Genesis 28:10-22

This section taken from J and E follows upon Genesis 27:45. Observe the mention of Haran in Genesis 28:10 (cf. Genesis 27:43), and the mention of Beer-sheba as the dwelling-place of Isaac in Genesis 28:10 (cf. Genesis 26:23). Genesis 28:10; Genesis 28:13; Genesis 28:19are probably from J; Genesis 28:11; Genesis 28:17; Genesis 28:20from E.

This passage, recording Jacob's dream at Bethel, and the passage in Genesis 32:22-32, recording Jacob's wrestling with the Angel, relate the most famous and significant events in the narrative of the patriarch Jacob. The present passage is in some respects one of the most suggestive and impressive in religious literature. The distinctive features of the narrative have been an inspiration in the poetry and prose of religious literature, e.g. the hymn "Nearer, my God, to Thee."