Genesis 35:3 (KJV) - "And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went."

This verse comes from the book of Genesis in the Old Testament, and it is part of the story of Jacob and his journey to Bethel. To understand the full meaning and significance of this verse, it is important to consider the broader context in which it is situated.

The story of Jacob's journey to Bethel begins in Genesis 28, where Jacob has a dream of a ladder reaching into heaven with angels ascending and descending upon it. In this dream, God speaks to Jacob, reaffirming the covenant that he had made with Jacob's grandfather, Abraham, and his father, Isaac. This covenant promised that God would make of Jacob a great nation and bless all the families of the earth through him.

In Genesis 35, Jacob is commanded by God to go up to Bethel and dwell there, and to make an altar there to God who had appeared to him when he fled from his brother Esau. This verse specifically shows Jacob's obedience to this command. The journey to Bethel reflects Jacob's return to the place where he had first encountered God and received a divine revelation. It marks a significant moment of spiritual renewal and rededication for Jacob.

The themes present in this verse include obedience, gratitude, and the faithfulness of God. Jacob's decision to go up to Bethel and make an altar unto God demonstrates his obedience to the divine command. It is a reflection of his desire to honor and worship God, acknowledging the ways in which God had been faithful to him throughout his life. This act of worship is an expression of gratitude for the ways in which God had answered him in his distress and had been with him on his journey.

The symbolism in this verse is also significant. Bethel, which means "house of God," represents a sacred and significant place of encounter with the divine. It is a place where heaven and earth meet, and where Jacob had first experienced the presence of God. By returning to Bethel and making an altar there, Jacob is acknowledging and affirming the importance of this place in his spiritual journey.

The altar that Jacob makes at Bethel symbolizes his commitment to worship and serve God. In the biblical context, altars were used for offering sacrifices, seeking forgiveness, and expressing devotion to God. By making an altar at Bethel, Jacob is recommitting himself to a life of faith and obedience. It is a tangible symbol of his desire to honor and worship God.

Overall, Genesis 35:3 is a verse that speaks to the themes of obedience, gratitude, and faithfulness. It depicts Jacob's willingness to follow God's command, his gratitude for God's faithfulness, and his commitment to worship and serve God. It is a reminder of the importance of returning to sacred places and moments of encounter with the divine, and of the need to continually renew and deepen our relationship with God.