Session 4
Genesis 28:10-22
Memory Verse: Genesis 28:14
In her book The Hiding Place, Corrie ten Boom wrote of a strange vision she experienced as the Germans invaded her homeland. She saw a farm wagon pulled by horses lumbering across the city square of her hometown. Corrie recognized her whole family sitting in that wagon, along with some strangers, moving toward a place they didn’t want to go. As she and her sister, Betsie, discussed the dream, Betsie reminded Corrie that God sometimes gives His people a glimpse of the future to reassure them that He is in control.
After stealing Esau’s blessing, Jacob left home in fear of his brother’s wrath. As he lay down to sleep, Jacob experienced a dream. In that vision, the Lord assured Jacob of His presence and of his eventual return to Canaan. As you prepare this Bible study, think about times when God has helped you navigate the unknown. Identify adults in your group who may be experiencing similar struggles. Pray for them to find assurance that God is actively at work, even when the future is unclear.
Most parents and grandparents are as actively involved as they can be in the lives of their children and grandchildren. Parents who knew little about soccer become soccer coaches-simply because their child is on the field. Grandparents will happily dance alongside their two-year-olds to fast versions of “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.” All this because they love their children and grandchildren. How much more is the love of God for His children? How much more does He desire to be involved in their lives? (PSG, p. 37)
Genesis 28 begins the account of Jacob’s departure for Paddan-aram (modern-day Syria), the home country of Rebekah’s relatives. One of its main cities was Haran. Rebekah had recognized the need to send Jacob away lest Esau murder Jacob in a fit of rage for stealing the patriarchal blessing from their father. However, Rebekah did not want Jacob’s departure to look like the flight of a fugitive. So, she devised a plan to gain Isaac’s approval for sending Jacob away.
The stated purpose of the journey was for Jacob to find a wife from among their kin rather than from among the Canaanites. Esau’s Canaanite wives had been a source of vexation to both Isaac and Rebekah. Plus, Isaac had met Rebekah because his father, Abraham, had sent a servant to Haran for the same purpose (Gen. 24).
In sending Jacob on this journey, Isaac blessed him with a standard patriarchal blessing that God would multiply his descendants. When Esau realized that his father disapproved of the Canaanite women, he married Mahalath, the daughter of Ishmael, in addition to his other wives.
Jacob traveled north and east across the Euphrates River to Paddan-aram. He left Beer-sheba, mentioned repeatedly in Scripture as the southern extreme of the promised land, and headed toward Haran, an important city of northern Mesopotamia. After sunset, Jacob made camp for the night, using a stone for his pillow.
While Jacob slept, he dreamed of a stairway with its top reaching the sky. Angels were ascending and descending that stairway. In Jacob’s vision, the Lord was also present, declaring Himself to be the God of Abraham and Isaac. The Lord also affirmed to Jacob the promises of land and multiplied descendants that He had previously made to Jacob’s father and his grandfather.
Additionally, the Lord specifically promised that He would accompany Jacob wherever he went and would eventually bring him back home. When Jacob awoke, he felt overwhelmed by his encounter with the Lord in that place. The patriarch named the place Bethel, meaning “house of God.” Previously, the site had been known as Luz.
In response to God’s revelation of Himself at Bethel, Jacob set up the stone he had used for a pillow as a monument and poured oil on it. He vowed that if the Lord would watch over him, provide food and clothing, and return him safely to his father’s family, he would worship the Lord. Jacob also vowed to give the Lord a tenth of all that God gave him to acknowledge his gratitude for the Lord’s presence and protection.
Read Genesis 28:10-22. What do you learn about ways believers should respond to God’s involvement in their lives? (PSG, p. 38)
EXPLORE THE TEXT
10 Jacob left Beer-sheba and went toward Haran. 11 He reached a certain place and spent the night there because the sun had set. He took one of the stones from the place, put it there at his head, and lay down in that place.
12 And he dreamed: A stairway was set on the ground with its top reaching the sky, and God’s angels were going up and down on it.
