Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 28:11
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... read more
John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 28:19
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, Genesis 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 F18 Antiqu. l. 1. c. 19.... read more