“And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.”
This verse is a part of the account of Jacob’s journey from Beersheba to Haran. It is a significant moment in Jacob’s life as he is about to experience a powerful encounter with God. Let’s explore the context and the spiritual lessons we can learn from this verse.
Jacob’s journey: Jacob was sent by his father Isaac to find a wife from his mother Rebekah’s family. As he traveled, he reached a certain place where he decided to rest for the night because the sun had set. This place was significant because it became the setting for an extraordinary encounter with God.
A humble resting place: Due to the lack of suitable bedding, Jacob used stones as his pillows. This detail underscores the humble and uncomfortable conditions Jacob endured during his journey. It reminds us that sometimes God’s work in our lives begins in the most unlikely and uncomfortable circumstances.
The symbolism of stones: The use of stones in this narrative carries symbolic significance. Stones can represent permanence, strength, and stability. In biblical times, altars were often made of stones, and they served as places of encounter with God. Jacob’s use of stones as pillows may foreshadow the establishment of a covenant between Jacob and God at this particular location.
The significance of sleep: As Jacob lay down to sleep, he entered a state of vulnerability and rest. It is in this state that he has a powerful dream and encounters God in a profound way. This reminds us that God can reveal Himself to us even in our most vulnerable moments when we are willing to rest and seek Him.
God’s presence and promises: In the subsequent verses, Jacob has a dream in which he sees a ladder reaching from earth to heaven with angels ascending and descending on it. God stands above the ladder and renews the promises He had given to Abraham and Isaac, assuring Jacob of His presence, protection, and the inheritance of the land.
In summary, Genesis 28:11 presents us with a pivotal moment in Jacob’s life, where he experiences an encounter with God. It teaches us that God can reveal Himself and His promises to us even in the most humble and unexpected circumstances. It also emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, rest, and seeking God’s presence in our lives.
