God has changed Jacob’s name to Israel, and
promises to him and his seed after him the land which
God had given to Abraham and Isaac.

The transformation in Jacob’s character was only
gradual. He was still a man of guile and deceit. After
he was reconciled with his brother, Esau, he had
promised to follow him to Seir. Instead, he settled in
Succoth among the Hivites.

In chapter 34 Jacob is reaping the harvest of
his evil years. When a Christian sows the seed of sin,
he will reap what he has sown.

In chapter 35 Jacob returns to Bethel where he
is restored to fellowship with God. “Bethel” means
“house of God” or “place to meet God.” All of us should
have a place where we can meet God; a place away from
all the hustle and bustle of the world; a place where we
can listen as God speaks to us. We must never get too
busy to meet God on His terms. Sorrows, tragedies, and
heartaches can be avoided by those who have a continuing
“Bethel” in their lives.