Genesis 28:11
Genesis 28:11 in Multiple Translations
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.
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 lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took one of the stones of the place, and put it under his head, and lay down in that place to sleep.
And coming to a certain place, he made it his resting-place for the night, for the sun had gone down; and he took one of the stones which were there, and putting it under his head he went to sleep in that place.
He arrived after sunset at a particular place and stopped there for the night. He picked up a stone, put it under his head, lay down and went to sleep.
And he came vnto a certaine place, and taried there al night, because the sunne was downe, and tooke of the stones of the place, and layde vnder his head and slept in the same place.
and he toucheth at a [certain] place, and lodgeth there, for the sun hath gone in, and he taketh of the stones of the place, and maketh [them] his pillows, and lieth down in that place.
He came to a certain place, and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. He took one of the stones of the place, and put it under his head, and lay down in that place to sleep.
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 when he was come to a certain place, and would rest in it after sunset, he took of the stones that lay there, and putting under his head, slept in the same place.
When he arrived at a certain place, he stopped there, because the sun had gone down. He took one of the stones there and put it under his head to use as a pillow. Then he lay down and slept there.
He kept on walking until the sun started to go down. Then he stopped for the night. There were lots of stones in that place, and Jacob got one of those stones, and he put it on the ground at his head. Then he lay down and went to sleep.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 28:11
BAB
Word Study
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Genesis 28:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּפְגַּ֨ע
בַּ/מָּק֜וֹם
וַ/יָּ֤לֶן
שָׁם֙
כִּי
בָ֣א
הַ/שֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ
וַ/יִּקַּח֙
מֵ/אַבְנֵ֣י
הַ/מָּק֔וֹם
וַ/יָּ֖שֶׂם
מְרַֽאֲשֹׁתָ֑י/ו
וַ/יִּשְׁכַּ֖ב
בַּ/מָּק֥וֹם
הַ/הֽוּא
וַ/יִּפְגַּ֨ע
pâgaʻ
H6293
to fall on
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בַּ/מָּק֜וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
place
Prep | N-ms
וַ/יָּ֤לֶן
lûwn
H3885
to lodge
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁם֙
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
בָ֣א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
הַ/שֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
sun
Art | N-cs
וַ/יִּקַּח֙
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֵ/אַבְנֵ֣י
ʼeben
H68
stone
Prep | N-fp
הַ/מָּק֔וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
place
Art | N-ms
וַ/יָּ֖שֶׂם
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מְרַֽאֲשֹׁתָ֑י/ו
mᵉraʼăshâh
H4763
head
N-fp | Suff
וַ/יִּשְׁכַּ֖ב
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בַּ/מָּק֥וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
place
Prep | N-ms
הַ/הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Art | Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 28:11
וַ/יִּפְגַּ֨ע
pâgaʻ
H6293
"to fall on"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To meet or encounter, either by chance or intention, as seen in the story of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 33:1-17. It can also mean to make a request or intercede on behalf of someone. In Exodus 32:1-14, Moses intercedes for the Israelites.
Definition: 1) to encounter, meet, reach, entreat, make intercession 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, light upon, join 1a2) to meet (of kindness) 1a3) to encounter, fall upon (of hostility) 1a4) to encounter, entreat (of request) 1a5) to strike, touch (of boundary) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to light upon 1b2) to cause to entreat 1b3) to make entreaty, interpose 1b4) to make attack 1b5) to reach the mark
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: come (betwixt), cause to entreat, fall (upon), make intercession, intercessor, intreat, lay, light (upon), meet (together), pray, reach, run. See also: Genesis 23:8; 1 Samuel 10:5; Isaiah 47:3.
בַּ/מָּק֜וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
Prep | N-ms
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
וַ/יָּ֤לֶן
lûwn
H3885
"to lodge"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To grumble or complain, this word describes a negative attitude of discontent or murmuring. It is used in the Bible to describe people who are unhappy or stubborn.
Definition: 1) to lodge, stop over, pass the night, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lodge, pass the night 1a2) to abide, remain (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to rest, lodge 1c) (Hithpalpel) to dwell, abide
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: abide (all night), continue, dwell, endure, grudge, be left, lie all night, (cause to) lodge (all night, in, -ing, this night), (make to) murmur, remain, tarry (all night, that night). See also: Genesis 19:2; Judges 19:20; Psalms 25:13.
שָׁם֙
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
בָ֣א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
הַ/שֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
"sun"
Art | N-cs
The sun, or shemesh, represents not just the celestial body, but also east or west direction, and even objects that shine like battlements. It is often used to describe the rising or setting of the sun.
