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Genesis 28:20
Verse
Context
The Stone of Bethel
19and he called that place Bethel, though previously the city had been named Luz.20Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and watch over me on this journey, and if He will provide me with food to eat and clothes to wear,21so that I may return safely to my father’s house, then the LORD will be my God.
Sermons
David Wilkerson
Chuck Smith
Brother Yun
Thomas Brooks
A.W. TozerA.W. Tozer
K.P. YohannanSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Vowed a vow - A vow is a solemn, holy promise, by which a man bound himself to do certain things in a particular way, time, etc., and for power to accomplish which he depended on God; hence all vows were made with prayer. If God will be with me, etc. - Jacob seems to make this vow rather for his posterity than for himself, as we may learn from Gen 28:13-15; for he particularly refers to the promises which God had made to him, which concerned the multiplication of his offspring, and their establishment in that land. If, then, God shall fulfill these promises, he binds his posterity to build God a house, and to devote for the maintenance of his worship the tenth of all their earthly goods. This mode of interpretation removes that appearance of self-interest which almost any other view of the subject presents. Jacob had certainly, long ere this, taken Jehovah for his God; and so thoroughly had he been instructed in the knowledge of Jehovah, that we may rest satisfied no reverses of fortune could have induced him to apostatize: but as his taking refuge with Laban was probably typical of the sojourning of his descendants in Egypt, his persecution, so as to be obliged to depart from Laban, the bad treatment of his posterity by the Egyptians, his rescue from death, preservation on his journey, re-establishment in his own country, etc., were all typical of the exodus of his descendants, their travels in the desert, and establishment in the promised land, where they built a house to God, and where, for the support and maintenance of the pure worship of God, they gave to the priests and Levites the tenth of all their worldly produce. If all this be understood as referring to Jacob only, the Scripture gives us no information how he performed his vow.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Lastly, Jacob made a vow: that if God would give him the promised protection on his journey, and bring him back in safety to his father's house, Jehovah should be his God (והיה in Gen 28:21 commences the apodosis), the stone which he had set up should be a house of God, and Jehovah should receive a tenth of all that He gave to him. It is to be noticed here, that Elohim is used in the protasis instead of Jehovah, as constituting the essence of the vow: if Jehovah, who had appeared to him, proved Himself to be God by fulfilling His promise, then he would acknowledge and worship Him as his God, by making the stone thus set up into a house of God, i.e., a place of sacrifice, and by tithing all his possessions. With regard to the fulfilment of this vow, we learn from Gen 35:7 that Jacob built an altar, and probably also dedicated the tenth to God, i.e., offered it to Jehovah; or, as some have supposed, applied it partly to the erection and preservation of the altar, and partly to burnt and thank-offerings combined with sacrificial meals, according to the analogy of Deu 14:28-29 (cf. Gen 31:54; Gen 46:1).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
JACOB'S VOW. (Gen 28:20-22) Jacob vowed a vow--His words are not to be considered as implying a doubt, far less as stating the condition or terms on which he would dedicate himself to God. Let "if" be changed into "since," and the language will appear a proper expression of Jacob's faith--an evidence of his having truly embraced the promise. How edifying often to meditate on Jacob at Beth-el. Next: Genesis Chapter 29
John Gill Bible Commentary
And Jacob vowed a vow,.... Which is the first vow we read of in Scripture: saying, if God will be with me; the word if is not a sign of doubting, but is either an adverb of time, and may be rendered, "when God shall be with me" (t); or as a supposition, expressive of an inference or conclusion drawn, "seeing God will be with me" (u); which he had the utmost reason to believe he would, since he had not only promised it, but had so lately granted him his presence in a very singular and remarkable manner, referring to the promise of God, Gen 28:15, and will keep me in this way that I go; as he had said he would, and as hitherto he had, and for the future he had reason to believe he still would: and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on; which is included in that clause, "I will not leave thee", &c. Gen 28:15, even not without food and raiment; which is all men can desire or use, and therefore with them should be content. (t) "quum", Junius & Tremellius; so Ainsworth. (u) Quandoquidem, Tigurine version.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
28:20-22 In view of what God would do for him, Jacob vowed to do certain things for God. He believed the Lord’s words and responded in gratitude. Jacob’s vow influenced Israel’s way of making commitments to God in worship.
