God has changed Jacob's name to Israel, and promises to him and his seed after him the land which God had given to Abraham and Isaac.
The transformation in Jacob's character was only gradual. He was still a man of guile and deceit. After he was reconciled with his brother, Esau, he had promised to follow him to Seir. Instead, he settled in Succoth among the Hivites.
In chapter 34 Jacob is reaping the harvest of his evil years. When a Christian sows the seed of sin, he will reap what he has sown.
In chapter 35 Jacob returns to Bethel where he is restored to fellowship with God. "Bethel" means "house of God" or "place to meet God." All of us should have a place where we can meet God; a place away from all the hustle and bustle of the world; a place where we can listen as God speaks to us. We must never get too busy to meet God on His terms. Sorrows, tragedies, and heartaches can be avoided by those who have a continuing "Bethel" in their lives.
