Jacob: Received a Third Appearance From God

As God had appeared unto Jacob nearly thirty years before at Bethel (Genesis 28:10) and at the Brook Jabbok (32:24), He appeared a third time at Bethel (35:9). The years between Jacob's departure from his mother and father, and this third encounter with God, have not been wasted. Why? God is not in a hurry. Knowing Jacob's corrupt state, God was long-suffering. It's the same with us.