Genesis 28:18

The Stone of Bethel · Genesis 28:18–22
Read Genesis 28

Translations

Modern
Early the next morning, Jacob took the stone that he had placed under his head, and he set it up as a pillar. He poured oil on top of it,
Traditional
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.
Literal
And Jacob rose early in the morning, and he took the stone that he had put under his head, and he set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on top of it.
Latin
Surgens ergo Jacob mane, tulit lapidem quem supposuerat capiti suo, et erexit in titulum, fundens oleum desuper.

Original

Hebrew
English
Early the next morning, Jacob took the stone that he had placed under his head, and he set it up as a pillar. He poured oil on top of it,

Notes

Anointing with oil became a way of setting something apart for divine use in Israel’s worship (Exodus 29:1–7; 40:9; Leviticus 2:1; 1 Samuel 10:1).

The second part of the passage describes Jacob's response to God's revelation. He felt reverence and awe in God's presence. His acts of devotion became models for Israel's worship.

When God graciously visits his people and promises to be with them and make them a blessing to the world, his people respond in faith with reverence, worship, offerings, and vows. They preserve their faith in memory for future worshipers.

Even though Jacob used deceptive methods to get the blessing, God promised to protect and provide for him. The God of Abraham and Isaac was also the God of Jacob. This revelation greatly changed Jacob's perspective and brought faith into clearer focus.

Theme notes and profiles

Arameans Jacob Symbolic Numbers

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Anoint Bethel (Place), Bethelite Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of History of Israel Jacob Jacob’s Ladder Jeroboam Nathanael Patriarchs, Period of the Sanctuary Worship

Topics

Anointing in Consecration: Jacob's Pillar: At Beth-El Anointing your Home Beth-El: A City North of Jerusalem: The Place where Jacob Saw the Vision of the Ladder Early Rising: Jacob Jacob: God Confirms the Covenant of Abraham To Jacob: His Vision of the Ladder Morning: The Jews: Generally Rose Early In Pillar: Monuments Erected to Commemorate Events by Jacob, his Vision of Angels Pillars of Memorial: Often Anointed Pillars of Memorial: Sometimes of a Single Stone Pillars of Memorial: To Witness Vows Pillow: A Cushion Pillow: A Support for the Head: Stones Used For Religion: Outstanding Religious Persons: Jacob Rising: Jacob Sacred Anointing: Antiquity of Stones: Memorial Pillars of