🏔️ Genesis 35

Genesis 35 is a real chapter from the Old Testament. It starts, “God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel, and live there. Make there an altar to God, who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother.”” That is not a motto invented for a poster. It is the first sentence a family hears when this page is opened at night.

Keep going a little further. The chapter also says, “Jacob called the name of the place where God spoke with him “Bethel”.” Genesis 35 opens with these words: “God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel, and live there. Make there an altar to God, who appeared to you when you fled from the face of…” The line to keep is Genesis 35:1: “God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel, and live there. Make there an altar to God, who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother.”” Carry the word “jacob” from that verse into the rest of the day.

The line worth learning out loud is Genesis 35:1: “God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel, and live there. Make there an altar to God, who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother.”” If the rest of the chapter feels crowded, hold that one sentence until the room is quiet.

What happens first in Genesis 35? Then try this: Read “God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel, and live there. Make there an altar to God, who appeared to you…” once more. What does it show you about God? You do not have to finish every verse. You can close the book after the memory verse and still have read the Bible together.