And Israel journeyed, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Edar.
GENESIS 35:21KJVWhat does Genesis 35:21 mean?
Genesis 35:21 says that Israel (Jacob) continued his travels and set up his tent beyond a place called the tower of Edar. The verse marks a moment of movement and transition for Jacob after significant family events.
In this part of Genesis, Jacob is traveling with his family after the death of his wife Rachel. The verse notes his journey and where he camped, mentioning a landmark called the "tower of Edar," which means "tower of the flock." This detail helps locate Jacob’s movements in the land and sets the stage for later events involving his family.
The Hebrew behind Genesis 35:21
- Israel (יִשְׂרָאֵל, Yisra'el): This is the new name given to Jacob, highlighting his changed identity after wrestling with God. The use of "Israel" here signals a turning point in his story.
- tower (מִגְדָּל, migdal): This word means "tower," often used for watchtowers in fields or near towns. The "tower of Edar" would have been a known landmark, possibly used to watch over flocks.
- Edar (עֵדֶר, 'Eder): This name means "flock," so "tower of Edar" is "tower of the flock." It shows the area's connection to shepherding and livestock, which fits the context of Jacob’s family.
Why Genesis 35:21 matters
- The verse helps track Jacob’s journey through the land, showing his movement after personal loss and family changes.
- Mentioning the "tower of Edar" gives a concrete location, which later Jewish tradition connects to Bethlehem and events in Israel’s history.
- Using the name "Israel" instead of "Jacob" signals a shift in focus from Jacob as an individual to the beginnings of the nation of Israel.