November – 18 – Jacob’s Dream

Sunday School Lesson

 November 18

Jacob’s Dream

 

Devotional Reading: Psalm 42:1–5

Background Scripture: Genesis 28:10–22

 

Genesis 28:10–22

10. And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran.

 

11. And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.

 

12. And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

 

13. And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;

 

14. And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.

 

15. And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.

 

16. And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not.

 

17. And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.

 

18. And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.

 

19. And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first.

 

20. And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,

 

21. So that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God:

 

22. And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.

 

Key Verse

Behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.

—Genesis 28:15

 

Lesson Aims

After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:

 

1. Tell what Jacob saw in his dream, what God told him, and how Jacob responded.

 

2. Compare and contrast how people memorialize things with how Jacob did so.

 

3. Share with the class one way God has provided for him or her.

 

HOW TO SAY IT

Beersheba	Beer-she-buh.
Bethel	Beth-ul.
Canaan	Kay-nun.
Chaldees	Kal-deez.
Ebenezer	Eb-en-ee-zer.
Esau	Ee-saw.
Hagar	Hay-gar.
Haran	Hair-un.
Ishmael	Ish-may-el.
Laban	Lay-bun.
Melchizedek	Mel-kiz-eh-dek.
Nathanael	Nuh-than-yull (th as in thin).
Terah	Tair-uh.
ziggurat	zih-guh-rat.

Introduction

1. From Scripture to Song

The Scripture text today from Genesis 28 records Jacob’s experience with God via a dream one night as he was departing from Canaan. The passage has prompted two well known songs over the years. One is the African American slave spiritual “We Are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder.” The other is the hymn “Nearer, My God, to Thee.” The latter is perhaps best known as the song that the musicians on board the Titanic purportedly began to play as the ship plunged into the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean on that tragic April night in 1912. Much of the content of this hymn is based on the incident found in today’s text.

While the words and melody of this hymn are comforting to hear or sing, we must remember that Jacob’s circumstances in Genesis 28 were very uncertain. He was on the run from his angry brother, Esau. Jacob’s self-exile had him traveling to a place he had never been, and moving beyond the territory of the promised land for the first time.

When would he be able to return home? What did the future hold? Jacob came to realize that what he was leaving behind did not include the blessing and protection of God. God had his future well in hand.

 

1. Lesson Context

When Esau realized that he had been outwitted by his brother Jacob (for the second time), he determined to kill Jacob, though not until after Isaac’s death. Rebekah learned of Esau’s plan and urged Jacob to flee northward to Haran (Genesis 27:41–45). This was the place where Abraham stopped and stayed for a time on his way from Ur of the Chaldees to Canaan. Abraham’s father, Terah, had died in Haran (11:32), and apparently Abraham’s brother Nahor had decided to remain there. Jacob was thus being sent to stay with family, specifically with Rebekah’s brother Laban (see lesson 9).

Rebekah then spoke to Isaac about her dislike for the Hittite women in the region (two of whom Esau had previously married) and her concern that Jacob might marry one of them (Genesis 27:46). This persuaded Isaac to do what his father Abraham’s servant had done for him years before: secure a wife for Isaac from his family in the area of Haran. Isaac, however, did not send a servant to do this; he sent Jacob himself (28:1, 2). Isaac may well have been aware of Esau’s intentions to kill Jacob.

Genesis 28:6–9 notes that when Esau recognized that Isaac had sent Jacob away to find a wife, Esau married a daughter of Ishmael (Abraham’s first son by Hagar). Thus Esau married someone with closer family ties. He seems to have desired to lessen Isaac and Rebekah’s disappointment with him on account of the Hittite women he had married.

 

1. Moving Away

(Genesis 28:10–15)

1. Jacob’s Departure (v. 10)
2. And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran.

Beersheba is the town where Isaac had eventually settled, following a series of disputes with the Philistines over the ownership of certain wells (Genesis 26:15–33). A journey from Beersheba to Haran, where Jacob’s relatives live, is approximately 550 miles. This is quite a journey for someone who is used to “dwelling in tents” (25:27)!

