Verse 2
2. Jacob said unto his household And not to his own immediate family of wives, concubines, and children only; but to all that were with him; servants and helpers of every class and grade . The voice of God inspired him to sudden and resolute action in stopping at once the tampering with idolatry, which had gone too far in his house . Three things he now commands:
Put away the strange gods The teraphim, which Rachel had superstitiously stolen and carried with her from her father’s house, (Genesis 31:19,) and similar images and charms in possession of other members of the household . Among the spoils of Shechem may also have been idolatrous images .
Be clean Rather, cleanse yourselves . This was doubtless to be done by ceremonial ablutions, but of what particular form we have no means of knowing.
Change your garments This would be another and marked token of their assuming a new and higher mode of religious life and action. Observe, there were priestly rites, and ceremonial purifications previous to the Mosaic legislation.
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