Genesis 28:20
The Stone of Bethel
19and he called that place Bethel, though previously the city had been named Luz.20Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and watch over me on this journey, and if He will provide me with food to eat and clothes to wear,21so that I may return safely to my father’s house, then the LORD will be my God.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Jabbok
By David Wilkerson3.7K43:00JacobGEN 28:20In this sermon, Reverend David Wilkerson speaks about the power of faith and victorious living in Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that judgment must begin in the house of the Lord and that the entire Church of Jesus Christ will be brought to a crisis. Wilkerson highlights the need for believers to face a final deadline from God in order to find victory over lingering sins. He also emphasizes the importance of fearing God and recognizing divine justice, rather than solely relying on the power of God's love. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to seek deliverance and a transformed character through the expulsive power of new affection.
(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.
God's New Thing
By Brother Yun1.8K1:29:10New ThingGEN 28:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the most important thing is to recognize that Jesus loves us and to put our trust in Him. He shares personal stories of hardship and persecution in Iran, where the Bible was forbidden to be read. Despite the challenges, the speaker's mother and many others were drawn to the Bible as their only hope. The sermon concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to identify who they are and who they are going to, and to make a commitment to Jesus.
Soldiers, Strangers, Travelers, Pilgrims
By Thomas Brooks0ContentmentTrust in GodGEN 28:20PHP 4:11HEB 10:34HEB 13:5Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of contentment in the life of a Christian, even in times of hardship and loss, as illustrated by the believing Hebrews who faced plunder. He reminds believers that their identity as soldiers, strangers, travelers, and pilgrims calls for a reliance on God rather than material possessions. Brooks highlights that true contentment comes from grace, which thrives on less, contrasting it with the insatiable desires of those ruled by their lusts. He draws parallels from the Israelites' experience in the wilderness and Jacob's humble request for basic needs, underscoring that God provides enough for those who trust in Him.
Moral Determination
By A.W. Tozer0Moral DeterminationCommitment to GodGEN 28:20A.W. Tozer emphasizes the significance of moral determination in serving the Lord, drawing from biblical examples such as Jacob, Daniel, Paul, and Jesus, who all demonstrated a resolute commitment to God's will. He highlights that true spiritual greatness arises from a steadfast will to follow God, rather than a passive approach to faith. Tozer encourages believers to embrace the challenge of purposefully cleaving to the Lord, asserting that while surrendering may feel like a breaking of the will, it is actually a purging that aligns our will with God's. The sermon calls for a revival of moral determination in an age of weak faith.
The Set of Our Sails
By A.W. Tozer0Moral DeterminationCommitment to GodGEN 28:20DAN 1:8A.W. Tozer emphasizes the significance of moral determination in serving the Lord, using examples from the Bible such as Daniel, Jacob, Jesus, and Paul, who all demonstrated a steadfast commitment to God's will. He encourages believers to set their sails in alignment with God's purpose, assuring that they will navigate life’s challenges effectively. Tozer highlights that true spiritual greatness arises from a firm resolve to follow God's path, regardless of external pressures. He concludes with a prayer for renewed commitment to serve God faithfully and without compromise.
How He Does It
By K.P. Yohannan0BrokennessHumilityGEN 25:23GEN 28:20PSA 34:18PSA 51:17K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the necessity of brokenness in our spiritual lives, explaining that God is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. He illustrates how pride and stubbornness can keep us distant from God, while a contrite heart invites His presence and blessings. Through personal experiences and biblical examples, he highlights that God uses various methods, including trials and difficult circumstances, to bring us to a place of humility and surrender. Yohannan warns against resisting this process, as it can prolong our journey towards spiritual maturity and fulfillment of God's promises. Ultimately, he encourages believers to embrace brokenness as a pathway to deeper intimacy with God and transformation into His likeness.