Genesis 26:34 states that Esau to be 40 years old when he marries two Hittite women. Jacob’s age when he leaves his parents to find a wife is not stated. Circumstantial data based on subsequent events are used by some scholars to suggest him to be age 77 when he leaves his parents. An alternative viewpoint calculates an age of 57.

 

1. Jacob’s Dream (vv. 11–15)

11a. And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set.

 

Later we learn that the certain place where Jacob stops for the night is the town of Luz (Genesis 28:19). It is approximately 60 miles north of Beersheba, so it may take Jacob a few days to reach that point in his travels. With no streetlights or flashlights available to illuminate the way, travelers of the era must stop when the sun sets. Even if the moon were full, walking would be problematic.

Two meals per day are customary, and perhaps Jacob has the second of these before bedding down for the night. His meal may be something his mother prepared for him, which is possible at this stage of the journey. But Jacob will have to live off the land as the journey progresses.

What Do You Think? What “at a minimum” preparations should we make before embarking on a physical, emotional, and/or spiritual transition?   Digging Deeper How do we know where and when to draw the line between preparations God expects us to make and stuff we are to trust Him for?

11b. And he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.

 

We may wonder how Jacob intends to get much sleep if he is using stones … for his pillows! We will discover the importance of this detail when we get to Genesis 28:18, below. And this will be no ordinary night of sleep in any case.

 

12a. And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven.

 

The ladder of which Jacob dreams is generally believed not to be the type of runged ladder familiar to us. Rather, it is likely part of a structure known as a ziggurat.

A ziggurat resembles a pyramid in shape, but includes steps that one climbs until reaching a platform at the top. An altar or shrine may be there, used by worshippers for sacrifices or other religious ritual.

 

12b. And behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

 

Probably more captivating to Jacob than the structure is what he sees on it. Angels will play an important part in the account of Jacob’s life, particularly from the standpoint of his spiritual pilgrimage (Genesis 32:1, 24). In the case before us, he dreams of them.

Centuries later, Jesus seems to comment on this incident very early in His ministry. It happens during His first meeting with Nathanael, who becomes one of His disciples. Expressing astonishment at what Jesus knows about him, Nathanael declares Jesus to be both the Son of God and the King of Israel (John 1:49). In response, Jesus declares that Nathanael will witness “greater things” (1:50).

One such thing will be seeing “heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man” (John 1:51). The implication is that Jesus will serve the function of a ladder as He bridges the gap between Heaven and earth, between the holy God and sinful humanity. This happens through His death and resurrection.

 

13a. And, behold, the Lord stood above it.

 

Archaeologists have discovered that the steps of pagan ziggurats are for gods to descend to earth. What Jacob sees, however, is different: the Lord stands above the ladder and makes no move to descend. What exact form Jacob sees is unknown to us. But it is likely more awe-inspiring and glorious than the angels.

 

13b. And said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed.

As the Lord speaks to Jacob, it is worth noting that He says nothing whatsoever about Jacob’s deceptive actions toward his father and his brother. That is not what this wanderer from home needs to hear at this point. Instead, God reaffirms the covenant promises made to grandfather Abraham and father Isaac.

The promise embraces two important elements: the land and Jacob’s descendants (seed). The fact that the land will be given to Jacob’s seed means that he will have a wife and at least one child. Such an affirmation is likely intended to provide much-needed assurance to Jacob, since he will soon be leaving the territory of the land of promise to go to Haran. Perhaps Jacob has been wondering if and how the promise will be affected by his departure from the land (or by his treatment of his father and brother). If he harbors any such doubts, God has come to ease them.

 

14a. And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south.

This language reflects God’s promises to Abraham. The phrase shall be as the dust of the earth was used when Abraham separated from Lot and as Abraham was promised all the land he could see (Genesis 13:14–18). Jacob may have heard about this from his grandfather personally, for Jacob was 15 when Abraham died (computed from 21:5; 25:7, 20, 26).

