Genesis 28:22
And this stone I have set up as a pillar will be God's house, and of all that You give me I will surely give You a tenth."
And this stone
The word "stone" in Hebrew is "אֶבֶן" (eben). Stones in ancient times were often used as memorials or markers of significant events. Jacob's use of a stone here is symbolic, representing a tangible reminder of his encounter with God. In the broader biblical context, stones are frequently used to signify God's presence and faithfulness, as seen in the use of stones in altars and memorials throughout the Old Testament.

I have set up
The act of setting up the stone indicates a deliberate and intentional action by Jacob. In Hebrew, the verb "set up" is "יָצַב" (yatsav), which implies establishing something with purpose. This reflects Jacob's commitment to acknowledging God's presence and promises. It is a physical manifestation of his spiritual experience and vow.

as a pillar
The term "pillar" in Hebrew is "מַצֵּבָה" (matzevah). Pillars were often used in ancient Near Eastern cultures as monuments or markers. In the biblical narrative, pillars can signify a place of divine encounter or covenant. Jacob's pillar serves as a testament to his vision and the promises God made to him, marking the location as sacred.

will be God’s house
The phrase "God’s house" in Hebrew is "בֵּית אֱלֹהִים" (beit Elohim). This is significant as it foreshadows the later establishment of the temple, the ultimate "house of God." Jacob's declaration transforms a simple location into a place of worship and divine presence. It reflects the idea that wherever God reveals Himself, that place becomes holy.

and of all that You give me
This phrase acknowledges God's sovereignty and provision. Jacob recognizes that everything he possesses comes from God. The Hebrew word for "give" is "נָתַן" (natan), which implies a gift or bestowal. This acknowledgment is foundational to the biblical understanding of stewardship, where believers are caretakers of God's blessings.

I will give You a tenth
The concept of giving a tenth, or "tithe," is rooted in the Hebrew word "מַעֲשֵׂר" (ma'aser). Tithing is an act of worship and gratitude, acknowledging God's provision and lordship. It is a practice that predates the Mosaic Law, as seen in Abraham's tithe to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20). Jacob's vow to tithe reflects his commitment to honor God with his resources, setting a precedent for future generations.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jacob
The grandson of Abraham, son of Isaac and Rebekah. He is the central figure in this passage, having a significant spiritual encounter with God.

2. Bethel
The place where Jacob had his dream of the ladder reaching to heaven. It means "House of God" in Hebrew and becomes a significant location for worship and remembrance.

3. The Stone
Jacob sets up a stone as a pillar, symbolizing his commitment and the place of his encounter with God. It serves as a physical reminder of God's promise and Jacob's vow.

4. The Tenth (Tithe)
Jacob vows to give a tenth of all he receives back to God, indicating a practice of tithing that reflects gratitude and acknowledgment of God's provision.

5. God's Promise
The event is part of a larger account where God reaffirms His covenant with Jacob, promising him land, descendants, and blessings.
Teaching Points
Commitment to God
Jacob's vow to give a tenth is a model of commitment and dedication to God. It challenges us to consider how we prioritize God in our own lives.

Remembrance and Worship
The stone pillar at Bethel serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness. We are encouraged to establish our own "pillars" of remembrance in our spiritual journey.

Faith in God's Promises
Jacob's response to God's promise shows faith. We are called to trust in God's promises, even when the fulfillment is not immediately visible.

Generosity and Stewardship
The practice of tithing reflects a heart of gratitude and stewardship. It invites us to consider how we manage the resources God has entrusted to us.

Encountering God
Jacob's experience at Bethel reminds us that God often meets us in unexpected places and times. We should remain open to divine encounters in our daily lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jacob's vow at Bethel reflect his understanding of God's promises, and how can we apply this understanding in our own faith journey?

2. In what ways can we set up "pillars" of remembrance in our lives to remind us of God's faithfulness and promises?

3. How does the practice of tithing in Jacob's time relate to our understanding of stewardship and generosity today?

4. What are some practical ways we can prioritize God in our daily decisions and commitments, similar to Jacob's vow?

5. How can we remain open to encountering God in unexpected places and moments, as Jacob did at Bethel?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 12:7
God's promise to Abraham about the land, which is reaffirmed to Jacob, showing the continuity of God's covenant.

Malachi 3:10
The concept of tithing is further explored, where God invites His people to test Him by bringing the whole tithe into the storehouse.

Matthew 6:33
Jesus teaches about seeking first the kingdom of God, which aligns with Jacob's commitment to prioritize God in his life.