Determining to Follow the Lord
By A.W. Tozer0DeterminationCommitment to GodGEN 28:20A.W. Tozer emphasizes that true religion is rooted in the will, not in feelings, and that our spiritual direction is determined by our choices. He illustrates this with examples from the Bible, such as Jacob's vow, Daniel's purpose, and Jesus' resolute journey to the cross, highlighting that moral determination is essential in serving the Lord. Tozer argues that many biblical figures achieved spiritual greatness through a steadfast commitment to God's will, despite facing challenges and opposition. He encourages believers to set their sails with purpose and determination, rather than being swayed by external circumstances. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deliberate choice to follow God wholeheartedly.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Vowed a vow - A vow is a solemn, holy promise, by which a man bound himself to do certain things in a particular way, time, etc., and for power to accomplish which he depended on God; hence all vows were made with prayer. If God will be with me, etc. - Jacob seems to make this vow rather for his posterity than for himself, as we may learn from Gen 28:13-15; for he particularly refers to the promises which God had made to him, which concerned the multiplication of his offspring, and their establishment in that land. If, then, God shall fulfill these promises, he binds his posterity to build God a house, and to devote for the maintenance of his worship the tenth of all their earthly goods. This mode of interpretation removes that appearance of self-interest which almost any other view of the subject presents. Jacob had certainly, long ere this, taken Jehovah for his God; and so thoroughly had he been instructed in the knowledge of Jehovah, that we may rest satisfied no reverses of fortune could have induced him to apostatize: but as his taking refuge with Laban was probably typical of the sojourning of his descendants in Egypt, his persecution, so as to be obliged to depart from Laban, the bad treatment of his posterity by the Egyptians, his rescue from death, preservation on his journey, re-establishment in his own country, etc., were all typical of the exodus of his descendants, their travels in the desert, and establishment in the promised land, where they built a house to God, and where, for the support and maintenance of the pure worship of God, they gave to the priests and Levites the tenth of all their worldly produce. If all this be understood as referring to Jacob only, the Scripture gives us no information how he performed his vow.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Lastly, Jacob made a vow: that if God would give him the promised protection on his journey, and bring him back in safety to his father's house, Jehovah should be his God (והיה in Gen 28:21 commences the apodosis), the stone which he had set up should be a house of God, and Jehovah should receive a tenth of all that He gave to him. It is to be noticed here, that Elohim is used in the protasis instead of Jehovah, as constituting the essence of the vow: if Jehovah, who had appeared to him, proved Himself to be God by fulfilling His promise, then he would acknowledge and worship Him as his God, by making the stone thus set up into a house of God, i.e., a place of sacrifice, and by tithing all his possessions. With regard to the fulfilment of this vow, we learn from Gen 35:7 that Jacob built an altar, and probably also dedicated the tenth to God, i.e., offered it to Jehovah; or, as some have supposed, applied it partly to the erection and preservation of the altar, and partly to burnt and thank-offerings combined with sacrificial meals, according to the analogy of Deu 14:28-29 (cf. Gen 31:54; Gen 46:1).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
JACOB'S VOW. (Gen 28:20-22) Jacob vowed a vow--His words are not to be considered as implying a doubt, far less as stating the condition or terms on which he would dedicate himself to God. Let "if" be changed into "since," and the language will appear a proper expression of Jacob's faith--an evidence of his having truly embraced the promise. How edifying often to meditate on Jacob at Beth-el. Next: Genesis Chapter 29
John Gill Bible Commentary
And Jacob vowed a vow,.... Which is the first vow we read of in Scripture: saying, if God will be with me; the word if is not a sign of doubting, but is either an adverb of time, and may be rendered, "when God shall be with me" (t); or as a supposition, expressive of an inference or conclusion drawn, "seeing God will be with me" (u); which he had the utmost reason to believe he would, since he had not only promised it, but had so lately granted him his presence in a very singular and remarkable manner, referring to the promise of God, Gen 28:15, and will keep me in this way that I go; as he had said he would, and as hitherto he had, and for the future he had reason to believe he still would: and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on; which is included in that clause, "I will not leave thee", &c. Gen 28:15, even not without food and raiment; which is all men can desire or use, and therefore with them should be content. (t) "quum", Junius & Tremellius; so Ainsworth. (u) Quandoquidem, Tigurine version.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
28:20-22 In view of what God would do for him, Jacob vowed to do certain things for God. He believed the Lord’s words and responded in gratitude. Jacob’s vow influenced Israel’s way of making commitments to God in worship.