 

14b. And in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.

 

This part of the message was first stated in Genesis 12:3, when Abraham was leaving Haran (the place Jacob is now headed). To bless all the families of the earth has been God’s larger plan all along. It is not a new element.

 

What Do You Think? What are some ways our church can better participate in fulfilling God’s promises in Genesis 28:14 in light of Matthew 28:19, 20?   Digging Deeper Evaluate how Acts 3:24–26 and Galatians 3:7–9 should direct your efforts.

15. And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.

 

God’s promise I am with thee is one of the most common and reassuring statements in Scripture (see Genesis 26:24; Isaiah 41:10; 43:5; Jeremiah 1:8, 19; 15:20; 42:11; 46:28; Haggai 1:13; 2:4; Matthew 28:20; Acts 18:10). For Jacob these words provide further encouragement as he embarks on life as a fugitive and a sojourner. In pagan thinking, gods are local, not global. They are limited to the territory or country that they rule. But Jacob, though he is moving away from the land promised to his grandfather and father, is not moving away from the presence or protection of God. Finding a place outside of God’s “jurisdiction” is impossible (Psalm 139:7–12).

 

What Do You Think? Which Scriptures do you find most useful in reminding you of God’s presence? Why?   Digging Deeper How do you resist slipping into a passive “God will take care of it” mind-set whenever you meditate on those texts?

The landscape covered by God’s promises to Jacob is quite extensive: the Lord will keep him throughout his travels, bring him back to his homeland, and fulfill everything He has promised to Jacob. In fact, God says I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. This does not mean that once God’s promises have been fulfilled, Jacob is on his own. It expresses the degree of God’s commitment to keeping His word.

Leaving Home

I grew up in the Midwest, then moved to California several decades ago, where I quickly adapted to Western culture. Six years later I was invited to interview for a ministry in the Midwest.

As my plane flew over the Sierra Nevada, I looked down on Yosemite National Park, which had become one of my favorite places in God’s creation. I wondered if it was a good idea to leave California’s diverse natural beauty, which I had grown to love. Then I reminded myself that God might be calling me, and I should be open to the invitation.

The interview went well until a member of the church board said, “It looks to me like you’ve moved around a lot.” In that moment, I knew a “city feller” from California would have an uphill battle relating to, and winning the hearts of, these fine people. Their outlook had been shaped by the fact that many had never lived anywhere but the small town in which they’d been born! We mutually agreed that I could more effectively minister in my new home in the West.

When Jacob left home, we easily imagine his mixed feelings, since he was leaving familiar land and people. But one night he had a magnificent dream in which the Lord promised to be with him. We should not expect such a dream today (Hebrews 1:1, 2). God sometimes communicates His will through doors He opens (1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 4:3). But we should not overlook the fact that the declarations and examples in Scripture are our primary source of assurance. And one of those examples is God’s providential protection of Jacob.

—C. R. B.

 

1. Marking the Place

(Genesis 28:16–19)

1. Acknowledging God (vv. 16, 17)
2. And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not.

 

Jacob seems to awaken as soon as the dream ends, while it is yet night. His amazement that the Lord is in this place is probably due to the fact that the spot seems very ordinary. There is nothing especially holy about it. Jacob is learning that God can make the most ordinary location holy by His presence; this is a truth that Moses will come to realize in his day (Exodus 3:5).

 

17. And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.

 

Fear kicks in. The word dreadful indicates a place to be dreaded or feared. (The words afraid and dreadful are derived from the same Hebrew word.) Many today express desire to have a face-to-face discussion with God. But Jacob’s experience is cautionary. The phrase the house of God is considered in Genesis 28:19, below.

 

1. Anointing the Stone (vv. 18, 19)
2. And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.

 

Perhaps Jacob lies awake the rest of the night, reflecting on the contents of the dream, replaying it over and over in his mind. Any paralysis in that regard gives way to action when he arises early in the morning.