(v. 10) Beer-sheba: This place name means “well of the oath” or “well of the seven.” Abraham named the place following an agreement with Abimelech regarding Abraham’s right to the water in the region (Gen. 21:22-33). The phrase “Dan to Beer-sheba” became an idiomatic expression for the northern and southern extremes of the promised land.
The idiom came to designate Israel’s unity as well as its entirety. The city is believed to have become a pilgrimage destination for idolatry in the nation’s later history (Amos 5:5; 8:14).
(v. 10) Haran: This significant city in northern Mesopotamia is located on the Via Maris, an ancient caravan route from Mesopotamia to Syria, biblical Palestine, and Egypt. Abraham’s father, Terah, moved to Haran with his family (Gen. 11:31-32). The place remained a home for Abraham’s relatives, including Bethuel, the father of Rebekah and Laban. Haran also served as a major center for the worship of the moon god.
(v. 11) A certain place: Later, the text reveals that Jacob spent the night in Luz, a city whose name could be translated “almond tree.” The location seemed like a suitable place for Jacob to spend the night, so he took one of the stones from the area and used it as a pillow. Many assume this was Jacob’s first night on the road, but the text is not specific about this.
(v. 12) Dreamed: In Scripture, God sometimes spoke to people through dreams and visions. According to Deuteronomy 13:1-5, dreams should be tested in the same way that prophecies were tested.
Bible scholars have identified three types of dreams. A simple message dream did not need to be interpreted. A simple symbolic dream used symbols, but the symbolism was clear enough that no interpreter was needed. A complex symbolic dream required an interpreter.
Both Jeremiah (23:25-32) and Zechariah (10:1-2) warned against automatically accepting a dream as a message from God. Although dreams sometimes served as a channel of the Lord’s revelation, they were neither foolproof nor infallible.
Stairway
The Hebrew word translated stairway, appearing only here in the Old Testament, derives from a verb meaning “to lift up.” Other translations render the term as “ladder” (KJV; ESV). However, some Bible scholars compare the structure to a ziggurat, a stepped platform raised from the ground to the sky. If so, the structure in Jacob’s dream may have looked similar to the Tower of Babel.
However, the purpose of this stairway stood in stark contrast to the tower. False human ambition motivated the builders of Babel, whereas the stairway in Jacob’s vision served as the means of God’s gracious revelation of Himself.
(v. 12) Angels: The Hebrew word translated angels can designate either human or supernatural messengers. The text clarifies that the messengers in Jacob’s dream were God’s angels.
Angels are created beings and not divine. In the Old Testament angels served various functions, including providing protection (Ex. 23:20; Ps. 91:11), executing judgment (2 Sam. 24:17), and bringing deliverance (Gen. 19:12-17). By their very presence, they call attention to God’s glory (28:12-17). Their primary function is to worship and serve the Lord.
13 The Lord was standing there beside him, saying, “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your offspring the land on which you are lying. 14 Your offspring will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out toward the west, the east, the north, and the south. All the peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. 15 Look, I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go. I will bring you back to this land, for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
(v. 13) Abraham: The Lord identified Himself to Jacob as the same God who had revealed Himself to his grandfather, Abraham. Abraham, meaning “father of a multitude,” became the first Hebrew patriarch. The Lord called him to leave his land, his relatives, and his father’s house. God also promised to bless him and make his name great (Gen. 12:1-3). Here, Moses was emphasizing that God was bringing Jacob into the same covenant relationship as his grandfather-and his father, Isaac-had known.
The land . . . This land
The Hebrew term translated land most commonly refers to either the earth as a whole or to a particular territory, especially the promised land. The Lord first identified the boundaries of the land promised to Abraham and his descendants in Genesis 15:18-21. These geographical boundaries have only been realized twice, during the reigns of David and Solomon and later during the intertestamental period.
This land has been variously called Canaan and Israel. It became known as Judah (the southern tribes) and Israel/Samaria (the northern tribes) after the nation divided following Solomon’s reign. During the Babylonian exile, separation from the land was a key part of Judah’s punishment, while a return to the land would indicate a return to God’s favor. In New Testament times the territory primarily consisted of the areas known as Galilee, Samaria, and Judea.