Definition: 1) sun 1a) sun 1b) sunrise, sun-rising, east, sun-setting, west (of direction) 1c) sun (as object of illicit worship) 1d) openly, publicly (in other phrases) 1e) pinnacles, battlements, shields (as glittering or shining)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] east side(-ward), sun (rising), [phrase] west(-ward), window. See also H1053 (בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ). See also: Genesis 15:12; Psalms 104:19; Psalms 19:5.
וַ/יִּקַּח֙
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
מֵ/אַבְנֵ֣י
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
Prep | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
הַ/מָּק֔וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
Art | N-ms
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
וַ/יָּ֖שֶׂם
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
מְרַֽאֲשֹׁתָ֑י/ו
mᵉraʼăshâh
H4763
"head"
N-fp | Suff
The Hebrew word for head or headrest, used to describe a place of rest or a position of authority, like a pillow or bolster. It appears in the Bible as a symbol of comfort and support.
Definition: 1) place at the head, dominion, head place adv 2) at head place
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: bolster, head, pillow. Compare H4772 (מַרְגְלָה). See also: Genesis 28:11; 1 Samuel 26:7; 1 Kings 19:6.
וַ/יִּשְׁכַּ֖ב
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
בַּ/מָּק֥וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
Prep | N-ms
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
הַ/הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
Study Notes — Genesis 28:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 28:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 28:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 28:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 28:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 28:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 28:11
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 28:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 28:11
- Sermons on Genesis 28:11
Context — Jacob’s Ladder
9Esau went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Abraham’s son Ishmael, in addition to the wives he already had.
10Meanwhile Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Haran.
11On 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.
12And Jacob had a dream about a ladder that rested on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven, and God’s angels were going up and down the ladder. 13And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 8:20 | Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” |
| 2 | Genesis 28:18 | Early the next morning, Jacob took the stone that he had placed under his head, and he set it up as a pillar. He poured oil on top of it, |
| 3 | Genesis 31:46 | and he said to his relatives, “Gather some stones.” So they took stones and made a mound, and there by the mound they ate. |
| 4 | 2 Corinthians 1:5 | For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. |
Genesis 28:11 Summary
In Genesis 28:11, Jacob stops to rest because the sun is setting, and he uses a stone as a pillow, showing his trust in God's care. This simple act of rest and trust sets the stage for a powerful encounter with God in the next verse. Just like Jacob, we can trust that God is with us and will provide for us, even in the simplest of circumstances, as seen in Matthew 6:25-34. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can find peace and rest, just like Jacob did in this verse, and be open to God's guidance and direction in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jacob stop to rest at this particular place?
According to Genesis 28:11, Jacob stopped to rest because the sun had set, indicating that he was traveling during the day and needed to find a safe place to spend the night, much like Jesus' disciples in Luke 24:29 who asked Jesus to stay with them because the day was almost over.
What is the significance of Jacob using a stone as a pillow?
The use of a stone as a pillow, as seen in Genesis 28:11, may symbolize Jacob's humble and simple trust in God's provision, similar to how the Israelites trusted God in the wilderness with the manna, as described in Exodus 16:4-36.
How does this verse relate to the rest of Jacob's journey?
This verse sets the stage for Jacob's dream in Genesis 28:12, where God speaks to him and reaffirms the promise made to his father Isaac and grandfather Abraham, as seen in Genesis 12:7 and Genesis 26:24.
What can we learn from Jacob's simple act of rest?
Jacob's decision to rest and trust in God's care, as seen in Genesis 28:11, teaches us the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7 and Matthew 6:25-34.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have had to trust in God's provision like Jacob did in this verse?
- How can I apply the principle of simple trust, as seen in Jacob's use of a stone as a pillow, to my own life?
