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The Sons of Jacob
21Israel againset outand pitchedhis tentbeyondthe Tower of Eder.22While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard about it. Jacob had twelve sons:…

Treasury of Scripture

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

tower.

Micah 4:8
And thou, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem.

Luke 2:8
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

EderFlockIsraelJourneyedJourneyethJourneyingMigdalMigdal-EderMovedPitchedSideSpreadStretchethTentTentsTowerTraveledEderFlockIsraelJourneyedJourneyethJourneyingMigdalMigdal-EderMovedPitchedSideSpreadStretchethTentTentsTowerTraveled1.God commands Jacob to go to Bethel.
2.He purges his house of idols.
6.He builds an altar at Bethel.
8.Deborah dies at Allon Bacuth.
9.God blesses Jacob at Bethel.
10.Jacob Named Israel.
16.Rachel travails of Benjamin, and dies in the way to Edar.
22.Reuben lies with Bilhah.
23.The sons of Jacob.
27.Jacob comes to Isaac at Hebron.
28.The age, death, and burial of Isaac.

Israel again set out
This phrase marks a continuation of Jacob's journey, now referred to as Israel after his encounter with God inGenesis 32:28. The name change signifies a transformation and a new identity as the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. This journey is part of the broader narrative of the patriarchs, who were often on the move, symbolizing the transient nature of life and the faith journey. The movement also reflects obedience to God's call, as seen in Abraham's journey inGenesis 12:1.

and pitched his tent
The act of pitching a tent indicates a temporary dwelling, a common practice for nomadic tribes in the ancient Near East. It reflects the lifestyle of the patriarchs, who lived as sojourners in the land promised to them by God. This temporary dwelling can be seen as a metaphor for the Christian life, emphasizing that believers are pilgrims on earth, as echoed inHebrews 11:9-10, where Abraham is described as living in tents while looking forward to the city with foundations.

beyond the Tower of Eder
The Tower of Eder, or "Migdal Eder," is a location near Bethlehem, as suggested byMicah 4:8, which refers to the "tower of the flock." This area is significant in biblical history and prophecy. It is traditionally associated with the fields where shepherds watched over their flocks, possibly linking to the shepherds who received the announcement of Jesus' birth inLuke 2:8-12. The location also foreshadows the coming of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who is born in Bethlehem. The mention of this place highlights the continuity of God's plan through the generations, from the patriarchs to the coming of the Messiah.

1.Israel (Jacob)
The patriarch whose name was changed to Israel by God. He is the father of the twelve tribes of Israel.

2.Tower of Eder
A location near Bethlehem, often associated with shepherds and flocks. The Hebrew word "Eder" means "flock," suggesting a place of watchfulness or oversight.

3.Journey
This verse marks a continuation of Jacob's journey after the death of Rachel and the birth of Benjamin, highlighting his role as a leader and patriarch.Faithful Leadership
Jacob's journey beyond the tower of Eder demonstrates his continued leadership and faithfulness to God's promises, even amidst personal loss.

Symbolism of the Flock
The tower of Eder, meaning "flock," symbolizes God's care and oversight, reminding believers of the Good Shepherd who watches over His people.

Endurance in Trials
Jacob's perseverance through family tragedies encourages believers to trust in God's plan and continue their spiritual journey despite hardships.

Legacy and Heritage
As Jacob moves forward, he carries the legacy of God's covenant, reminding us of the importance of passing down faith and values to future generations.1.What is the meaning of Genesis 35:21?

2.How does Genesis 35:21 illustrate Jacob's journey and spiritual growth?

3.What significance does "beyond the tower of Eder" hold in Jacob's life?

4.How can Jacob's perseverance inspire us in our spiritual walk today?

5.What other biblical journeys parallel Jacob's travels in Genesis 35:21?

6.How does Jacob's journey in Genesis 35:21 encourage trust in God's guidance?

7.What is the significance of Jacob's journey in Genesis 35:21 for believers today?

8.How does Genesis 35:21 reflect God's promises to Jacob and his descendants?

9.Why is the location of Migdal Eder important in Genesis 35:21?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 35?

11.Who is Jacob, also known as Israel?

12.What is the chronological order of events in the Bible?

13.(Genesis 35:9-10) Why does God reaffirm Jacob's name to Israel here, even though it was already changed in Genesis 32:28?

