Before you read this chapter, turn to Galatians 6:7-87Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. (Galatians 6:7‑8). What God’s Word says there is carried out in today’s chapter. After the promise he received in Genesis 28:22,22And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee. (Genesis 28:22) Jacob should have gone directly to Bethel — he gets there finally, but only after God has to tell him (Gen. 35:11And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Beth-el, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother. (Genesis 35:1)). But what he saw of the country around attracted his eyes and so he didn’t follow his heart. His staying on in the wrong place caused this dismal chapter to have to be told! What a lesson for parents there is here. Are we careful about our children? Do we choose places just because there are advantages for us? Living near this city was a risky thing, but Jacob never seems to have given it a thought!
V.30-31 Jacob speaks sharply to his sons when the damage is done. Notice too how they talk back to their father. And even the reasons Jacob gave to his sons as to why they shouldn’t have done it, were all centered around his reputation and his possessions!