Genesis 28:18

Jacob rose up early in the morning.

Sleep had been banished by his wonderful vision. He would hardly have dared to lie down to sleep in. place that seemed the very house of God and gateway to heaven. The revelations called for worship, and. fitting recognition on his part. Hence, as soon as the daylight came, he proceeded to commemorate the events of the night. Took the stone that he had put for his pillows. He took the stone upon which his head had reposed, placed it in an upright position that it might stand as. permanent monument of the vision, and then poured oil upon it, thus anointing it, or consecrating it to God. This was an ancient method of consecration. Aaron and his sons were consecrated by the anointing of oil, when set apart to priestly work; Saul and David were anointed with oil, as kings of Israel. "A pillar erected and anointed was the most ancient monument that marked. consecrated spot or temple, excepting the altar of stones or earth for burnt sacrifice. Whether this is the first example of such erection we cannot determine."-- Browne. Jacob erected the pillar to indicate that this spot, under the open sky; was. Bethel,. house of God,. place where the Lord would descend from the opposite gate of heaven.