Genesis 28:11
On reaching a certain place, he spent the night there because the sun had set. And taking one of the stones from that place, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep.
On reaching a certain place
The phrase "a certain place" in Hebrew is "בַּמָּקוֹם" (bammaqom), which can imply a divinely appointed location. This suggests that Jacob's journey was not merely a physical one but also a spiritual pilgrimage. The "certain place" is later revealed to be Bethel, a significant site in Israel's history, symbolizing God's presence and covenant. This highlights the idea that God often meets us in unexpected places, turning ordinary locations into sacred spaces.

he spent the night there
The act of spending the night signifies a pause in Jacob's journey, a moment of rest and reflection. In the biblical narrative, night often symbolizes a time of vulnerability and introspection. Jacob's decision to rest here indicates a surrender to God's timing and provision, reminding believers of the importance of trusting God during life's pauses and uncertainties.

because the sun had set
The setting sun marks the end of a day and the beginning of a new phase in Jacob's life. In biblical symbolism, sunset can represent the end of an era or the closing of a chapter. For Jacob, this was a transition from his past life to a future filled with divine promises. It serves as a reminder that God's plans often unfold in the darkness, preparing us for the dawn of new beginnings.

And taking one of the stones from that place
Stones in biblical times were often used as memorials or altars. The Hebrew word for stone, "אֶבֶן" (eben), can also symbolize strength and permanence. By taking a stone, Jacob unknowingly sets the stage for a divine encounter, transforming a simple object into a symbol of God's faithfulness. This act encourages believers to recognize the potential for divine significance in everyday objects and moments.

he put it under his head
Placing the stone under his head suggests a makeshift pillow, indicating Jacob's humility and vulnerability. It reflects the idea that even in discomfort, God provides for our needs. This action can also symbolize laying one's burdens before God, trusting Him to provide rest and peace amidst life's challenges.

and lay down to sleep
Sleep in the Bible often represents a state of rest and divine revelation. Jacob's sleep becomes a conduit for a profound encounter with God, illustrating that God often speaks to us when we are still and receptive. This encourages believers to find rest in God's presence, trusting that He will reveal His plans and purposes in His perfect timing.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jacob
The central figure in this passage, Jacob is on a journey to Haran to find a wife from his mother's family. He is fleeing from his brother Esau, who is angry over Jacob's deception in receiving Isaac's blessing.

2. The Certain Place
This location is later identified as Bethel, a significant site in Jacob's life where he encounters God in a dream. The Hebrew word for "place" (makom) can imply a divinely appointed location.

3. The Stone
Jacob uses a stone as a pillow, which later becomes a pillar of remembrance after his dream. This stone symbolizes God's presence and the foundation of Jacob's future covenant with God.

4. The Setting Sun
The setting sun marks the end of a day and the beginning of a significant spiritual encounter for Jacob. It symbolizes transition and the onset of divine revelation.

5. The Journey
Jacob's journey is both physical and spiritual, representing a transition from his past life to a new chapter under God's guidance and promise.
Teaching Points
Divine Encounters in Ordinary Places
God often meets us in unexpected and ordinary places. Like Jacob, we should be open to experiencing God's presence in our daily lives.

The Significance of Remembrance
The stone Jacob uses becomes a pillar of remembrance. We should establish reminders of God's faithfulness in our lives to strengthen our faith.

Transitions as Opportunities for Growth
Jacob's journey represents a time of transition. We should view our own life transitions as opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God.

God's Faithfulness Across Generations
The promises given to Jacob reflect God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham. We can trust in God's promises and His faithfulness to us and future generations.

Rest in God's Provision
Jacob rests despite his uncertain future. We should find rest in God's provision and trust Him with our uncertainties.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jacob's use of a stone as a pillow reflect his circumstances and his faith journey at this point in his life?

2. In what ways can we create "pillars of remembrance" in our own lives to remind us of God's faithfulness?

3. How does the setting of the sun in this passage symbolize transitions in our own spiritual journeys?

4. What can we learn from Jacob's experience about encountering God in unexpected places and times?

5. How does the continuity of God's promises from Abraham to Jacob encourage us in trusting God's faithfulness in our own lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 12:1-3
God's promise to Abraham, Jacob's grandfather, is echoed in the promises Jacob receives in his dream, showing the continuity of God's covenant.

Genesis 35:1-15
Jacob returns to Bethel, where he builds an altar, reaffirming the significance of this place in his spiritual journey.

