Jacob's life experience includes dramatic events of blessing and sorrow. Having welcomed the visitation of God Himself at Bethel for a 2^nd time, Jacob leaves the 'gates of heaven' only to encounter great tragedy. Bitter providences soon visit the covenant son in the form of calamity, sin, and death. Jacob has attested with his pillars that the promises of God are stronger than exile, enemies, and horrific sin. Now he proclaims at Bethlehem, in spite of his most intense trials thus far, that the Word of God is stronger than death. The question Jacob faces at this chapter in his calling is: will the calamity of death that the sins of the next generation nullify the promises of the covenant? God, in His sovereignty, has sufficiently equipped Jacob for this trial by covenant renewal and confirmation (35:9-13). Only the personal and powerful Yahweh condescending to reveal His word to His servant, and then ascending in glory could grant Jacob the resolve he needed to face these troubles. The weeping of Rachel and the distress of Jacob prove emblematic and prophetic of future tribulations for the children of Israel (Jer 30:7, 31:15-17). Yet in each case, there remains the abiding hope of salvation and deliverance according to the gospel. In every age, believers face the prospect of calamity, sin, and death at some point in the course of life. However, like Jacob, we have received a visitation of the Lord Himself sufficient for the trials at hand. In Jesus Christ, God has condescended in covenant provision even as He ascended in glory to commission the presence and indwelling of His Holy Spirit to accompany us on our own journey unto the promised land of future glory. May we be strengthened, exhorted, and encouraged to trust God through our troubles.