[:en]Jacob told his household and to all who were with him to get rid of the foreign gods and purify themselves before they went up to Bethel, the place where God revealed Himself to him when he was fleeing from his brother. He built an altar there and called the place El Bethel. After Jacob returned from Paddan Aram, God appeared to him and blessed him. He changed his name to Israel and said: “I am God Almighty; be fruitful and increase in number. A nation and a community of nations will come from you, and kings will come from your body. The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac, I also give to you, and I will give his land to your descendants after you” (vs.11-12)
While on their way from Bethel still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel died while giving birth to another son name Benjamin. She was buried in Bethlehem and Jacob set up a pillar in Rachel’s tomb.
Jacob came home to his father Isaac in Mamre. Isaac live 180 years and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.
Things to ponder:
- Get rid of all your idols
- Live a holy life
- Remember all the things that God has done for you
- Be united with family members
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