14.What is the Bible's perspective on nationalism?Israel again set out

Genesis 35:21 opens with, “Israel again set out”, showing Jacob in motion right after burying Rachel (Genesis 35:19–20). His life is marked by obedience-driven movement:

• Earlier the Lord told him, “Get up, go to Bethel” (Genesis 35:1), and he did.

• He has walked this pattern since leaving Beersheba for Haran (Genesis 28:10) and will continue it when he eventually heads to Egypt (Genesis 46:1–4).

• Each departure underlines trust: like the pillar of cloud guiding Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 40:36–38), Jacob moves when God’s timing is right.

In a season of grief, progress keeps him centered on divine purpose rather than personal loss.

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and pitched his tent

The verse continues: “and pitched his tent.” For the patriarchs, tents symbolized pilgrim faith:

• Abraham “pitched his tent” between Bethel and Ai (Genesis 12:8), living lightly on the land while clinging tightly to promise.

• Isaac settled in tents inside God’s boundary of protection (Genesis 26:17, 25).

•Hebrews 11:9 highlights that living in tents demonstrated waiting for “the city with foundations.”

Jacob’s fresh tent reminds us that a godly life is portable; security comes from God’s covenant, not from structures or geography. Even after family heartache, he re-stakes his trust.

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beyond the Tower of Eder

Finally, Jacob stops “beyond the Tower of Eder.” This location, near Bethlehem, carries layers of meaning:

• “Eder” means “flock,” and the tower likely functioned as a lookout for shepherds—fitting for a man whose household kept livestock (Genesis 30:40).

• Micah later speaks of “O Tower of the Flock… to you will come the former dominion” (Micah 4:8), connecting the site with messianic hope centered on Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).

• Ruth met Boaz in nearby fields (Ruth 2:1–4), weaving Bethlehem’s shepherd country into the line of David—and ultimately Christ (Matthew 1:5–6,Luke 2:8–11).

Jacob’s stopover thus anticipates future redemption. From grief-laden travel, God weaves a setting for salvation history.

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summary

Genesis 35:21 records a simple journey step, yet it showcases:

• Obedience that keeps moving after sorrow.

• Faith expressed through temporary dwellings, reminding us this world is not home.

• A seemingly ordinary landmark that foreshadows Bethlehem’s role in birthing the Shepherd-King.

Even in routine relocation, God advances His unbreakable promises.

(21)The tower of Edar.--Heb.,Eder.Micah (Genesis 4:8) calls it "the hill of the daughter of Zion;" but the word used often means a beacon-hill, a hill on which a tower for observation is erected, wrongly translated in the Authorised Versiona stronghold.The tower may, therefore, have been a few miles south of Jerusalem; and as the word "beyond" includes the idea ofup to, as faras, the meaning is that Jacob now occupied this region permanently with his cattle. Until Esau, with his possessions, withdrew to Seir, there would be no room for Jacob and his flocks and herds at Hebron, but he would at Eder be so near his father as to be able often to visit him. And thus his exile was now over, and he was at last at home.

Verse 21. -And Israel (or Jacob)journeyed (from Ephrath, after the funeral of Rachel),and spread -i.e. unfolded (Genesis 12:8;Genesis 26:25) -his tent beyond the tower of Edar - literally,to, i.e. nottrans (Vulgate), ultra (Dathe), but ad, usque (Rosenmüller), as far as Migdol Edar, the Tower of the Flock - probably a turret, or watch-tower, erected for the convenience of shepherds in guarding their flocks (2 Kings 18:8;2 Chronicles 26:10;2 Chronicles 27:4), - the site of which is uncertain, but which is commonly supposed to have Been a mile (Jerome) or more south of Bethlehem." The LXX. omit this verse.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Israel again
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל(yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

set out
וַיִּסַּ֖ע(way·yis·sa‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5265:To pull up, the tent-pins, start on a, journey

and pitched
וַיֵּ֣ט(way·yêṭ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5186:To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend

his tent
אָֽהֳלֹ֔ה‪‬(’ā·ho·lōh)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 168:A tent

beyond
מֵהָ֖לְאָה(mê·hā·lə·’āh)
Preposition-m | Adverb
Strong's 1973:To the distance, far away, thus far

the Tower of Eder.
עֵֽדֶר׃(‘ê·ḏer)
Preposition | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4029:Eder -- 'flock tower', a tower near Bethlehem


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OT Law: Genesis 35:21 Israel traveled and spread his tent beyond (Gen. Ge Gn)