John 1:51
Jesus refers to Jacob's dream, indicating that He is the ultimate connection between heaven and earth, fulfilling the promise of God's presence.
A Ladder Between Heaven and EarthT. Champness.Genesis 28:10-15
A Ladder of EscapeD. Rowlands, B. A.Genesis 28:10-15
A Man AsleepC. S. Robinson, D. D.Genesis 28:10-15
A Turn in the TideD. G. Watt, M. A.Genesis 28:10-15
Angelic MinistriesBishop Woodford.Genesis 28:10-15
Ascending and Descending AngelsA. S. Nickerson.Genesis 28:10-15
BethelT. S. Dickson.Genesis 28:10-15
Bethel: a Picture and its LessonC. S. Robinson, D. D.Genesis 28:10-15
Bethel; Or, the True Vision of LifeHomilistGenesis 28:10-15
Christ Typified by Jacob's LadderJ. Burns, D. D.Genesis 28:10-15
Divine ProvidenceW. L. Watkinson.Genesis 28:10-15
Intercourse Between Earth and HeavenR. Winterbotham, M. A.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob At BethelD. O. Mears, D. D.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob At BethelG. R. Leavitt.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob At BethelW. J. Evans.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob At BethelLyman Abbott, D. D.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob At BethelD. C. Hughes, M. A.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob At BethelJ. Hambleton, M. A.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob's ConversionF. W. Robertson, M. A.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob's DreamH. W. Beecher.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob's DreamHomilistGenesis 28:10-15
Jacob's Dream: the Solution of a MysteryD. Rowlands, B. A.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob's LadderR. Fuller.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob's Night At BethelD. March, D. D.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob's VisionT. H. Leale.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob's VisionA. D. Davidson.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob's VisionR. Thomas, M. A.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob's VisionJ. Burns, D. D.Genesis 28:10-15
Life as a LadderJ. M. Miller, D. D.Genesis 28:10-15
Man's Spiritual CapacityHomilistGenesis 28:10-15
Right PrinciplesH. W. BeecherGenesis 28:10-15
The Angel-LadderF. B. Meyer, B. A.Genesis 28:10-15
The Christ LadderC. Nose.Genesis 28:10-15
The Comfortable VisionDean GoulburnGenesis 28:10-15
The Dream of JacobJ. Parker, D. D.Genesis 28:10-15
The DreamerA. F. Joscelyne, B. A.Genesis 28:10-15
The God of BethelW. Jay.Genesis 28:10-15
The Heavenly Pathway and the Earthly HeartA. Maclaren, D. D.Genesis 28:10-15
The Incarnation a Helpful FactM. Doris, D. D.Genesis 28:10-15
The Ladder of DoctrineC. S. Robinson, D. D.Genesis 28:10-15
The Ladder of LifeC. S. Robinson, D. D.Genesis 28:10-15
The Nearness of God to MenD. Rhys Jenkins.Genesis 28:10-15
The Solitary One and His VisitationBenson Bailey.Genesis 28:10-15
The Spirit WorldHomilistGenesis 28:10-15
The VisionE. Craig.Genesis 28:10-15
The Vision At BethelF. D. Maurice, M. A.Genesis 28:10-15
The Vision in the WildernessW. S. Smith, B. D.Genesis 28:10-15
The Vision of GodC. S. Robinson, D. D.Genesis 28:10-15
What Jacob Saw in SleepS. A. Tipple.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob's DreamR.A. Redford Genesis 28:10-22
People
Aram, Bethuel, Esau, Haran, Isaac, Ishmael, Jacob, Laban, Mahalath, Nebaioth, Nebajoth, Rebekah
Places
Beersheba, Bethel, Haran, Luz, Paddan-aram
Topics
Lay, Lieth, Lighted, Lodged, Lodgeth, Maketh, Pillow, Pillows, Putting, Resting-place, Sleep, Spent, Stayed, Stones, Stopped, Taketh, Taking, Tarried, Toucheth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 28:11

     4957   night
     5157   head
     5229   bed

Genesis 28:10-15

     8409   decision-making, and providence

Genesis 28:10-17

     1449   signs, purposes

Genesis 28:10-22

     4366   stones

Genesis 28:11-12

     5533   sleep, physical

Genesis 28:11-13

     1670   symbols

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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