Genesis 35 · Grade 4

Clean Hearts for Worship

Name Date

Read and Think

Many years earlier, Jacob had promised God at Bethel that the Lord would be his God. Now God called him back to keep that promise. Before going, Jacob called his family to get rid of their idols and make themselves clean. Worship means giving God first place, with nothing competing for our hearts.

At Bethel, God renewed His promises and confirmed Jacob's new name, Israel. God's words to Jacob echo His words to Adam and Noah: Be fruitful and multiply. Kings would come from his family.

The chapter also has deep sadness. Deborah, Rebekah's nurse, died. Rachel died after giving birth to Benjamin near Bethlehem. Isaac died too. Yet God's promise continued through the twelve sons who would become the twelve tribes of Israel.

Show What You Know

Why did God call Jacob back to Bethel?
What did Jacob do to prepare his family for worship?
What did God's words be fruitful and multiply echo?
What sad events happened in this chapter?

Think About It

What things might compete with God for first place in your heart?
Jacob's family went through sadness, but God's promises continued. How does this give you hope in hard times?

Memory Verse

Let’s arise, and go up to Bethel. I will make there an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me on the way which I went.”

Genesis 35:3 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for today's Bible story. Help me to . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

What might you need to clear out of your life to worship God fully?
How can you keep your promises to God?