Genesis, 35
16. Then they departed from Bethel; but while they still had some distance to go on the way to Ephrath, Rachel began to be in labor and to suffer great distress.
16. Then they departed from Bethel; but while they still had some distance to go on the way to Ephrath, Rachel began to be in labor and to suffer great distress.
Genesis 35 narrates how Jacob and his family return to Bethel, the place where God had promised Jacob the land of Canaan and where Jacob made a vow to God. When they get there, they build an altar to God and rename the city to Bethel. In this chapter, the death of Rebeca's milk is also mentioned, Debora, and the death of Rachel, wife of Jacob, who gives birth to her second child, Benjamin, before she died. Here are five verses related to the topics addressed in Genesis 35:
Genesis 28:16-17 - "When Jacob woke up from his sleep, he thought, 'No doubt the Lord is in this place, but I didn't know!' He was afraid and said, 'This is a terrible place! This is the house of God, this is the door of heaven! '"This verse makes reference to the moment God appeared to Jacob in a dream and made promises to him in Bethel. The construction of the altar in Bethel in Genesis 35 is a response to that experience of God.
2 Corinthians 6:16 - "What agreement is there between the temple of God and the idols? For we are sanctuary of the living God. As God said, 'I will dwell with them and walk among them; I will be their God, and they will be my people '. " This verse highlights the importance of recognizing that we are sanctuaries of the living God and that He dwells in us. The construction of the altar in Bethel is a recognition of God's presence in that place.
Psalm 121:8 - "The Lord will keep your departure and your arrival from now on and forever." This verse highlights the promise that God will keep and protect those who trust in Him in his journeys. Jacob and his family traveled back to Bethel and built an altar for God there, trusting his protection and guide.
Romans 8:28 - "We know that God acts in all things for the good of those who love Him, of those who were called according to their purpose." This verse highlights the promise that God uses all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Rachel's death, though sad, also led to the birth of Benjamin, who would become an important leader of Israel.
Matthew 5:4 - "Blessed are those who cry, for they will be comforted." This verse highlights the promise of comfort to those who cry. Rachel's death was certainly an occasion to cry, but God promises comfort and comfort for those who suffer.
“De que vale perder-se em vãos temores?” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
