Bible Commentary

Then Jacob went on his journey, and came into the land of the people of the east. 1. went on his journey ] Heb. lifted up his feet. the children of the east ] A phrase generally used of the nomad Arab tribes to the east of Palestine: see note on Gen 25:6. Cf. Num … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 29:1”

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. 22. God’s house ] See note on Gen 28:17. Here the title “God’s house” is applied to the stone itself. of all give the tenth … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 28:22”

So that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God: 21. to my father’s house in peace ] It does not appear that this was literally fulfilled. Jacob, on his return, did not dwell at his father’s house. But, perhaps, “father’s house” means “the land of his … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 28:21”

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, 20. vowed a vow ] See Gen 31:13. This is the first mention in the O.T. of a religious vow, i.e. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 28:20”

And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city [was called] Luz at the first. 19. Beth-el ] That is, The house of God: see Gen 35:1; Gen 35:6. This place was one of the most famous sanctuaries in Canaan. It was selected by Jeroboam as one of the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 28:19”

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. 18. for a pillar ] Heb. mabah. This word is used in the O.T. for the sacred upright stone which stood … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 28:18”

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. 17. How dreadful ] This adjective is rendered unsuitable by colloquial usage. The sense would be better given by “awesome” or “terrible.” Jacob believes that he has been … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 28:17”

And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew [it] not. 16. in this place ] Jacob’s words express astonishment that Jehovah should have manifested Himself ( a) in a place remote from his father’s home; ( b) to himself a solitary wanderer. this … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 28:16”

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. 15. I am with thee ] Cf. Gen 26:24, Gen 31:3. The personal … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 28:15”

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. 14. as the dust of the earth ] … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 28:14”