The stone that he had put for his pillows now serves a different purpose. The oil he pours upon the top of it serves to consecrate the place. Oil is often used in the Old Testament to set apart priests and kings. But it will also come to be used on objects (example: Exodus 30:22–29); the one we see here is the first such. A single stone may not constitute a pillar to our thinking today; but the important point is commemorating an event, not the size of the memorial.

 

19. And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first.

 

Bethel means in Hebrew “house of God,” which reflects Jacob’s earlier declaration in verse 17. Ironically and sadly, Bethel later becomes the site where the first king of the northern kingdom of divided Israel builds one of his golden calves to keep the people from going to Jerusalem to worship at the temple there (1 Kings 12:28, 29). Archaeologists have not been able to determine with certainty the location.

What Do You Think? How can we improve the ways we use (or don’t use) naming practices to remind us of things and actions of God?   Digging Deeper Give an example of when a naming or renaming practice was successful in this regard and one when it wasn’t. Explain why in both cases.

III. Making a Vow

(Genesis 28:20–22)

1. God’s Provision (vv. 20, 21a)

20, 21a. And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace.

Vows have not been seen prior to this point in Old Testament history. Regulations for making vows will later be included within the Law of Moses (Numbers 30:1–16). Jacob’s vow echoes the words God had spoken to him in his dream (Genesis 28:15).

 

1. Jacob’s Pledge (vv. 21b, 22)

21b, 22a. Then shall the Lord be my God: and this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house.

 

Jacob’s vow should be viewed as different from vows that are sometimes made to God in the heat of a crisis or emergency. Jacob is making his vow based on what God has revealed to him.

One must also keep in mind that this vow is coming from someone who is just beginning to understand what trusting in God means. Jacob has a lengthy journey ahead of him, in terms of both miles and spiritual maturity. When Jacob promises then shall the Lord be my God, he is pledging that at the end of his journey his personal relationship with the Lord will be far deeper than what it is now.

What Do You Think? How can we create ways to remember and celebrate what God has promised and done?   Digging Deeper What dangers present themselves by adding memorial aids to those God has already provided (example: the Lord’s Supper)?

22b. And of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.

 

Jacob’s additional promise to give the tenth has a precedent in Genesis 14:17–20, where Abraham offered a tenth to Melchizedek. As with vows, tithing will also be covered in the Law of Moses (Numbers 18:21–29; Deuteronomy 14:22–29).

The tithe, or tenth, in the ancient world was usually a tax given to a ruler. The context shows that Jacob’s desire to give a tenth to God is in appreciation for God’s working through him to accomplish God’s purposes.

 

Taking Vows Seriously

“I take thee to my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health.” So begin the traditional wedding vows spoken by millions of couples in days gone by. Today, however, we might hear something like this: “I promise to love and cherish you as much as I do our dog, Spot.” Or this: “I promise to grab your toes with my toes when we cuddle at night, and when old age has robbed my toes of their monkey-like dexterity, I will just place my feet gently against yours until we fall asleep together like we always have.” (Yes, both of these can be found on the Internet as serious suggestions!)

The first of these comes from the stilted Old English of the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer. The second may be an example of how pets have come to replace children in the family plans of many couples. And the third may be seen as a clever way of saying, “My love for you isn’t based on the agile, youthful bodies we have today.”

Jacob’s vow to follow God may have been stated in common language, but he was serious in what he was promising. He based his vow to God on his solemn trust in God’s faithfulness. Whatever our vows, in whatever circumstances, we should make them just as seriously.

—C. R. B.

 

Conclusion

1. “Stopping” Stones

We have seen in our study today how something very common, a stone, became something very special for Jacob as he marked the place where God appeared to him. Years later, he stopped at the same place and used a stone yet again to remember God’s faithfulness to him through very turbulent years. The prophet Samuel used a stone to commemorate the Lord’s deliverance of His people during a battle. He called the stone “Ebenezer,” meaning in Hebrew “stone of help” (1 Samuel 7:12).

