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Genesis 28:19
Verse
Context
Sermons
J. Vernon McGee
Chuck Smith
Major Ian ThomasMajor Ian Thomas
Zac Poonen
A.W. Tozer
A.W. PinkSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He called the name of that place Beth-el - That is, the house of God; for in consequence of his having anointed the stone, and thus consecrated it to God, he considered it as becoming henceforth his peculiar residence; see on the preceding verse. This word should be always pronounced as two distinct syllables, each strongly accented, Beth-El. Was called Luz at the first - The Hebrew has אולם לוז Ulam Luz, which the Roman edition of the Septuagint translates Ουλαμλουζ Oulamlouz; the Alexandrian MS., Ουλαμμους Oulammaus; the Aldine, Ουλαμμαους Oulammaous; Symmachus, Λαμμαους Lammaous; and some others, Ουλαμ Oulam. The Hebrew אולם ulam is sometimes a particle signifying as, just as; hence it may signify that the place was called Beth-El, as it was formerly called Luz. As Luz signifies an almond, almond or hazel tree, this place probably had its name from a number of such trees growing in that region. Many of the ancients confounded this city with Jerusalem, to which they attribute the eight following names, which are all expressed in this verse: - Solyma, Luza, Bethel, Hierosolyma, Jebus, Aelia, Urbs sacra, Hierusalem dicitur atque Salem. Solyma, Luz, Beth-El, Hierosolyma, Jebus, Aelia, The holy city is call'd, as also Jerusalem and Salem. From Beth-El came the Baetylia, Bethyllia, Βαιτυλια, or animated stones, so celebrated in antiquity, and to which Divine honors were paid. The tradition of Jacob anointing this stone, and calling the place Beth-El, gave rise to all the superstitious accounts of the Baetylia or consecrated stones, which we find in Sanchoniathon and others. These became abused to idolatrous purposes, and hence God strongly prohibits them, Lev 26:1; and it is very likely that stones of this kind were the most ancient objects of idolatrous worship; these were afterwards formed into beautiful human figures, male and female, when the art of sculpture became tolerably perfected, and hence the origin of idolatry as far as it refers to the worshipping of images, for these, being consecrated by anointing, etc., were supposed immediately to become instinct with the power and energy of some divinity. Hence, then, the Baetylia or living stones of the ancient Phoenicians, etc. As oil is an emblem of the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit, so those who receive this anointing are considered as being alive unto God, and are expressly called by St. Peter living stones, Pe1 2:4, Pe1 2:5. May not the apostle have reference to those living stones or Baetyllia of antiquity, and thus correct the notion by showing that these rather represented the true worshippers of God, who were consecrated to his service and made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and that these alone could be properly called the living stone, out of which the true spiritual temple is composed?
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he called the name of that place Bethel,.... The house of God, which he took this place to be: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first; which signifies an almond or hazel nut, Gen 30:37; perhaps from the number of this sort of trees that grew there, under which Jacob might lay himself down, which was probably in the field of Luz; and being at night, he might not know there was a city so near, until the morning. Though Josephus (r) says he did it purposely, out of hatred to the Canaanites, and chose rather to lie under the open air. This was about twelve miles from Jerusalem, as Jerom (s) says. (r) Antiqu. l. 1. c. 19. sect. 1. (s) De loc. Heb. fol. 89. C.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
28:19 Bethel later became a holy site for Israel (see Judg 20:18-27; 1 Sam 7:16; 10:3; 1 Kgs 12:26–13:10; 2 Kgs 2:2-3).
Genesis 28:19
The Stone of Bethel
18Early 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, 19and he called that place Bethel, though previously the city had been named Luz.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Genesis) Genesis 28:10-11
By J. Vernon McGee2.8K06:22GenesisGEN 28:11GEN 28:17GEN 28:19MAT 6:33In 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 place, similar to a desert, where he decides to rest for the night. Despite the difficult surroundings, this place called Bethel becomes a significant spiritual turning point in Jacob's life. The speaker also shares a personal anecdote of feeling homesick as a child and relates it to Jacob's experience.
(Through the Bible) Exodus 1-5
By Chuck Smith1.8K1:23:21ExpositionalGEN 50:26EXO 2:15EXO 4:1EXO 4:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is not just a passive observer of our struggles and suffering. He takes action to deliver His people from their hardships. The preacher also highlights the importance of not getting too attached to material possessions, as they can easily be taken away. Instead, our focus should be on the things of the Spirit and God's eternal kingdom. The sermon references the story of Moses and the Israelites in Egypt, where they faced oppression and hardship, but ultimately God delivered them.
Church in Need of Repentance
By Major Ian Thomas1.3K55:09RepentanceGEN 28:191KI 13:11MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of a man of God who was approached by a king and offered rewards and refreshment. However, the man of God refused, as he had received a specific instruction from the Lord not to eat or drink in that place. He was a man who was completely disinterested in worldly advancements and was consumed with a holy passion to be in the place of the king. Later, an old prophet heard about the man of God's actions and invited him to his house, where he ate and drank against his original instruction. The sermon emphasizes the importance of placing our lives under the supreme jurisdiction of God and being obedient to His instructions.
Church at Ephesus
By Major Ian Thomas1.2K55:09ChurchGEN 28:191KI 13:11MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of a man of God who was approached by a king and offered rewards and refreshment. However, the man of God refused, as he had received a specific instruction from the Lord not to eat or drink in that place. He was a man who was completely focused on following God's commands and was not swayed by worldly temptations. Later, an old prophet heard about the man of God's actions and invited him to his house, claiming to have a message from the Lord. Despite his initial hesitation, the man of God went with the prophet and ate and drank in his house. The sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering one's life to God and being obedient to His commands, regardless of the circumstances.
