Genesis 28:22

22._And this stone which I have set for a pillar_. This ceremony was an appendage to divine worship; for external rites do not make men true worshippers of God, but are only aids to piety. But because the holy fathers were then at liberty to erect altars wherever they pleased, Jacob poured a libation upon the stone, because he had then no other sacrifice to offer; not that he worshipped God according to his own will, (for the direction of the Spirit was instead of the written law,) but he erected in that place a stone — as he was permitted to do by the kindness and permission of God, which should be a testimony of the vision. Moreover, this form of speech, that the stone shall be Beth-el, is _metonymical_; as we are sanctioned, by common usage, to transfer to external signs what properly belongs to the things represented. I have lately shown how ignorantly posterity has abused this holy...

20-22 Jacob made a solemn vow on this occasion. In this observe, 1. Jacob's faith. He trusts that God will be with him, and will keep him; he depends upon it. 2. Jacob's moderation in his desires. He asks not for soft clothing and dainty meat. If God give us much, we are bound to be thankful, and to use it for him; if he gives us but little, we are bound to be content, and cheerfully to enjoy him in it. 3. Jacob's piety, and his regard to God, appear in what he desired, that God would be with him, and keep him. We need desire no more to make us easy and happy. Also his resolution is, to cleave to the Lord, as his God in covenant. When we receive more than common mercy from God, we should abound in gratitude to him. The tenth is a fit proportion to be devoted to God, and employed for him; though it may be more or less, as God prospers us, 1 Corinthians 16:2. Let us then remember our Beth...

Verse Genesis 28:22. _THIS STONE SHALL BE GOD'S HOUSE_] That is, (as far as this matter refers to Jacob alone,) should I be preserved to return in safety, I shall worship God in this place. And this purpose he fulfilled, for there he built an altar, anointed it with oil, and _poured a drink-offering thereon_. For a practical use of Jacob's vision, Genesis 28:12. ON the doctrine of _tithes_, or an adequate support for the ministers of the Gospel, I shall here register my opinion. Perhaps a word may be borne from one who never received any, and has Done in prospect. _Tithes_ in their origin appear to have been a sort of _eucharistic offering_ made unto God, and probably were something similar to the _minchah_, which we learn from Gen. iv. w

- Jacob’s Journey to Haran 3. קהל _qâhāl_, “congregation.” 9. מחלת _māchălat_, Machalath, “sickness, or a harp.” 19. לוּז _lûz_, Luz, “almond.” The blessing of his sons was the last passage in the active life of Isaac, after which he retires from the scene. Jacob now becomes the leading figure in the sacred history. His spiritual character has yet come out to view. But even now we can discern the general distinction in the lives of the three patriarchs. Abraham’s is a life of authority and decision; Isaac’s, of submission and acquiescence; and Jacob’s, of trial and struggle. Genesis 28:1 Isaac has now become alive to the real destiny of Jacob. He therefore calls for

EXPOSITION GENESIS 28:10 AND JACOB WENT OUT FROM BEERSHEBA,—in obedience to his father's commandment to seek a wife (Genesis 28:2), but also in compliance with his mother's counsel to evade the wrath of Esau (Genesis 27:43; cf. Hosea 12:12. On Beersheba _vide _Genesis 21:31; Genesis 26:33—AND WENT TOWARDS HARAN—probably along the route traversed by Abraham's servant (cf....

AND THIS STONE, WHICH I HAVE SET FOR A PILLAR, SHALL BE GOD'S HOUSE,.... Building an altar of it with some others, and sacrificing to God on it; and wherever God is worshipped, that place is his house, be it what or where it will; and Jacob did as he promised to do, see Genesis 35:3: AND OF ALL THAT THOU SHALT GIVE ME, I WILL SURELY GIVE THE TENTH UNTO THEE; for the support of his worship; for the maintenance of such that were employed in it; for the provision of sacrifice, and for the relief of the poor, or for any use or service in which God might be glorified: this was imitated by the Heathens in later times, who gave the tenth of their substance to their gods, Jupiter, Hercules, and others w. w Herodot. Clio sive, l. 1. c. 89. Varro apud Macrob. Saturnal. l. 3. c. 12. Pompon. Laet. de Sacerdot. Rom. c. 3....

CHAPTER 28 JACOB'S DEPARTURE TO PADAN-ARAM AND HIS VISION _ 1. Isaac sends Jacob away and gives his blessing (Genesis 28:1)_ 2. Esau's action (Genesis 28:6) 3. Jacob's vision and vow (Genesis 28:10) We enter with this upon the interesting wanderings of the third patriarch, Jacob. God was pleased to reveal Himself to the three illustrious men, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, as He did not before. In Exodus 3:4 Jehovah reveals Himself to Moses and Jehovah calls Himself “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. This is My name forever.” In Abraham, as we have seen, we have the type of the Father; in

YAHWEH REVEALS HIMSELF TO JACOB AT BETHEL. This section is taken from J and E. To E Genesis 28:11 f., Genesis 28:17 f., Genesis 28:20_ a_, Genesis 28:22 may be assigned, to J Genesis 28:10; Genesis 28:13, and perhaps Genesis 28:19_ a_. This may be an insertion, so perhaps Genesis 2

AND THIS STONE... SHALL BE GOD'S HOUSE. If he returns, this place where the pillar marks the spot shall be. place of worship and recognized as God's house. By referring to Genesis 35:1-7, the reader will find how Jacob kept this vow on his return, twenty years later. PRACTICAL AND SUGGESTIVE. The "house of God" is found wherever. devout heart is lifted up to him in spirit and truth. The angel of the Lord encampeth around about those who fear and serve him. Though homeless and wanderers, if we be God's, the divine protection will be over us. Heaven is not afar off or inaccessible. The angels of God, though unseen, are constantly passing and repassing. Jesus is the WAY, and by him all may enter. "The Gate of Heaven" is wherever Christ is found. He is the Door. All "who keep his commandments shall have the right to enter through the gate into

THIS STONE. See verses: Genesis 28:11; Genesis 28:18. GOD'S HOUSE. Hebrew. _Beth-elohim,_ not Beth-el. TENTH. See App-15 and Compare Genesis 14:20....