“And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.”
This verse is a part of the story of Jacob’s encounter with God at Bethel. Jacob was on his way to his uncle Laban’s house when he stopped for the night and had a significant dream. In this dream, he saw a ladder reaching from earth to heaven, with angels ascending and descending on it. God stood at the top of the ladder and reaffirmed the promises made to Jacob’s father, Isaac, and his grandfather, Abraham.
Upon waking up, Jacob was filled with awe and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I knew it not.” He realized that he had encountered the presence of God and declared the place to be none other than the house of God and the gate of heaven.
In response to this revelation, Jacob took the stone he had used as a pillow, set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on it as an act of consecration. It was in this context that Jacob made the statement mentioned in Genesis 28:22.
Let’s explore the key elements and lessons we can derive from this verse:
- Acknowledging God’s ownership and provision: Jacob recognized that the stone he set up as a pillar was not merely a monument, but a representation of God’s house. By doing so, he acknowledged that everything he had, including the promised land and blessings, came from God. It is essential for us to acknowledge that God is the ultimate source of all our blessings and provisions.
- The practice of tithing: Jacob’s commitment to give a tenth of all that God would give him illustrates the principle of tithing. Tithing involves giving a portion of our income or possessions as an act of worship and gratitude towards God. It demonstrates our trust in God’s provision and helps support the work of God’s house, which includes the ministry, worship, and caring for others.
- Faithfulness in stewardship: Jacob’s promise to give a tenth to God reflects his commitment to be faithful in managing the resources entrusted to him. Likewise, this verse encourages believers to be faithful stewards of what God has given them. It emphasizes the importance of using our resources wisely, not only for our own benefit but also for advancing God’s kingdom and meeting the needs of others.
- Personal application: While this verse highlights Jacob’s personal commitment, it can also be seen as an invitation for individuals to make their own personal commitments to God. It encourages believers to consecrate their lives and resources to God and to follow through on their promises and commitments.
In summary, Genesis 28:22 teaches us the importance of acknowledging God’s ownership, practicing faithful stewardship, and expressing gratitude by giving back to God. It reminds us that God is the provider of all things and invites us to be faithful in managing the resources He has entrusted to us.
