The Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 28:22

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

And (or then, the apodosis now commencing) this stone which I have set for a pillar (vide on Genesis 28:18) shall be God's house—Bethel, meaning that he would afterwards erect there an altar for the celebration of Divine worship—a resolution which was subsequently carried out (vide Genesis 35:1, Genesis 35:15). "The pillar or cairn or cromlech of Bethel must have been looked upon by the Israelites, and may be still looked upon in thought by us, as the precursor of every "house of God" that has since arisen in the Jewish and Christian world—the temple, the cathedral, the church, the chapel; nay, more, of those secret places of worship that are marked by no natural beauty and seen by no human eye—the closet, the catacomb, the thoroughfare of the true worshipper. And of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee. Literally, giving I will give the tenth (cf. Genesis 14:20). The case of Jacob affords another proof that the practice of voluntary tithing was known and observed antecedent to the tune of Moses

HOMILETICS

More for Genesis 28:22

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 28:10-22Jacob at Bethel, or heaven opened. I. THE LONELY SLEEPER. 1. His desolate condition. Exiled from home, fleeing from the murderous resentment of a brother, o'er-canopied by the star-lit firmament, remote from human habit…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 28:10-22Jacob's dream. Where revelations had been vouchsafed it was supposed that they would be repeated. The stony pillow on which the weary head rested may be changed by the visitation of Divine grace into the meeting-place o…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 28:10-22EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryJacob's Vow. (b. c. 1760.)JACOB'S VOW. (B. C. 1760.) God manifested himself and his favour to Jacob when he was asleep and purely passive; for the spirit, like the wind, blows when and where he listeth, and God's grace, like the dew, tarrieth no…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 28:18-22The grateful retrospect and the consecrated prospect. I. THE TRUE LIFE is that which starts from the place of fellowship with God and commits the future to him. We can always find a pillar of blessed memorial and consec…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryMatthew Henry on Genesis 28:20-22Jacob made a solemn vow on this occasion. In this observe, 1. Jacob's faith. He trusts that God will be with him, and will keep him; he depends upon it. 2. Jacob's moderation in his desires. He asks not for soft clothin…Matthew Henry