This verse teaches us that wholehearted devotion to the LORD begins with removing idols and purifying ourselves in obedience to His word.
So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods which are among you, and purify yourselves and change your garments;” (v.2). Here, Jacob, who lived around the early second millennium BC, addresses his family and all within his camp, instructing them to abandon any idols they carried from previous places (Genesis 31:19 reveals how some family members kept household idols from Laban’s home). This command takes place after Jacob has returned from Paddan-aram and settled near Shechem in the land of Canaan. By ordering them to renounce these foreign gods, Jacob seeks to cleanse his community of spiritual impurities before moving on to Bethel, the site where God had previously appeared to him (Genesis 28:13-19). Calling for ritual purification demonstrates Jacob’s desire that everyone in his camp approach God with sincere devotion.
In saying, “Put away the foreign gods which are among you, and purify yourselves and change your garments,” Jacob highlights the inward and outward transformation needed for those dedicating themselves to the LORD. Foreign gods represent divided loyalties and a heart prone to idolatry. Changing garments symbolizes a renewed focus on holiness and a fresh commitment to follow God’s commands, much like the New Testament’s emphasis on believers casting off the “old self” (Ephesians 4:22) and clothing themselves with new attitudes of humility, faith, and obedience (Colossians 3:12). Jacob’s faithful leadership thus foreshadows the call for spiritual renewal spelled out across Scripture, urging God’s people to part ways with whatever competes for their ultimate allegiance.
Having his household abandon idolatry before worshiping God at Bethel reinforces a core principle: genuine worship requires removing all rival objects of devotion and approaching God through repentance. The simple act of setting aside false gods carried tremendous meaning because it publicly declared that Jacob’s family belonged to the LORD alone. Grasping this principle prepares hearts for the greater reality of salvation through Jesus Christ, who calls believers to cast aside all lesser gods—anything that takes priority over Him—and to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15).
Set to dark mode
Genesis 35:2 meaning
So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods which are among you, and purify yourselves and change your garments;” (v.2). Here, Jacob, who lived around the early second millennium BC, addresses his family and all within his camp, instructing them to abandon any idols they carried from previous places (Genesis 31:19 reveals how some family members kept household idols from Laban’s home). This command takes place after Jacob has returned from Paddan-aram and settled near Shechem in the land of Canaan. By ordering them to renounce these foreign gods, Jacob seeks to cleanse his community of spiritual impurities before moving on to Bethel, the site where God had previously appeared to him (Genesis 28:13-19). Calling for ritual purification demonstrates Jacob’s desire that everyone in his camp approach God with sincere devotion.
In saying, “Put away the foreign gods which are among you, and purify yourselves and change your garments,” Jacob highlights the inward and outward transformation needed for those dedicating themselves to the LORD. Foreign gods represent divided loyalties and a heart prone to idolatry. Changing garments symbolizes a renewed focus on holiness and a fresh commitment to follow God’s commands, much like the New Testament’s emphasis on believers casting off the “old self” (Ephesians 4:22) and clothing themselves with new attitudes of humility, faith, and obedience (Colossians 3:12). Jacob’s faithful leadership thus foreshadows the call for spiritual renewal spelled out across Scripture, urging God’s people to part ways with whatever competes for their ultimate allegiance.
Having his household abandon idolatry before worshiping God at Bethel reinforces a core principle: genuine worship requires removing all rival objects of devotion and approaching God through repentance. The simple act of setting aside false gods carried tremendous meaning because it publicly declared that Jacob’s family belonged to the LORD alone. Grasping this principle prepares hearts for the greater reality of salvation through Jesus Christ, who calls believers to cast aside all lesser gods—anything that takes priority over Him—and to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15).