Genesis 35:21-22
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The text subtly highlights Jacob's new identity as "Israel," signifying his renewed walk with God, even as he's facing personal loss and setting up camp again. The mention of the "tower of Edar," meaning "tower of the flock," foreshadows the future landscape where shepherds would watch their flocks, a scene famously associated with the announcement of Jesus' birth.
Israel journeyed on and pitched his tent beyond the tower of Eder. While Israel lived in that land, Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine. And Israel heard of it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following the death of his beloved Rachel and the birth of Benjamin, Jacob, now also called Israel, journeys onward from Bethlehem. He pitches his tent near the "Tower of the Flock," a significant landmark that would later be associated with the shepherds who witnessed Jesus' birth. This move places him back in proximity to his aging father Isaac in Hebron, marking a return to the land promised to Abraham.
Just after burying his beloved wife Rachel and dealing with the turmoil of his sons, Jacob's journey continues. Yet, notice how Scripture refers to him now – not as Jacob, but as Israel.
This shift in name is profound. Jacob, the man who wrestled and struggled, has now endured immense grief. Yet, Scripture highlights his new identity as 'Israel' – a prince with God. This isn't just a name change; it's a declaration that even in the face of profound loss and the messy reality of his family, God's grace and his covenantal standing remain. His journey continues, not defined by his pain, but by the strength God has imparted to him.
Jacob pitches his tent 'beyond the tower of Eder.' What's significant about this particular location, and what does it reveal about God's care for his people?
The 'Tower of Eder' is known as the 'Tower of the Flock.' This was a place of pasture, a watchtower for shepherds guarding their sheep. It's a symbol of God's provision and protection. Even though Jacob is on the move, still processing grief and family issues, he pitches his tent in a place meant for care and security. This signifies that God's protection isn't limited to settled places but extends to those who are journeying, especially when they are vulnerable. It points to a future hope, as some traditions link this very spot to the angelic announcement of the Messiah, the ultimate Shepherd.
Understand the original words
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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.
pilegesh · Hebrew Noun
A woman who held a secondary status to a wife, often having fewer legal rights but whose children were typically recognized as belonging to the family lineage.
Jacob, now renamed Israel, is in a transitional phase, mourning the death of his beloved wife Rachel and setting up a temporary camp near Bethlehem, an area historically significant for shepherds and later associated with the birth of the Messiah.
c. 1880 BC
Jacob returns to Canaan
After years away, Jacob returns to the land of Canaan with his family and possessions.
c. 1880 BC
Sack of Shechem
Jacob's sons Dinah and Simeon take violent revenge on the city of Shechem, leading to a massacre and Jacob's subsequent departure.
c. 1880 BC
Return to Bethel and divine encounter
God speaks to Jacob at Bethel, reaffirming his name and promises, prompting Jacob to set up an altar.
c. 1880 BC
Journey to Ephrath and death of Rachel
Jacob's family journeys towards Hebron, but Rachel dies in childbirth near Ephrath (Bethlehem), and their son Benjamin is born.
c. 1880 BC— this verse
Settlement near Tower of Edar
Jacob pitches his tents beyond the Tower of Edar, a place likely used by shepherds, situated south of Bethlehem.
c. 1870 BC
Joseph is sold into slavery
Jacob's favorite son, Joseph, is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, leading Jacob to believe he is dead.
c. 1850 BC
Death of Isaac
Jacob's father, Isaac, dies at the age of 180, and is buried by his sons Jacob and Esau.
This passage directly references the 'Tower of the Flock' (which Eder is understood to mean) as a place of pasturage and watchfulness, highlighting its significance for shepherds and as a vantage point.
Luke 2:8The traditional identification of the Tower of Eder as the place where the angels appeared to the shepherds announcing the birth of Christ powerfully links this seemingly ordinary location to the grand narrative of salvation.
Genesis 37:14When Joseph is sent to find his brothers, he is directed to Hebron, and this verse places the 'Tower of Eder' geographically between Bethlehem (Ephrath) and Hebron, showing Jacob's continued proximity to his father Isaac.
Genesis 49:3-4This passage, Jacob's blessing on his sons, directly alludes to Reuben's incestuous act, which occurred around the time of Rachel's death near the Tower of Eder, showing the deep spiritual and familial consequences unfolding.
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…
The text subtly highlights Jacob's new identity as "Israel," signifying his renewed walk with God, even as he's facing personal loss and setting up camp again. The mention of the "tower of Edar," meaning "tower of the flock," foreshadows the future landscape where shepherds would watch their flocks, a scene famously associated with the announcement of Jesus' birth.
Following the death of his beloved Rachel and the birth of Benjamin, Jacob, now also called Israel, journeys onward from Bethlehem. He pitches his tent near the "Tower of the Flock," a significant landmark that would later be associated with the shepherds who witnessed Jesus' birth. This move places him back in proximity to his aging father Isaac in Hebron, marking a return to the land promised to Abraham.
Following the death of his beloved Rachel and the birth of Benjamin, Jacob, now also called Israel, journeys onward from Bethlehem. He pitches his tent near the "Tower of the Flock," a significant landmark that would later be associated with the shepherds who witnessed Jesus' birth. This move places him back in proximity to his aging father Isaac in Hebron, marking a return to the land promised to Abraham.
"Israel journeyed on and pitched his tent beyond the tower of Eder. While Israel lived in that land, Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine. And Israel heard of it.
Now the sons of Jacob were twelve." — The text subtly highlights Jacob's new identity as "Israel," signifying his renewed walk with God, even as he's facing personal loss and setting up camp again. The mention of the "tower of Edar," mea…
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Last reviewed October 2026