It is important for us to stop and mark times when the Lord has demonstrated His faithfulness to us or answered our prayers. Our memorial does not have to be a stone (it probably will not be), nor do we have to pour oil on it. It could be a card someone sent, a picture, a gift, a copy of an e-mail. In fact, any object, though as common as a stone, can serve the purpose—if it reminds us to stop at a specific time during our busy schedules and thank God for blessing us.

To pause and remember spiritual landmarks can be a source of great reassurance and encouragement to us. That is especially so when our own times become as turbulent as Jacob’s did.

 

1. Prayer

Father, thank You for the many ways You have shown the unfailing nature of Your love. You have been abundantly faithful to us; yet in the hectic pace of life we often fail to stop and acknowledge our gratitude. May we do that not only in private settings but also before those who need our testimony. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

1. Thought to Remember

Remember God’s faithfulness to you—in tangible ways.^[1]

 

 

Kid’s Corner

Where is the House of God Today?

November 18, 2018

Genesis 28:10-22

 

Genesis 28:10-22

(Genesis 28:10) Then Jacob departed from Beersheba and went toward Haran.

Beersheba means “Well of the Oath,” where Abraham and Abimelech made an oath, and where Abraham planted a tamarisk tree and called “on the name of the LORD, the Eternal God” (Genesis 21:22-34). The wells Abraham dug there made it an excellent place for Abraham, Isaac and his family to settle. Knowing that Esau wanted to murder him for his deception and betrayal, Jacob easily became convinced that he should obey his father, Isaac, and go to Haran to seek a wife. He was to go to the same family of Abraham’s in Haran where Abraham’s servant had fetched Rebekah to be Isaac’s wife. Esau would not see his brother again until Jacob returned with Leah and Rachel and their children. Rebecca would never see Jacob again in this life. Before Jacob left, Isaac gave him the blessing of Abraham for him and his descendants (Genesis 28:3-5).

(Genesis 28:11) He came to a certain place and spent the night there, because the sun had set; and he took one of the stones of the place and put it under his head, and lay down in that place.

Having left his family behind, Jacob traveled alone (as he thought, for he would soon see angels). On his first night away from home, Jacob slept under the stars. The stone served as a head support. Though he had Isaac’s blessing, he did not take the inheritance due to him that would have resulted from also having Esau’s birthright. Since Jacob returned to Esau a wealthy man and gave Esau many gifts, it appears Jacob never claimed the financial rewards that accompanied possessing Esau’s birthright. What would be most important for Jacob and his children was the blessing that would bless many descendants after him and eventuate in the birth of Jesus Christ, a blessing that would bless Jews and Gentiles.

(Genesis 28:12) He had a dream, and behold, a ladder was set on the earth with its top reaching to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.

The LORD gave Jacob a vision and spoke to him as he slept. The LORD reassured Jacob that he was not alone. The ladder probably appeared more as a staircase that the angels used to do the bidding of God on earth. God reaches from heaven to earth to bless His people. The tower of Babel was an opposite situation, where some wanted to go up to heaven using a tower with a stairway to take their place in heaven (with God or as gods) instead of filling the earth as God had commanded them (see Genesis 11:1-9).

(Genesis 28:13) And behold, the LORD stood above it and said, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie, I will give it to you and to your descendants.

Whereas angels ascended and descended to fulfill God’s plans for them and others on the earth, the LORD himself stood “above” the ladder (the NRSV reads that the LORD stood “beside him” and spoke to him directly, as he had done with Abraham. The LORD identified himself as the God of his father and grandfather, and Jacob knew about what God had done in their lives. God reaffirmed that He would keep His promise to Abraham and Isaac through him. He too would have offspring, and he would live in the Promised Land and so would his descendants; the land God promised to Abraham and Isaac, the land his descendants would possess when Joshua led them into the land of Canaan.

(Genesis 28:14) “Your descendants will also be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and in you and in your descendants shall all the families of the earth be blessed.

