Israel journeyed on and pitched his tent beyond the tower of Eder.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Even though Jacob is now called "Israel" again, he's still living in tents, highlighting that his true home and ultimate security aren't in earthly possessions but in God's promises for the future. The "tower of the flock" also subtly points to a place of watching and waiting, foreshadowing the divine shepherds who would later announce the birth of the true Shepherd.
Israel journeyed on and pitched his tent beyond the tower of Eder.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After burying Rachel near Bethlehem, Jacob's family mourns her loss as they continue their journey toward Hebron. This verse marks a new phase as Jacob, now called Israel by the narrator, sets up his camp near the "Tower of the Flock." Though this location is between Bethlehem and Hebron, placing them closer to his father Isaac, it signifies a move away from the immediate grief and toward resettlement.
Jacob's name is changed to Israel, but he's still 'Jacob' in action. What does this tell us about identity and God's faithfulness?
The verse starts with 'Israel journeyed...' This is significant because Jacob had recently been given the name Israel, meaning 'struggles with God,' after his encounter at Peniel (Genesis 32:28).
A New Identity, A Familiar Journey
While the name Israel signifies a profound spiritual encounter and a new relationship with God, the immediate actions described are still those of Jacob, the patriarch on a journey. He's 'spreading his tent,' a sign of nomadic life and temporary dwelling.
This duality is powerful: God gives a new name and a new identity, but the process of living into that identity is often a journey, marked by familiar challenges and daily movements. It reminds us that even after divine encounters, our lives continue to unfold in practical, earthly ways.
What's in a name? 'Eder' means flock. Why is this location significant as Jacob moves on?
The 'tower of Eder' is literally translated as the 'tower of the flock.' This location is rich with meaning, especially in light of its proximity to Bethlehem, the "city of David."
A Place of Shepherds and Prophecy
This tower was likely a watchtower for shepherds guarding their flocks. It's a poignant reminder of the humble beginnings of the lineage Jacob represents, and foreshadows the shepherds who would later watch their flocks and hear of the birth of Jesus, the Great Shepherd, near Bethlehem (Luke 2:8).
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The journey beyond this tower signifies moving forward, perhaps into a more settled phase of life after immense grief (Rachel's death) and significant divine encounters. It's a step toward consolidating his family and inheritance, all while carrying the legacy of God's promises symbolized by the flock and the coming Messiah.
Understand the original words
Yisra'el · Hebrew Proper Noun
A name given by God to the patriarch Jacob, meaning "he strives with God." It identifies the covenant line through which the promises made to Abraham and Isaac would be fulfilled.
Migdal-'Eder · Hebrew Proper Noun
A structural or elevated place used for watching flocks or as a landmark, often symbolizing security or a strategic point in the landscape.
This verse marks a significant transition for Jacob (now Israel) as he settles his family in the land of Canaan, just beyond Bethlehem, following a series of profound spiritual encounters and painful family events, including the death of his beloved wife Rachel.
c. 1800-1700 BC
Jacob's Sojourn in Canaan
Jacob returns to Canaan after years in Padan-Aram, facing conflict and re-establishing his family. This period includes his wrestling with God and receiving the name Israel.
c. 1700 BC— this verse
Rachel's Death and Benjamin's Birth
During the journey back from Bethel towards Hebron, Rachel dies in childbirth near Ephrath (Bethlehem), giving birth to Benjamin. Jacob buries her and erects a pillar at her tomb.
c. 1700 BC
Jacob settles near Bethlehem
After Rachel's death, Jacob camps his family and flocks beyond the Tower of Eder, a significant landmark near Bethlehem, indicating a period of settling in the region.
c. 1670 BC
Joseph's Sale and Jacob's Grief
Years later, Jacob's beloved son Joseph is sold into slavery. Jacob is deceived into believing Joseph is dead, leading to deep mourning.
c. 1660 BC
Isaac's Death
Jacob's father, Isaac, dies at a great age and is buried by his sons, Jacob and Esau.
This passage directly references the 'Tower of the Flock' (which Eder likely is), linking it to the future reign of God's people and the coming of a ruler from Bethlehem, adding a prophetic layer to Jacob's location.
Genesis 37:14This verse shows Jacob later sending Joseph from Hebron to find his brothers, who were pasturing flocks near this same region, illustrating the continued significance of the area for the family's flocks and Jacob's oversight.
Luke 2:8Tradition identifies the fields near the Tower of Edar as the place where shepherds were watching their flocks by night when the angel announced the birth of Jesus, creating a profound connection between Jacob's journey and the birthplace of the Messiah.
Genesis 35:16-19This passage describes Rachel's death near Ephrath (Bethlehem) during childbirth just before reaching this location, highlighting the sorrow and transition Jacob's family was experiencing as they moved into this new, albeit temporary, encampment.
clarkeGenesis 35:21: "And Israel journeyed, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Edar."
Tower of Edar - Literally, the tower of the flock, and so translated Micah 4:8 . It is supposed that this tower was about a mile from Bethlehem, and to have been the place where the angels appeared to the shepherds. The Targum of Jonathan expressly says: "It is the place in which the King Messiah shall be manifested in the end of days." By the tower of the flock we may understand a place built by the shepherds…
cambridgeGenesis 35:21: "And Israel journeyed, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Edar."
21 . Israel ] Observe the employment of the new name as an alternative for Jacob, with especial frequency in the J narrative. the tower of Eder ] i.e. “the tower of the flock.” It is uncertain whether “Eder” is a proper name or not. For a similar uncertainty, cf. Genesis 33:18 . The place is evidently situated between Ephrath ( Genesis 35:19 ) and Hebron ( Genesis 37:14 ). The identification of Eder with Jerusa…
Even though Jacob is now called "Israel" again, he's still living in tents, highlighting that his true home and ultimate security aren't in earthly possessions but in God's promises for the future. The "tower of the flock" also subtly points to a place of watching and waiting, foreshadowing the divine shepherds who would later announce the birth of the true Shepherd.
After burying Rachel near Bethlehem, Jacob's family mourns her loss as they continue their journey toward Hebron. This verse marks a new phase as Jacob, now called Israel by the narrator, sets up his camp near the "Tower of the Flock." Though this location is between Bethlehem and Hebron, placing them closer to his father Isaac, it signifies a move away from the immediate grief and toward resettlement.
After burying Rachel near Bethlehem, Jacob's family mourns her loss as they continue their journey toward Hebron. This verse marks a new phase as Jacob, now called Israel by the narrator, sets up his camp near the "Tower of the Flock." Though this location is between Bethlehem and Hebron, placing them closer to his father Isaac, it signifies a move away from the immediate grief and toward resettlement.
"Israel journeyed on and pitched his tent beyond the tower of Eder." — Even though Jacob is now called "Israel" again, he's still living in tents, highlighting that his true home and ultimate security aren't in earthly possessions but in God's promises for the future. T…
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Last reviewed October 2026