Genesis 28

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 28:5

(5) Jacob’s and Esau’s mother.—This insertion of particulars already well known is in exact accordance with the Oriental manner of writing, which, moreover, is very careful in impressing all matters of family relation on the mind. (Comp. Genesis 25:12.) It is worthy of notice that as Jacob has now been confirmed in the possession of the birthright by the father as well as by the mother, his name is placed first. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 28:6

ESAU MARRIES A DAUGHTER OF ISHMAEL.(6) When Esau.—The solemn transfer of the birthright to Jacob, and Isaac’s complete assent thereto, must have been the cause of no little grief to Esau, and evidently it made him feel that he had greatly contributed to this result by his own illegitimate marriages. When, then, he sees Jacob sent away to obtain a wife, in accordance with the rule established by Abraham, he determines also to conform to it, and marries a daughter of Ishmael. She is called... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 28:10

JACOB’S DREAM.(10) And Jacob.—Though this history is called the Tôldôth Isaac, yet it is really the history of Jacob, just as the Tôldôth Terah was the history of Abraham, and the Tôldôth Jacob, beginning at Genesis 37:2, is the history of Joseph. Up to this time all had been preparation, but now at length Jacob is confirmed in the possession of the birthright, and made the heir of the Abrahamic blessing; and henceforward his fortunes solely occupy the inspired narrator, though Isaac had still... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 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... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 28:12

(12) Behold a ladder. . . . —Isaac had confirmed Jacob in the possession of the blessing before he started on his long journey, but it was necessary that he should also have the Divine ratification of his appointment; for the chief privilege was the covenant with God previously confirmed to Isaac, his father (Genesis 17:19-21). Day after day, then, he travels forward, anxious and oppressed, feeling as he went farther from his home the responsibilities attendant upon that birthright which he had... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 28:16

(16) Surely the Lord (Jehovah) is in this place.—Jacob was not unaware of the omnipresence of the Deity: what astonished him was that Jehovah should thus reveal Himself far away from the shrines where He was worshipped. Rebekah had gone to one of these to inquire of Jehovah (Genesis 25:22), and probably to a shrine in the very neighbourhood of the place where Jacob was sleeping (Genesis 12:8). But first Abraham, and then Isaac, had for so long made Beer-sheba their home, that Jacob probably... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 28:17

(17) How dreadful.—The manifestation of God must always inspire awe and dread, but not fear: for where He reveals Himself, there is “the gate of heaven”—the appointed entrance for prayer now, and for admission to the glorified life hereafter. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 28:18

(18) Jacob . . . took the stone . . . and set it up for a pillar.—In so doing, Jacob’s object was to mark the spot where so important a communication had been made to him. But besides its use as a memorial, it would enable him to identify the place upon his return, and pay there his vows. And as oil was the symbol of the dedication of a thing to holy uses, he pours oil upon the top of it. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 28:19

(19) Beth-el . . . Luz.—In Joshua 16:1-2, we find that Luz and Beth-el were distinct places, though near one another; and with this agrees the present passage. For plainly, Jacob and his attendants did not go inside the city, but slept on the open ground; and as they would carry their provisions with them, they would need no supplies from its Canaanite inhabitants. Probably at the time of Joshua’s conquest Beth-el was rather a holy place than a town, and when Ephraim seized upon Luz and put the... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 28:20-22

(20-22) Then shall the Lord (Jehovah) be my God.—This is a false translation, and gives a wrong sense. Jacob, in his vow, which implies no doubt on his part, but is his acceptance of the terms of the covenant, says: “If Elohim will be with me, and will protect me on this journey that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, and if I come again in peace to my father’s house, and Jehovah will be my Elohim, then this stone which I have set up as a pillar shall be Beth-Elohiin; and... read more

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 28:5

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 28:6

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 28:10

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 28:11

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 28:12

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 28:16

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 28:17

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 28:18

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 28:19

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 28:20-22

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