God gave Jacob the same promise He gave to Abraham and Isaac, which was also the blessing Isaac had bestowed upon Jacob after Jacob stole Esau’s blessing. The promised Way of Salvation would not be through Esau to the Messiah. God would bless Esau and his descendants in other ways, and Esau also became a wealthy man. God would not forsake them, and if they chose, they could pass on the truth of the LORD to their descendants. The promised Way of Salvation would be through Jacob and his descendants (the Jews) to Jesus the Messiah, who would bless all people, including the descendants of Esau and all who would believe in Him.

(Genesis 28:15) “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

Though Jacob thought he had left home alone and with few possessions, God was with him and promised to be with him and bring him back to the land he was leaving. God would do this because of His promise to Abraham and Isaac, and not because Jacob deserved the blessing or because he had stolen Esau’s blessing. God reassured Jacob that He would be with him until He had done all He promised (which was equivalent to never leaving him). In the life of Jacob, we get a glimpse of God’s grace to the undeserving. We also get a glimpse of God’s faithfulness to the children of those who are faithful and obedient to Him (as were Abraham and Isaac).

(Genesis 28:16) Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it.”

Jacob woke from his dream knowing that he had experienced a real encounter with God, an encounter that was consistent with God’s promises and work in the lives of Abraham and Isaac. The ladder of the LORD was in that place, and the LORD had come to see him in that place, and the LORD was with him and in that place, but Jacob had not known this until his encounter with God. Jacob’s experience does not mean that that is the only place where God has a ladder from heaven to earth for angels to ascend and descend. Rather, wherever Jacob went there would be a ladder, so God’s angels could come and meet his needs whenever God sent them. God’s ladder is with everyone who trusts in Him.

(Genesis 28:17) He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”

Though the LORD had spoken words of comfort to Jacob, Jacob could justifiably feel afraid when he thought about his meeting with God. He probably knew he deserved God’s just punishment for his deception of his father and theft from Esau. He was fleeing from Esau to save his life only to meet God, the Judge of all the earth. Rather than pronounce judgment against Jacob, God had graciously extended promises to bless him in his life’s journey. God did so for the sake of His promises to Abraham and Isaac. Later, Jacob would learn by experience the heartache that deception can bring to people.

(Genesis 28:18) So Jacob rose early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up as a pillar and poured oil on its top.

Just as Abraham rose early to honor God with his obedience, so Jacob rose early to honor God by transforming where he slept into a memorial and place for the worship of God. The stone for his head may have been long and cylindrical to make a pillar when stood on end. Jacob poured oil on top. Oil would later be used to anoint priests in ceremonies as established by the law of Moses. Oil was often used for ceremonial purposes to set apart something common to make it sacred for holy use.

(Genesis 28:19) He called the name of that place Bethel; however, previously the name of the city had been Luz.

The pillar would enable Jacob to find Bethel again when he returned home from Haran: Bethel means “house of God.” The pillar in its position would be seen by others as a sacred place and probably would not be disturbed. Unfortunately, pagan religions (and even Israel during times of spiritual decline) would worship pillars as idols or worship false gods at pillars. Since Jacob would not come back for 20 years, it is good that he set up that pillar as a memorial that he would recognize later.

(Genesis 28:20) Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me on this journey that I take, and will give me food to eat and garments to wear,

Jacob was motivated by appreciation and thankfulness to God for promising to be with him and bless him. Though Jacob said “if,” he knew that God had promised to be with him, and he asked God for the basic necessities of life (food and clothing) on his journey and wherever he stayed. Jacob wanted to make a covenant with God in response to God’s grace. Jacob wanted to show his thankfulness to God when he said what he said. Not wealth, but the blessing of Abraham from Isaac and from the LORD was of most importance to him.

(Genesis 28:21) and I return to my father’s house in safety, then the LORD will be my God.

