natural position of 3522b-26 is between 3022a and 3118 (see v.26); and this
transposition is adopted by We. (Prol.6 327); but perhaps a still better
position would be in 372 (see p. 443). A more thorough readjustment is
proposed by Gu.: 281-9 356a. 11-13a. 15 2924. 28b. 29 304a. 9b. 22a 3522b-26 3118aβγδb
3318aβ 359. 10. 27-29. This division of the Bethel-theophany into two, one on
the way to Mesopotamia and the other after the return (as in E), is very
attractive, and relieves some critical difficulties, as shown in the notes
on 9ff..—To E belong 1-5. 6b-8. 14: cf. (
Hebrew characters)[(Hebrew characters)], 1. 5. 7; (Hebrew characters), 3. 7; (Hebrew characters), 14; (Hebrew characters),
2. 4 (cf. Jos. 242. 20. 23); and the reference in v.1 to 2820ff..—16-20 are also from
E in the main, though perhaps with J variants ((Hebrew characters), 20; cf. the retrospective
reference in 487).—The only purely Yahwistic section is 21. 22a
((Hebrew characters) bis).
1-8 + 14. Bethel re-visited: the death of Deborah.—1.
Jacob is reminded of his vow at Bethel (2820ff.), and
commanded to build an altar there.—go up] From Shechem
to Bethel there is a continuous ascent of over 1000 ft.—and dwell there] It would almost seem that Bethel is to be
Jacob's permanent residence; and this (though contradicted
by v.16) would be in harmony with the tenor of the Elohistic
tradition, which closely associates this patriarch with the
chief Ephraimite sanctuary.—2. Jacob purifies his household
for a solemn act of worship.—Put away the strange gods]
The same words spoken under the same tree by Joshua
(2423 [E]), point, it would appear, to the memory of a great
national renunciation of idolatry at Shechem in the early
history of Israel (see v.4). A reference to the Teraphim
stolen by Rachel (3119) does not exhaust the significance of
the notice.—3. The use of the old name (Hebrew characters) here and v.1 (cf.
v.7) is noticeable.—4. the earrings (see on 2422)] Objects of
superstition, being used as amulets, and in false worship
(Ho. 215, cf. Ju. 824ff.).—the terebinth near Shechem] See on
126. The burial of idolatrous emblems under this sacred
tree has some traditional meaning which we cannot now
explain.—5. a terror of God] a (Greek characters) (De.); cf.
Ex. 2327, 1 Sa. 1415, 2 Ch. 1413 etc.
V.5 presupposes an incident like that recorded in ch. 34. The intervening
vv.1-4 are not in keeping with this view of the situation; and the
1. (Hebrew characters)] G (Greek characters) is not unlikely to be original (cf. 2811
126).—3. (Hebrew characters)] G (Hebrew characters).—4 end] G + (Greek characters).—5.
(Hebrew characters)] G (Greek characters).—(Hebrew characters)] G (Greek characters).