(vv. 13-14) Offspring: This Hebrew word, sometimes translated “descendants,” literally means “seed.” Many descendants was one piece of the Lord’s promise to Abraham that was renewed with Isaac and Jacob. Other parts were land and a name (see Gen. 12:1-3).
The term also has important theological connotations. The word is regularly used as a collective noun in the singular rather than plural form. For example, in Genesis 3:15, God distinguished between Satan’s offspring and Eve’s offspring. This emphasized the particular role of one descendant: Jesus. In Galatians 3:16-17, the corresponding Greek term rendered “seed” follows this pattern and clearly designates Christ. Thus, the term is flexible enough to denote a whole population or a single person.
God’s presence
God’s most immediate promise for Jacob involved His presence. Jacob could go forward knowing that God would protect and provide for him. God’s presence is still vital for believers. His presence provides comfort during difficult times and correction as we acknowledge that nothing escapes His notice. Jesus highlighted His divine presence in the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). The psalmist affirmed that we could never escape God’s presence (Ps. 139:12-17), and the writer of Hebrews assured believers that God would never forsake them (Heb. 13:5).
(v. 15) Promised: This verb derives from a Hebrew word meaning “to speak.” A related noun means “word.” The Lord is the Promiser in Genesis 28:15; and, unlike fickle human beings, He is faithful to keep His word (see Isa. 55:11). The power of God to accomplish His purposes is evident in creation, where God spoke and it was so, and in His ability to penetrate our innermost thoughts and intentions (Heb. 4:12).
16 When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” 17 He was afraid and said, “What an awesome place this is! This is none other than the house of God. This is the gate of heaven.”
(v. 17) Awesome: The word used here is related to the Hebrew verb translated “afraid” at the beginning of verse 17. The term can designate an emotion that arises as a natural reaction when dealing with enemies, threatening situations, or the unknown (see 1 Sam. 7:7). This Hebrew word can also express reverence and worship. Perhaps Jacob experienced a combination of both fear and reverence as he reflected on God’s presence and remembered his deception of Esau. Because the Lord acts consistently according to His righteous nature, those guilty of injustice have reason to fear His judgment.
(v. 17) House of God: The Hebrew term house can convey various meanings. It can refer to dwelling places that range from ordinary homes to the temple. It also can be used to designate a household or a family. In this context, Jacob apparently did not apply the phrase to a particular building because he slept outdoors with a stone for a pillow.
Still, because of God’s presence, Jacob recognized the space where he slept as holy. The patriarch changed the name of the place to Bethel, which means “house of God.” Years later after parting ways with Laban, Jacob sanctified himself and his family and returned to Bethel. On that occasion, he built an altar there according to the Lord’s direction (Gen. 35:1-7).
(v. 17) Gate: In the ancient world, gates were used to control access to walled cities. Although a city might have a number of entrances, it usually had one primary gate. That gate often had both inner and outer doors (2 Sam. 18:24), which were made of wood overlaid with metal. These were secured with heavy bars.
Social interactions and administrative, legal, and business transactions typically occurred in the city gates. Society considered sitting among the city elders at the gate to be an honored position (Prov. 31:23). Scripture also makes several figurative or symbolic references to gates, including Jacob’s reference to the gate of heaven in Genesis 28:17.
For Jacob the spot where he dreamed of a stairway with angels ascending and descending marked a symbolic boundary between heaven and earth. In a similar way, both Job (38:17) and a psalmist (107:18) referred to “the gates of death,” symbolically designating the boundary between life and death.
(v. 17) Heaven: The usage of this Hebrew word falls into two large categories: (1) the physical heavens (the same Hebrew term is rendered “sky” in verse 12) and (2) the heavens as the dwelling place of God. In Genesis 28:17 the expression “the gate of heaven” parallels the phrase “the house of God.” Jacob’s reference to “the gate of heaven” was drawn directly from his dream because the stairway provided the entryway into heaven and the presence of God. Thus the dream assured Jacob that the Lord was both present with him and in control.