Jacob wanted to return to his father’s house in peace, knowing that Esau wanted to murder him. That was all he asked of God upon his return. He did not ask for the birthright inheritance that he had bargained with Esau to get for the financial rewards that went with the birthright. He only asked for peace, and that meant peace with his brother. If Jacob had tried to claim Esau’s birthright, he could not have returned home in peace. God granted Jacob his request when he returned home twenty years later. God also gave Jacob great wealth (probably as much or more than the inherited birthright would have been). The LORD would be his God because he would know by experience that the LORD had the grace and power to meet all his needs, even when situations seemed impossible (such as the situation with his brother Esau, who hated him for his deception).

(Genesis 28:22) “This stone, which I have set up as a pillar, will be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.”

Jacob promised to make Bethel a place of worship, and he promised to give one-tenth of all God gave him for God to use as God saw fit in the maintenance of a place of worship. God did not require this of Jacob, but Jacob wanted to show his appreciation to God because of all he received from the hand of God. Abraham gave one-tenth to King Melchizedek of Salem (see Genesis 14:18-20). Later, Moses would tell the Israelites to bring a tithe or one-tenth to the LORD.

 

Where is the House of God Today?

November 18, 2018

Genesis 28:10-22

“Jacob was afraid and said, ‘How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven’” (Genesis 28:17).

On his way to find a wife and escape the wrath of his brother, Jacob stopped near Luz and used a stone pillar for a pillow. That night, he dreamed and saw angels going up and down a ladder between heaven and earth. From above the ladder, the LORD told Jacob that he would be the descendant of Abraham through whom God would fulfill His promises to Abraham and Isaac. The LORD reaffirmed that he and his descendants would receive the land God promised. His descendants would spread throughout the earth. All peoples on earth would be blessed by him and his offspring. Furthermore, the LORD would always watch over him. From the Bible and throughout history since then, we know God kept all these promises. Jacob was so overwhelmed that he called the place Bethel, which means “the house of God.” Because the kings of Israel set up idols in Bethel, its name was changed to Beth-aven, which meant “the house of nothingness” or “the house of idols.” During the existence of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, the Hebrews went to different places to meet with God. After Jesus the Messiah came, He sent the Holy Spirit to indwell His followers. To explain this fact, Paul wrote to the Christians in Corinth: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Now, God abides within those who worship Him.

 

Thinking Further

 Where is the House of God Today?

November 18, 2018

Genesis 28:10-22

Name ______________________________

 

 

1. How did God identify himself to Jacob? Why should this way of identification be important to Jacob?

 

 

 

2. What did the LORD promise Jacob? Why was this promise important?

 

 

 

3. What did the LORD say He would do specifically and personally for Jacob?

 

 

 

4. How did Jacob describe the place where God met him?

 

 

 

5. What did Jacob promise God?

 

 

 

Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further

 

1. How did God identify himself to Jacob? Why should this way of identification be important to Jacob? God identified himself using the name that God had revealed to his father and grandfather. Jacob would have known that LORD [Jehovah or Yahweh] was God’s name. The LORD was the God of Abraham and Isaac, and they worshiped and obeyed the LORD. Jacob would have been taught by them to worship and obey the LORD as they had done. God the LORD wanted Jacob to know personally that He would be Jacob’s God also, and He wanted Jacob to worship and obey Him as Abraham and Isaac had obeyed Him. This way of identification was important because Jacob needed to know that he was talking with the true God, the LORD.

 

2. What did the LORD promise Jacob? Why was this promise important? The LORD promised Jacob the same promise He had given to Jacob’s father and grandfather. The promise included the same land area, and the promise included children. The promise included the same number of descendants that the Lord had promised Abraham: “like the dust of the earth” (see Genesis 13:16 and Genesis 28:14). The promise included the fact that “all the families of the earth shall be blessed in you” (see Genesis 12:3 and Genesis 28:14). The promise was important to encourage Jacob in many ways. The promise was important so Bible readers could see how God kept His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to the coming of Jesus the Messiah, whose life, death, and resurrection blesses all the families of the earth. The promise was important so Jacob would know that the blessings he received were not because he had stolen Esau’s blessing, but the blessings he received were because God was keeping His promise to Abraham and Isaac through him and his descendants. God was not rewarding Jacob for his deception; instead, God was doing through Jacob what He planned to do before Jacob was born. Later, Jacob would suffer from deception and would learn by experience how Esau must have felt when he deceived his brother. Later, he would seek to make amends to his brother.