The Testing of Elisha and Gehazi
By Zac Poonen0GEN 28:19JOS 5:8JOS 6:201KI 19:192KI 5:27MAT 3:13HEB 10:20Zac Poonen preaches on the contrasting lives of Elisha and Gehazi, highlighting Elisha's faithfulness in passing God's tests and receiving a double portion of anointing, while Gehazi's unfaithfulness led to his downfall. Elisha's journey from Gilgal to Jordan symbolizes different stages of spiritual growth, challenging believers to press on to total death to self to receive God's best. On the other hand, Gehazi's greed and deception resulted in him contracting Naaman's leprosy, showcasing the consequences of covetousness and lack of integrity.
God at the Center
By A.W. Tozer0Spiritual PrioritiesGod's CentralityGEN 28:19GEN 35:7PSA 27:4ISA 29:13JER 29:13MAT 6:33JHN 15:51CO 3:16COL 1:18HEB 10:25A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of placing God at the center of our lives, using Jacob's transformation from naming a place Beth-el to El-beth-el as a metaphor for spiritual growth. He warns that many Christians remain at the initial stage of recognizing God but fail to prioritize Him above all else, including the church. Tozer challenges believers to reflect on their true interests, questioning whether they focus more on their church or their relationship with Christ. He asserts that while church involvement is valuable, it should never overshadow the personal connection with God. Ultimately, Tozer calls for a shift from merely acknowledging God to making Him the central focus of our lives.
Tithing Part 1
By A.W. Pink0Financial StewardshipTithingGEN 14:20GEN 28:19A.W. Pink emphasizes the biblical principle of tithing, arguing that many Christians misunderstand their financial obligations to God. He traces the practice of tithing from the early patriarchs, such as Abraham and Jacob, through the Mosaic Law, and into the New Testament, asserting that God has always specified a portion of our income to be returned to Him. Pink highlights that tithing is not merely a suggestion but a divine command, and neglecting it equates to robbing God. He calls for a return to scriptural teachings on giving, noting that true revival often includes a renewed commitment to tithing. Ultimately, Pink asserts that faithful tithing leads to God's blessings and the flourishing of Christian enterprises.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He called the name of that place Beth-el - That is, the house of God; for in consequence of his having anointed the stone, and thus consecrated it to God, he considered it as becoming henceforth his peculiar residence; see on the preceding verse. This word should be always pronounced as two distinct syllables, each strongly accented, Beth-El. Was called Luz at the first - The Hebrew has אולם לוז Ulam Luz, which the Roman edition of the Septuagint translates Ουλαμλουζ Oulamlouz; the Alexandrian MS., Ουλαμμους Oulammaus; the Aldine, Ουλαμμαους Oulammaous; Symmachus, Λαμμαους Lammaous; and some others, Ουλαμ Oulam. The Hebrew אולם ulam is sometimes a particle signifying as, just as; hence it may signify that the place was called Beth-El, as it was formerly called Luz. As Luz signifies an almond, almond or hazel tree, this place probably had its name from a number of such trees growing in that region. Many of the ancients confounded this city with Jerusalem, to which they attribute the eight following names, which are all expressed in this verse: - Solyma, Luza, Bethel, Hierosolyma, Jebus, Aelia, Urbs sacra, Hierusalem dicitur atque Salem. Solyma, Luz, Beth-El, Hierosolyma, Jebus, Aelia, The holy city is call'd, as also Jerusalem and Salem. From Beth-El came the Baetylia, Bethyllia, Βαιτυλια, or animated stones, so celebrated in antiquity, and to which Divine honors were paid. The tradition of Jacob anointing this stone, and calling the place Beth-El, gave rise to all the superstitious accounts of the Baetylia or consecrated stones, which we find in Sanchoniathon and others. These became abused to idolatrous purposes, and hence God strongly prohibits them, Lev 26:1; and it is very likely that stones of this kind were the most ancient objects of idolatrous worship; these were afterwards formed into beautiful human figures, male and female, when the art of sculpture became tolerably perfected, and hence the origin of idolatry as far as it refers to the worshipping of images, for these, being consecrated by anointing, etc., were supposed immediately to become instinct with the power and energy of some divinity. Hence, then, the Baetylia or living stones of the ancient Phoenicians, etc. As oil is an emblem of the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit, so those who receive this anointing are considered as being alive unto God, and are expressly called by St. Peter living stones, Pe1 2:4, Pe1 2:5. May not the apostle have reference to those living stones or Baetyllia of antiquity, and thus correct the notion by showing that these rather represented the true worshippers of God, who were consecrated to his service and made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and that these alone could be properly called the living stone, out of which the true spiritual temple is composed?
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he called the name of that place Bethel,.... The house of God, which he took this place to be: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first; which signifies an almond or hazel nut, Gen 30:37; perhaps from the number of this sort of trees that grew there, under which Jacob might lay himself down, which was probably in the field of Luz; and being at night, he might not know there was a city so near, until the morning. Though Josephus (r) says he did it purposely, out of hatred to the Canaanites, and chose rather to lie under the open air. This was about twelve miles from Jerusalem, as Jerom (s) says. (r) Antiqu. l. 1. c. 19. sect. 1. (s) De loc. Heb. fol. 89. C.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
28:19 Bethel later became a holy site for Israel (see Judg 20:18-27; 1 Sam 7:16; 10:3; 1 Kgs 12:26–13:10; 2 Kgs 2:2-3).