Jacob left home not quite knowing what to expect on his journey or during his time in Aram. But it’s safe to say he probably didn’t expect to experience God’s presence in such a powerful way. As you prepare for this session, reflect on these questions. Consider mentioning them as part of your group time.
This week as you pray, ask God to help you be aware of His presence and of what He is saying to you.
18 Early in the morning Jacob took the stone that was near his head and set it up as a marker. He poured oil on top of it 19 and named the place Bethel, though previously the city was named Luz. 20 Then Jacob made a vow: “If God will be with me and watch over me during this journey I’m making, if he provides me with food to eat and clothing to wear, 21 and if I return safely to my father’s family, then the Lord will be my God. 22 This stone that I have set up as a marker will be God’s house, and I will give to you a tenth of all that you give me.”
(vv. 18,22) Stone: Stones abounded in biblical Palestine. City walls, dwellings, palaces, and temples were often built of stone. The people piled up stones to commemorate significant events (Gen. 31:46-47; Josh. 4:20-22). Single stones might cover the openings of wells, cisterns, and tombs. They also marked boundaries and functioned as memorials to God as did the stone that Jacob set up at Bethel.
Stones might serve as lethal weapons or as writing material. Christ’s followers are identified as living stones built up into a spiritual temple with Christ as the chief cornerstone (Eph. 2:19-22; 1 Pet. 2:4-8).
(v. 18) Oil: Typically oil was made from pressed olives. It was utilized in cooking and used in connection with sacrifices and worship. The oil might be presented alone or mixed with flour as an offering. Oil also played an important role in various consecration ceremonies. Priests, kings, and sometimes prophets were anointed with oil. Jacob poured oil on the stone marker he set up to consecrate it as a memorial of worship.
Bethel
Jacob spend the night at Luz; but the next morning, he named this place of his encounter with God Bethel, meaning “house of God.” Bethel played an important role in the history of God’s people. Jacob’s grandfather, Abraham, had built an altar in this area (Gen. 12:8). And Jacob would return to the spot after returning to Canaan with his family.
Later, during the era of the judges, both Deborah (Judg. 4:5) and Samuel (1 Sam. 7:16) administered civil and religious affairs in the region. Early in the divided kingdom, King Jeroboam I set up golden calves at Bethel and Dan in an effort to keep his subjects from going to Jerusalem to worship (1 Kings 12:25-30). Bethel was destroyed in the sixth century BC when God’s people fell to the Babylonians.
(v. 22) Tenth: Jacob promised to give the Lord a tenth of all the Lord gave him in return for the Lord’s provision and protection. This vow calls to mind Abraham’s offering of a tenth of what he had captured in battle to Melchizedek (Gen. 14:20). The tenth part, or tithe, later became a definite obligation under the law of Moses (Num. 18:20-32; Deut. 14:22-29).
The New Testament reflects a higher spiritual standard of generosity than the tithe. The first requirement is for believers to give themselves to the Lord (Rom. 12:1-2; 2 Cor. 8:5). Christians are then to give eagerly, cheerfully, and generously (2 Cor. 9:6-7) For believers, our financial gifts are a matter of stewardship, recognizing God as the Owner of all things and our role as caretakers.
God
To God we owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience. (See Exodus 15:11; Psalm 100.)
Read, reflect on, and react emotionally to a Bible passage.
Recall an occasion when you experienced a vivid, unforgettable encounter with God. Perhaps it occurred when you accepted Christ as Savior. Or you may think of another experience at a later point in your spiritual pilgrimage. In any case, that encounter served as a marker for you. It became an event or location that you could return to in your mind, if not physically, to undergird certainty or to renew commitment. Bethel served as that kind of experience for Jacob. Read the account of Jacob’s return to Bethel in Genesis 35:1-15 to renew his commitment. How would you describe your “Bethel”?