Genesis 35 21

Genesis 35:21 kjv

And Israel journeyed, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Edar.

Genesis 35:21 nkjv

Then Israel journeyed and pitched his tent beyond the tower of Eder.

Genesis 35:21 niv

Israel moved on again and pitched his tent beyond Migdal Eder.

Genesis 35:21 esv

Israel journeyed on and pitched his tent beyond the tower of Eder.

Genesis 35:21 nlt

Then Jacob traveled on and camped beyond Migdal-eder.

Genesis 35 verses

Genesis 35 21 meaning

Genesis 35:21 describes Israel (Jacob's divinely given name) continuing his journey and setting up his tent beyond a specific geographical landmark known as "the tower of Eder." This verse functions as a narrative transition, indicating Jacob's ongoing nomadic progression after the death of Rachel and before the revelation of Reuben's severe transgression, all while pointing to a location with profound prophetic and symbolic significance for the future of God's people.

Genesis 35 21 Context

This verse is situated immediately after the poignant account of Rachel's death and burial in Bethlehem, as Jacob journeyed from Bethel, where God had renewed His covenant with him (Gen 35:9-15). The mention of "the tower of Eder" marks a temporary stopping point for Jacob and his family. The narrative then immediately pivots to Reuben's severe sin with Bilhah (Gen 35:22), showcasing the ongoing mixture of divine blessing, personal tragedy, and moral failure within Jacob's household, even as the patriarchal lineage moves forward. The Tower of Eder is generally believed to have been located south of Jerusalem, near Bethlehem and Ephrath, making its connection to future prophetic events concerning the "flock" and the Messiah highly significant.

Genesis 35 21 Word analysis

• Then: (vayyihe וַיְהִי) A common Hebrew temporal connector, signaling a sequential event in the ongoing narrative. It serves to transition the story forward from the preceding event of Rachel's death and burial.

• Israel: (Yiśrā’ēl יִשְׂרָאֵל) This is the name given by God to Jacob (Gen 32:28, 35:10), meaning "he struggles with God" or "God strives." The use of "Israel" here, rather than "Jacob," underscores his renewed identity and spiritual maturity as the patriarch from whom the nation of Israel would descend, implying God's continued dealings with the covenant people.

• journeyed on: (nasa נָסַע) This Hebrew verb signifies "to pull up," "to depart," "to break camp," or "to journey." It conveys the nomadic nature of the patriarchs, indicating continued movement rather than permanent settlement. It emphasizes the transient nature of their lives as sojourners in the land God promised.

• and pitched his tent: (natah ohel נָטָה אֹהֶל) The verb natah (נָטָה) means "to stretch out" or "to pitch," and ohel (אֹהֶל) means "tent." This phrase describes the common act of setting up a temporary dwelling, reinforcing their migratory lifestyle. It's a repeated motif, signifying their identity as travelers, not yet fully possessing the land.

• beyond: (mehale'ah מֵהָלְאָה) This adverb denotes "on the other side of," "further than," or "beyond." It signifies that the new campsite was situated past the named landmark, indicating continued progress and placement relative to a recognizable point.

• the tower of Eder: (migdal-Eder` מִגְדַּל־עֵדֶר)

  • migdal (מִגְדָּל) means "tower," typically a watchtower or stronghold.
  • eder (עֵדֶר) means "flock" or "herd."
  • Together, Migdal Eder translates as "Tower of the Flock." This was a well-known landmark, likely a watchtower used by shepherds to observe and protect their sheep in open pastures. Its significance is prophetically highlighted in Mic 4:8, where it is called the "stronghold of the daughter of Zion" and associated with the restoration of dominion to Jerusalem, which many interpret as pointing to the coming Messiah. Its location near Bethlehem reinforces potential links to the birthplace of Jesus and the shepherds attending to their flocks at the time of His birth.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "Then Israel journeyed on": This phrase highlights the ongoing, divinely directed progression of Jacob (now named Israel), signifying that even amidst personal sorrow (Rachel's death), the covenant family continues its journey according to God's purpose and guidance. It underscores Jacob's new identity and the enduring covenant with his descendants.
  • "and pitched his tent beyond the tower of Eder": This marks a significant, albeit temporary, encampment. The designation "the tower of Eder" is not merely a geographic detail; it is a point with prophetic implications for Israel as God's flock (Eze 34:31) and the Messiah as their Shepherd (John 10:11). The act of "pitching a tent" reminds the reader of the transient nature of their lives, being sojourners guided by God towards the fulfillment of His promises (Heb 11:9-10).

Genesis 35 21 Bonus section

• Some historical and theological traditions identify Migdal Eder with a specific tower located just outside Bethlehem, possibly about a mile or so.
• The area around Bethlehem was well-known for its pastures where sheep were raised, including flocks specifically destined for temple sacrifices in Jerusalem. This context potentially adds a deeper layer of messianic symbolism to the "Tower of the Flock" when considering the birth of Jesus (the Lamb of God) in the very vicinity (Luke 2:8). Shepherds, potentially from these towers, were the first to hear the angelic announcement of Messiah's birth.
• The understated way this landmark is mentioned suggests its significance was already understood by the original audience or becomes apparent through subsequent prophetic revelations like Micah 4:8. It contrasts with more overt divine interventions recorded earlier in the chapter.
• The chronological placement of this verse – after a major covenant renewal and just before a significant moral failure within Israel's family – highlights that God's grand plan unfolds consistently through the lives of imperfect individuals and amidst family challenges. The "Tower of the Flock" stands as a silent sentinel to God's continued watchful care over His chosen ones, irrespective of their immediate circumstances.

Genesis 35 21 Commentary

Genesis 35:21, though seemingly a simple geographic detail, functions as a profound narrative and prophetic hinge. It shows Israel (Jacob) continuing his journey, still under divine guidance despite recent bereavement (Rachel's death) and immediately before severe family discord (Reuben's sin). The mention of "the tower of Eder" is key; it was a shepherds' watchtower near Bethlehem, signifying vigilance over a flock. Prophetically, Micah 4:8 identifies this "Tower of the Flock" with the "stronghold of the daughter of Zion" and the return of former dominion, powerfully linking it to the coming of the Messiah. Thus, this simple act of pitching a tent serves as a subtle yet powerful testament to God's continuous sovereign plan, orchestrating events and placing markers (like Migdal Eder) that quietly anticipate the greater "Shepherd of Israel" (Ps 80:1) and the fulfillment of His covenant purposes, even amidst the imperfect reality of His chosen people.