Genesis 35:5
And as they journeyed, a terror from God fell upon the cities that were around them, so that they did not pursue the sons of Jacob.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's truly striking here is the phrase "terror from God." This wasn't just a general fear; it was a direct, supernatural intervention, a divine pause button pressed on any potential pursuers. It highlights that God's protection isn't passive; He actively shields His people, instilling paralyzing fear in their enemies to ensure their safety.
After the horrific events in Shechem and the subsequent purification of his household, Jacob is ready to move on. As they leave the city, God intervenes supernaturally, causing overwhelming fear to fall upon the surrounding Canaanite cities. This divine intervention prevents any retaliation for the violence his sons had committed, allowing Jacob and his family to travel in peace toward Bethel.
Jacob's sons had just committed a brutal act of vengeance, leaving a whole city massacred. You'd expect retaliation! Yet, as Jacob's family left, a palpable fear stopped their enemies in their tracks. How does this 'terror of God' work?
The text says 'a terror from God' fell upon the surrounding cities. This wasn't just a natural fear; it was a supernatural dread inspired by the Almighty.
A Divine Mandate
What does it mean for a 'terror of God' to fall upon people? Is it a physical force, or something more internal? Let's unpack this unique biblical phrase.
The phrase 'terror of God' (or 'terror from God') appears a few times in Scripture, and it consistently points to a divinely induced, overwhelming dread or awe.
Understanding the Phrase
Understand the original words
hittah · Hebrew Noun
A divinely instilled state of dread or overwhelming fear placed upon the enemies of God's people. It is a manifestation of divine protection that prevents opposition and ensures the accomplishment of God's purposes.
This event highlights God's protective hand over His chosen family, intervening supernaturally to shield them from the repercussions of their actions and ensuring their safe passage through dangerous territory.
c. 1800 BC
Jacob's Arrival in Canaan
Jacob returns to Canaan after fleeing his brother Esau, settling temporarily near Shechem.
c. 1800 BC
Simeon and Levi's Vengeance
Jacob's sons, Simeon and Levi, brutally attack and pillage the city of Shechem to avenge their sister Dinah's dishonor.
c. 1800 BC
Jacob's Command for Purity
Following the incident at Shechem, Jacob instructs his household to purify themselves and put away foreign gods before relocating.
c. 1800 BC— this verse
Journey from Shechem to Bethel
Jacob and his family journey from Shechem towards Bethel, a place of previous divine encounter.
c. 1800 BC
This passage describes God sending 'terror' ahead of Israel as they conquer the land, mirroring how God's 'terror' protected Jacob's family from their enemies.
Joshua 2:9-11The spies from Jericho heard that the inhabitants were already struck with 'terror' because of Israel's God, demonstrating a similar divine panic affecting local populations.
1 Samuel 14:15-16During a battle, the enemy camp was thrown into a 'trembling' and confusion by God, showing how divine intervention can incapacitate adversaries without direct conflict.
Psalm 105:37-38This psalm recounts God bringing Israel out of Egypt with 'gold and silver' and no one stumbling, with a direct mention of 'terror' falling on their foes, echoing the protection given to Jacob.
gillGenesis 35:5: "And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob."
And they journeyed,.... Jacob and his family, with all that were with them, from Shechem to Bethel: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them; an exceeding great panic seized the inhabitants of the cities of the land of Canaan, all about Shechem, which was from God himself impressing it on their minds, through what…
clarkeGenesis 35:5: "And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob."
The terror of God - A supernatural awe sent by the Almighty, was upon the cities that were round about, so that they were not molested in their departure. This could be owing to nothing less than the especial providence of God.
What's truly striking here is the phrase "terror from God." This wasn't just a general fear; it was a direct, supernatural intervention, a divine pause button pressed on any potential pursuers. It highlights that God's protection isn't passive; He actively shields His people, instilling paralyzing fear in their enemies to ensure their safety.
After the horrific events in Shechem and the subsequent purification of his household, Jacob is ready to move on. As they leave the city, God intervenes supernaturally, causing overwhelming fear to fall upon the surrounding Canaanite cities. This divine intervention prevents any retaliation for the violence his sons had committed, allowing Jacob and his family to travel in peace toward Bethel.
After the horrific events in Shechem and the subsequent purification of his household, Jacob is ready to move on. As they leave the city, God intervenes supernaturally, causing overwhelming fear to fall upon the surrounding Canaanite cities. This divine intervention prevents any retaliation for the violence his sons had committed, allowing Jacob and his family to travel in peace toward Bethel.
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Death of Deborah
Rebekah's nurse, Deborah, dies while traveling with Jacob's household, showing the vulnerability of life even during divine protection.
c. 1800 BC
God Reaffirms Covenant at Bethel
God appears to Jacob again at Bethel, reiterating His promises and changing Jacob's name to Israel.
c. 1790 BC
Death of Isaac
Jacob's father, Isaac, dies at a great age, with both Jacob and Esau present for his burial.
"And as they journeyed, a terror from God fell upon the cities that were around them, so that they did not pursue the sons of Jacob." — What's truly striking here is the phrase "terror from God." This wasn't just a general fear; it was a direct, supernatural intervention, a divine pause button pressed on any potential pursuers. It…