- What are some ways that God has spoken to me or guided me in my life, similar to how He spoke to Jacob in his dream?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of trust and dependence on God, as Jacob did in this verse, in my own spiritual journey?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 28:11
And he lighted upon a certain place,.... Without any design to take up there, but as it were casually to him, though very providentially, after he had travelled forty eight miles; for so far it seems
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 28:11
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.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 28:11
Genesis 28:11 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.Ver. 11. And he lighted upon a certain place.] Little thinking to have found heaven there. Let this comfort travellers, and friends that part with them. Jacob never lay better than when he lay outdoors; nor yet slept sweeter than when he laid his head upon a stone. He was a rich man’ s son, and yet inured to take harsh situation. Male cubans suaviter dormit, et foeliciter somniat.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 28:11
(11) He lighted upon a certain place.—Heb., he lighted upon the place. The article probably signifies that it was the place appointed for the revelation, though lighted upon by Jacob by chance. As it lay twelve miles north of Jerusalem, in the mountains of Ephraim, Jacob had already been at least four days on the route (see Note on Genesis 22:4); and though we are not to suppose that Isaac would send away the son who was heir of the blessing without a few trusty servants (nor does the expression in Genesis 32:10 require it), yet Jacob would none the less feel the solemnity of the journey, and the difficulties which surrounded him. Well may he have asked whether El Shaddai would confirm him in the possession of that which he had defiled by fraud and cunning. And thus, meditating much and praying much, he had in those four days drawn near to God, and is at last accepted. The interest in Jacob’s life lies in the gradual improvement and progress of his character. Religion was always a reality with him; but at first it was of a low type, and marred by duplicity and earthly scheming. His schemes succeed, but bring with them sorrow and trial; and trial purifies him, and gradually he advances into a region of unselfish and holy piety. Though to the last he was a man sagacious, and full of expedients, yet the nobler part of his character finally had the supremacy. He took of the stones. . . . —Heb., he took one of the stones of the place, and put it as his bolster.
Jewish commentators identify the place with Mount Moriah, and say that the stone which Jacob placed under his head was one of those which had formed the altar upon which Isaac had been bound for sacrifice. The name Beth-el signified, they add, the temple, and as makôm—place—is thrice used in this verse, it mysteriously foreshadowed the three temples—Solomon’s, Ze-rubbabel’s, and Herod’s—which successively occupied the site. More probably Beth-el was really the town of that name, and these explanations are allegorical rather than expository.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 28:11
Verse 11. A certain place, and tarried there] From Genesis 28:19, we find this certain place was Luz, or some part of its vicinity. Jacob had probably intended to reach Luz; but the sun being set, and night coming on, he either could not reach the city, or he might suspect the inhabitants, and rather prefer the open field, as he must have heard of the character and conduct of the men of Sodom and Gomorrah. Or the gates might be shut by the time he reached it, which would prevent his admission; for it frequently happens, to the present day, that travellers not reaching a city in the eastern countries previously to the shutting of the gates, are obliged to lodge under the walls all night, as when once shut they refuse to open them till the next day. This was probably Jacob's case. He took of the stones] He took one of the stones that were in that place: from Genesis 28:18 we find it was one stone only which he had for his pillow. Luz was about forty-eight miles distant from Beer-sheba; too great a journey for one day, through what we may conceive very unready roads.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 28:11
11. And he lighted] i.e. he by chance reached, like our colloquial “hit upon.” The Divine purpose of the revelation made to Jacob is contrasted in this word with the fortuitousness of Jacob’s action. a certain place] Heb. the place. For the special significance of “place,” with the possible meaning of “sacred spot,” see note on Genesis 12:6. The scene of this story is afterwards (Genesis 28:19) identified as Bethel: and it is natural to assume that the famous story of the Theophany to Jacob was preserved and honoured at the shrine of Bethel. put it under his head] Jacob makes a pillow of the stone: his action in so doing, though it may sound strange to English readers, can be illustrated by the ordinary experience of those who are acquainted with Arab life and Oriental travel.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 28:11
11. Upon a certain place — Hebrews, struck in the place. His striking on that particular place was to him accidental, but the place was one already hallowed by one of Abraham’s altars. Genesis 12:8; Genesis 13:4.
Sermons on Genesis 28:11
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(Genesis) Genesis 28:10-11 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jacob and how he was feeling homesick after leaving his mother for the first time. Jacob finds himself in a bleak and desolate pl |
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Life as a Ladder by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller's sermon 'Life as a Ladder' illustrates the Christian journey as a gradual ascent towards heaven, using Jacob's vision of a ladder as a metaphor for Christ, who connect |
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When God Sets His Heart on You by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that although the world may be abusing God's patience, we should not be impatient or solely focused on judgment. Instead, we should seek red |
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The Humility of Christ (Conference Call) by Brian Long | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being true servants of Christ and being willing to get our hands dirty. He highlights the need for humility and brokenness |
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Oh God, How Long Shall the Enemy Reproach by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the church resembling the original pattern set by Jesus. He highlights the need for believers to take up their cross and f |
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The Blessing of Being Like Jesus by Dick Brogden | The video discusses the importance of understanding and reacting to the world of Islam, particularly in the Arab world. It emphasizes that Islam is the premier challenge of our tim |
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(The Real Jesus) 4 How Jesus Served the Father by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finishing the work that God has given us to do. He references John 17:4, where Jesus declares that he has glorified God on |