Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that [were] with him, Put away the strange gods that [are] among you, and be clean, and change your garments:
Ver. 2. Then Jacob said unto his household.] So Gideon began his reformation at his father's house. David also would walk wisely in the midst of his house; and this he calls "a perfect way," a sign of sincerity. Psa 101:2 This Psalm Bishop Ridley read over often to his family, hiring them to learn it by heart; and taking care that they might be a spectacle to all others of virtue and honesty.
Put away the strange gods.] Strange it was that such idols should be suffered among them. Calvin thinks that Jacob winked at Rachel's superstition, of a blind love to her; as Solomon gratified his mistresses of Moab. I should think rather that they were the idols of Shechem, brought into the house either by Jacob's sons and servants, or by the captive women.
Be clean, and change your garments.] God is to be approached unto with the best preparation we can make. Heathens saw that God is not to be drawn nigh unto, hand over head, but preparation to be made at home. a We wash us every day; but, when to dine with great ones, we wash us with balls, and put on our best.
a Oυκ εκ παροδου προσκυνειν, αλλ ' οικοθεν παρεσκυασμενοι. - Plut. Heathens had their caena pura before their solemn sacrifices. - Godw., Antiq.