembrance. Jacob’s act of erecting a pillar over Rachel’s grave stands as a testament to love, legacy, and faithfulness. The verse illustrates the importance of preserving memories, cherishing loved ones, and finding strength in God’s promises.
The lessons embedded in Genesis 35:20 extend to our modern lives, encouraging us to create spiritual memorials, honor our heritage, and remember God’s presence in all aspects of life. As we reflect on this verse and its surrounding context, may we find renewed hope, strength, and a reminder that, like Jacob, we are journeying with God through every moment, leaving a legacy of faith for those who follow.
Genesis 35:20 Commentary
Genesis 35:20 is a verse of remembrance, sorrow, and faith. Commentaries on this verse often focus on the historical and emotional significance of Jacob’s actions in response to Rachel’s death. Scholars highlight how the act of setting up a memorial in ancient times was not only an act of remembrance but also one of respect and love. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of memorials within the Bible, showing that God values the legacy of each individual and encourages believers to honor the lives of those who have gone before them.
Related topics:
- What Does Genesis 35:17 Mean?
- Genesis 35:18 Meaning, Context & Commentary
- What Does Genesis 35:19 Mean?