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John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 35:13

And God went up from him ,.... Or "from above" him F24 מעליו "desuper eum", Montanus. ; by this it seems that there was a visible appearance of the glory of the Lord, as Onkelos, or of the Shechinah, as Jonathan; even of the Son of God in an human form, who either appeared just above him, or on the same spot with him, conversing with him as above related; and when he had done, ascended in a visible manner from him, till he disappeared: in the place where he talked with him ;... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 35:14

And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him ,.... He had set up a pillar in this place before he went to Padanaram, Genesis 28:18 ; and some, think this pillar is here referred to, and render the words, "had set up a pillar" F25 ויצב "erexerat", Vatablus; "et statuerat", Piscator; so Aben Ezra. ; but as that was done thirty years ago, it is very likely it was demolished by the Heathens before this time, or was fallen to ruin, wherefore this must be at least a... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 35:15

And Jacob called the name of the place where God spake with him, Bethel. He confirmed the name he had before given it, when he went to Mesopotamia, and now upon his return renews and establishes it; or he gave this name more especially to that particular spot where God conversed with him, and on which he erected a pillar, and consecrated it to religious worship, and so made it God's house, as he promised he would, Genesis 28:22 , both building an altar for sacrifice, and setting up a... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 35:13

And God went up from him - This was not a vision, nor a strong mental impression, but a real manifestation of God. Jacob saw and heard him speak, and before his eyes he went up - ascended to heaven. This was no doubt the future Savior, the Angel of the covenant. See Genesis 16:7 . read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 35:14

A drink-offering - נסך nesech , a libation. These were afterwards very common in all countries. At first they consisted probably of water only, afterwards wine was used; see on Leviticus 7:1 ; (note), etc. The pillar which Jacob set up was to commemorate the appearance of God to him; the drink-offering and the oil were intended to express his gratitude and devotion to his preserver. It was probably the same pillar which he had set up before, which had since been thrown down, and which... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 35:13

Verse 13 13.And God went up from him. This ascent of God is analogous to his descent; for God, who fills heaven and earth, is yet said to descend to us, though he changes not his place, whenever he gives us any token of his presence; a mode of expression adopted in accommodation to our littleness. He went up, therefore, from Jacob, when he disappeared from his sight, or when the vision ended. By the use of such language, God shows us the value of his word, because, indeed, he is near to us in... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 35:14

Verse 14 14.And Jacob set up a pillar. Though it is possible that he may again have erected a sacred monument, in memory of the second vision; yet I readily subscribe to the opinion of those who think that reference is made to what had been done before; as if Moses should say, that was the ancient temple of God, in which Jacob had poured forth his libation: for he had not been commanded to come thither for the sake of dwelling there; but in order that a fresh view of the place might renew his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 35:1-15

Bethel revisited. I. JACOB 'S JOURNEY TO BETHEL . 1. The occasion of the journey. The crime of his sons had made it necessary that Jacob should leave Shechem and its neighborhood; but it is doubtful if in the circumstances Jacob would have thought of going to Bethel without an express invitation from Heaven, which, however, he got. 2. The object of the journey. This was stated by the Divine communication which Jacob received to be the fulfillment of the vow which... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 35:1-15

God with us. Jacob's settlement with his family at Bethel. This was a solemn renewal of the covenant to the patriarch at the end of his pilgrimage. It was the occasion for a new dedication of himself and his household by vows and offerings, and by separation of themselves from all heathen things and thoughts around the newly-erected altar El-Bethel . I. REVELATION the basis of faith. God went up from him after he had spoken with him, and there he set up a pillar of stone, and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 35:13

And God went up from him —showing this to have been a visible manifestation (cf. Genesis 17:22 )— in the place where he talked with him. read more

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