Burying the Family Idols

Jacob kneels in the open countryside, digging into the earth as carved household idols stand beside the pit. The scene portrays the decisive moment when the foreign gods of his household are removed and buried before the family continues toward Bethel. In Genesis 35:2-4, Jacob commands his household to put away the strange gods among them, purify themselves, and change their garments; the burial of the idols under the oak near Shechem becomes an outward sign of renewed covenant loyalty. The image emphasizes repentance, cleansing, and the rejection of false worship, making it a strong visual for teaching on idolatry, family faithfulness, spiritual renewal, and obedience to the one true God. by Review & Herald Publishing