Hebrews 11:21
Jacob is mentioned in the "faith hall of fame," highlighting his faith journey, which includes his vow at Bethel.
Jacob's DreamR.A. Redford Genesis 28:10-22
The Grateful Retrospect and the Consecrated ProspectR.A. Redford Genesis 28:18-22
A Long Look AheadC. S. Robinson, D. D.Genesis 28:20-22
A Tenth of AllGenesis 28:20-22
Covenant VowsC. S. Robinson, D. D.Genesis 28:20-22
Giving a TenthGenesis 28:20-22
Helping on the Work of GodGenesis 28:20-22
Jacob's Contract with GodA. G. Mercer, D. D.Genesis 28:20-22
Jacob's VowJ. Benson.Genesis 28:20-22
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 28:20-22
Substance Consecrated to GodF. G. Clarke, D. D.Genesis 28:20-22
The Noble ResolveF. B. Meyer, B. A.Genesis 28:20-22
The Tenth is God'sOld Testament AnecdotesGenesis 28:20-22
The VowE. Craig.Genesis 28:20-22
Tithes At the StartC. S. Robinson, D. D.Genesis 28:20-22
People
Aram, Bethuel, Esau, Haran, Isaac, Ishmael, Jacob, Laban, Mahalath, Nebaioth, Nebajoth, Rebekah
Places
Beersheba, Bethel, Haran, Luz, Paddan-aram
Topics
Fail, Givest, God's, Pillar, Standing, Stone, Surely, Tenth, Tithe, Tithing, Wilt
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 28:22

     1657   numbers, fractions
     7382   house of God
     8488   tithing

Genesis 28:10-22

     4366   stones

Genesis 28:18-22

     5443   pillars

Genesis 28:20-22

     4438   eating
     5741   vows

Library
The Heavenly Pathway and the Earthly Heart
'And Jacob went out from Beer-sheba, and went toward Haran. 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. 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. And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

February the Fifth Everywhere the Gate of Heaven
"Surely the Lord is in this place, and I knew it not." --GENESIS xxviii. 10-22. That is the first time for many a day that Jacob had named the name of God. In all the dark story of his wicked intrigue the name of God is never mentioned. Jacob wanted to forget God! God would be a disturbing presence! But here he encounters Him in a dream, and in the most unlikely place. "And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place!" Jacob had yet to learn that there is everywhere "a ladder set up on
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Presence of God.
"And Jacob awakened out of his sleep and said, Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not."--GENESIS xxviii. 16. These words indicate the beginning of a new life in the patriarch Jacob. They tell us of the moment when, as it would appear, his soul awoke in him. And they surprise us in some degree, as such awakenings of spiritual capacity often do; for Jacob's recorded antecedents were not exactly such as to lead us to expect the dream and the vision, and the awakening which are described
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby

Jacob's Waking Exclamation
I would address you this morning upon a topic which may perhaps be as useful to us as to Jacob, if God the Holy Ghost shall but enable me to preach, and you to hear. Oh thou that art everywhere, be speedily now; be thou in this place, and may we know it, and tremble in thy presence. I shall speak on three points; first, the omnipresence of God--the doctrine of it; secondly, a recognition of that omnipresence, or the spirit which is necessary in order to discover the presence of God; and thirdly,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

Notes on the First Century:
Page 1. Line 1. An empty book is like an infant's soul.' Here Traherne may possibly have had in his mind a passage in Bishop Earle's "Microcosmography." In delineating the character of a child, Earle says: "His soul is yet a white paper unscribbled with observations of the world, wherewith at length it becomes a blurred note-book," Page 14. Line 25. The entrance of his words. This sentence is from Psalm cxix. 130. Page 15. Last line of Med. 21. "Insatiableness." This word in Traherne's time was often
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations

Never! Never! Never! Never! Never!
Hence, let us learn, my brethren, the extreme value of searching the Scriptures. There may be a promise in the Word which would exactly fit your case, but you may not know of it, and therefore miss its comfort. You are like prisoners in a dungeon, and there may be one key in the bunch which would unlock the door, and you might be free; but if you will not look for it you may remain a prisoner still, though liberty is near at hand. There may be a potent medicine in the great pharmacopia of Scripture,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 8: 1863

The Life of Faith.
The fruit of these trials. The conduct of the submissive soul. It results from all that has just been described that, in the path of pure faith, all that takes place spiritually, physically, and temporarily, has the aspect of death. This is not to be wondered at. What else could be expected? It is natural to this state. God has His plans for souls, and under this disguise He carries them out very successfully. Under the name of "disguise" I include ill-success, corporal infirmities, and spiritual
Jean-Pierre de Caussade—Abandonment to Divine Providence

The Plan for the Coming of Jesus.
God's Darling, Psalms 8:5-8.--the plan for the new man--the Hebrew picture by itself--difference between God's plan and actual events--one purpose through breaking plans--the original plan--a starting point--getting inside. Fastening a Tether inside: the longest way around--the pedigree--the start. First Touches on the Canvas: the first touch, Genesis 3:15.--three groups of prediction--first group: to Abraham, Genesis 12:1-3; to Isaac, Genesis 26:1-5; to Jacob, Genesis 28:10-15; through Jacob,
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