 

3. What did the LORD say He would do specifically and personally for Jacob? The LORD said He would be with Jacob: He said He would keep or protect Jacob wherever he went (in other words, God would be wherever Jacob was rather than being like the local idols that were tied to certain areas of land or that had to be carried from place to place when people moved to new locations). God said He would bring Jacob back to the land that he was leaving. Since God would not leave Jacob until He had fulfilled His promise, God would never leave him (the promise of God included numerous offspring); however, Jacob would feel abandoned by God in some situations later; such as, situations regarding his sons Joseph and Benjamin. He would need to carry on by faith, despite his feelings.

 

4. How did Jacob describe the place where God met him? How would you describe the place where you meet with God? Jacob described the place as awesome, the house of God, the gate of heaven. Think of places where you have felt or feel exceptionally close to God, describe these places. Even if you do not feel the exceptional presence of God all the time, describe the place where you meet with God.

 

5. What did Jacob promise God? The LORD would be his God (as Abraham and Isaac had made the LORD their God); therefore, he would always worship and obey the LORD. He would set aside the place where he met God as a place where he would worship the LORD, as a place he called God’s house. He would give one tenth to the LORD. Co

 

Word Search

Where is the House of God Today?

November 18, 2018

Genesis 28:10-22

Name ___________________________

 

P W O D B S E U J F U K U R I

I M Y F A C P H Q G Y B Y H Y

H D V K G E W L K C T O S L B

E E Q X E D R E A M D A V J F

A G N L A B E H S R E E B X M

V N S O M V D M D E S S E L B

E I S K T X S L E G N A E H Y

N R U X E S O C W V J H C A A

I P S A F T J F P A T R Y R W

A S E Z N D Z A C E Q S Z A R

Z F J A L W Y O B U O W F N I

U F G O S U B Z D V N P I W A

J O R P R O M I S E D M L R T

M D L O L E Q A K N C U W E S

A Y V M R B G H L W O A C Q S

 

Jacob

Beersheba

Haran

Stone

Sleep

Dream

Stairway

Heaven

Angels

LORD

Offspring

Peoples

Blessed

Promised

Bethel

 

 

True and False Test

Where is the House of God Today?

November 18, 2018

Genesis 28:10-22

Name ____________________________

 

Circle the true or false answers. Correct the false statements by restating them.

 

1. Beersheba means “Beer from a root” or “Root Beer.” True or False

 

2. Jacob left the “Well of the Oath” for Haran. True or False

 

3. Jacob found a stone for a pillow and had a dream. True or False

 

4. Jacob saw a ladder or stairway between earth and heaven. True or False

 

5. Jacob climbed the ladder with the angels to see the LORD. True or False

 

6. The LORD said He was the father of Abraham and the God of Isaac. True or False

 

7. The LORD promised not to leave Jacob until he returned to Beersheba. True or False

 

8. Jacob asked the LORD to give him camels, sheep, gold, and silver. True or False

 

9. The LORD told Jacob that if he tithed and did well that the He would bless everyone on earth through him and his descendants. True or False

 

10. Jacob called the place Bethel, which means “House of God.” True or False

 

True and False Test Answers

Genesis 28:10-22

 

1. False
2. True
3. True
4. True
5. False
6. True
7. False
8. False
9. False

      10.True

 

Prayer

Father, thank You for the many ways You have shown the unfailing nature of Your love. You have been abundantly faithful to us; yet in the hectic pace of life we often fail to stop and acknowledge our gratitude. May we do that not only in private settings but also before those who need our testimony. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.