Matthew Henry Commentary Genesis 35:21-29

"And Israel journeyed, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Eder. And it came to pass, while Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father`s concubine: and Israel heard of it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve: The sons of Leah: Reuben, Jacob`s first-born, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun; the sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin; and the sons of Bilhah, Rachel`s handmaid: Dan and Naphtali; and the sons of Zilpah, Leah`s handmaid: Gad and Asher: these are the sons of Jacob, that were born to him in Paddan-aram. And Jacob came unto Isaac his father to Mamre, to Kiriath-arba (the same is Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac sojourned. And the days of Isaac were a hundred and fourscore years. And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, old and full of days: and Esau and Jacob his sons buried him." — Genesis 35:21-29 (ASV)

How grievous an affliction Reuben's sin was is shown by the words, and Israel heard it. No more is said, but that is enough. Reuben thought that his father would never hear of it; but those who expect to keep their sins secret are generally disappointed.

The age and death of Isaac are recorded, though he did not die until after Joseph was sold into Egypt. Isaac lived about forty years after he had made his will (Genesis 27:2). We will not die an hour sooner, but much the better, for timely setting our hearts and houses in order.

Particular notice is taken of the agreement between Esau and Jacob at their father's funeral, to show how God had wonderfully changed Esau's mind. It is awful to witness relatives, sometimes for a small amount of this world's possessions, disputing over the graves of their friends, while they themselves are near the grave.