The Prophecy of Obadiah.
We need not enter into details regarding the question as to the time when the prophet wrote. By a thorough argumentation, Caspari has proved, that he occupies his right position in the Canon, and hence belongs to the earliest age of written prophecy, i.e., to the time of Jeroboam II. and Uzziah. As bearing conclusively against those who would assign to him a far later date, viz., the time of the exile, there is not only the indirect testimony borne by the place which this prophecy occupies in
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Letter xxviii (Circa A. D. 1130) to the Abbots Assembled at Soissons
To the Abbots Assembled at Soissons [45] Bernard urges the abbots zealously to perform the duty for which they had met. He recommends to them a great desire of spiritual progress, and begs them not to be delayed in their work if lukewarm and lax persons should perhaps murmur. To the Reverend Abbots met in the name of the Lord in Chapter at Soissons, brother Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, the servant of their Holiness, health and prayer that they may see, establish, and observe the things which are
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

That the Ruler Should be a Near Neighbour to Every one in Compassion, and Exalted Above all in Contemplation.
The ruler should be a near neighbour to every one in sympathy, and exalted above all in contemplation, so that through the bowels of loving-kindness he may transfer the infirmities of others to himself, and by loftiness of speculation transcend even himself in his aspiration after the invisible; lest either in seeking high things he despise the weak things of his neighbours, or in suiting himself to the weak things of his neighbours he relinquish his aspiration after high things. For hence it is
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
That the Lord gave special token of his approbation of the exercise of Covenanting, it belongs to this place to show. His approval of the duty was seen when he unfolded the promises of the Everlasting Covenant to his people, while they endeavoured to perform it; and his approval thereof is continually seen in his fulfilment to them of these promises. The special manifestations of his regard, made to them while attending to the service before him, belonged to one or other, or both, of those exhibitions
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Tithing
There are few subjects on which the Lord's own people are more astray than on the subject of giving. They profess to take the Bible as their own rule of faith and practice, and yet in the matter of Christian finance, the vast majority have utterly ignored its plain teachings and have tried every substitute the carnal mind could devise; therefore it is no wonder that the majority of Christian enterprises in the world today are handicapped and crippled through the lack of funds. Is our giving to be
Arthur W. Pink—Tithing

Gen. xxxi. 11
Of no less importance and significance is the passage Gen. xxxi. 11 seq. According to ver. 11, the Angel of God, [Hebrew: mlaK halhiM] appears toJacob in a dream. In ver. 13, the same person calls himself the God of Bethel, with reference to the event recorded in chap. xxviii. 11-22. It cannot be supposed that in chap xxviii. the mediation of a common angel took place, who, however, had not been expressly mentioned; for Jehovah is there contrasted with the angels. In ver. 12, we read: "And behold
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
SHOWING WHAT IT IS, AND HOW DISTINGUISHED FROM THAT WHICH IS NOT SO. ALSO, WHENCE IT COMES; WHO HAS IT; WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS; AND WHAT THE PRIVILEGES OF THOSE THAT HAVE IT IN THEIR HEARTS. London: Printed for N. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "a fountain of life"--the foundation on which all wisdom rests, as well as the source from whence it emanates. Upon a principle
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Shaking of the Heavens and the Earth
Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Yet this once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land: and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come, and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. G od shook the earth when He proclaimed His law to Israel from Sinai. The description, though very simple, presents to our thoughts a scene unspeakably majestic, grand and awful. The mountain was in flames at the top, and
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Nature of Covenanting.
A covenant is a mutual voluntary compact between two parties on given terms or conditions. It may be made between superiors and inferiors, or between equals. The sentiment that a covenant can be made only between parties respectively independent of one another is inconsistent with the testimony of Scripture. Parties to covenants in a great variety of relative circumstances, are there introduced. There, covenant relations among men are represented as obtaining not merely between nation and nation,
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Christ the Mediator of the Covenant
'Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant,' &c. Heb 12:24. Jesus Christ is the sum and quintessence of the gospel; the wonder of angels; the joy and triumph of saints. The name of Christ is sweet, it is as music in the ear, honey in the mouth, and a cordial at the heart. I shall waive the context, and only speak of that which concerns our present purpose. Having discoursed of the covenant of grace, I shall speak now of the Mediator of the covenant, and the restorer of lapsed sinners, Jesus the Mediator
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The First Commandment
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Why is the commandment in the second person singular, Thou? Why does not God say, You shall have no other gods? Because the commandment concerns every one, and God would have each one take it as spoken to him by name. Though we are forward to take privileges to ourselves, yet we are apt to shift off duties from ourselves to others; therefore the commandment is in the second person, Thou and Thou, that every one may know that it is spoken to him,
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Strait Gate;
OR, GREAT DIFFICULTY OF GOING TO HEAVEN: PLAINLY PROVING, BY THE SCRIPTURES, THAT NOT ONLY THE RUDE AND PROFANE, BUT MANY GREAT PROFESSORS, WILL COME SHORT OF THAT KINGDOM. "Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."--Matthew 7:13, 14 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. If any uninspired writer has been
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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