“I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.”
In this verse, we find Jacob receiving a message from God regarding his departure from Laban’s household and the land of Haran. To understand the significance of this verse, it’s helpful to provide some context.
Jacob had been living with Laban, his father-in-law, for several years. During this time, he had faced many challenges and experienced both blessings and hardships. Jacob had married Laban’s daughters, Leah and Rachel, and had become prosperous through his flocks and herds. However, Laban’s treatment towards Jacob had grown increasingly unfavorable, and it was time for Jacob to leave and return to his homeland.
At this crucial moment, God appears to Jacob in a dream, reaffirming His presence and guidance. Let’s break down the verse to gain a deeper understanding:
- “I am the God of Bethel”: Bethel was a significant place for Jacob. Earlier in Genesis (Chapter 28), Jacob had a profound encounter with God at Bethel. It was there that he had a dream of a ladder reaching to heaven, and God made a covenant with him, promising to bless him and his descendants. By identifying Himself as the God of Bethel, God reminds Jacob of the divine encounter and the promises made at that place.
- “Where thou anointedst the pillar”: When Jacob first arrived at Bethel, he took a stone and set it up as a pillar, pouring oil on top of it as an act of consecration. This anointing symbolized Jacob’s recognition of the sacredness of the place and his commitment to God. It served as a memorial of the encounter with God and the promises made. God’s mention of the anointed pillar serves to remind Jacob of his previous dedication to God and the significance of that commitment.
- “Where thou vowedst a vow unto me”: At Bethel, Jacob made a vow to God, promising that if God would be with him, protect him on his journey, and provide for him, then the Lord would be his God, and Jacob would give a tenth of everything he possessed back to God. This vow expressed Jacob’s devotion and trust in God’s faithfulness. God’s reference to Jacob’s vow reinforces the importance of honoring one’s commitments to God.
- “Now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred”: Here, God directs Jacob to leave the land of Haran and return to the land of his ancestors, where his family resided. God instructs Jacob to rise and depart from his current circumstances, indicating a new phase in his journey and a separation from Laban’s household.
In summary, Genesis 31:13 captures a pivotal moment in Jacob’s life. God reminds Jacob of His identity as the God of Bethel, the significance of the anointed pillar, and the vow Jacob made. Through this reminder, God encourages Jacob to leave Laban’s land and return to his own people. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness, guidance, and the importance of honoring one’s commitments to Him. This verse also emphasizes the role of God’s divine intervention in Jacob’s life, providing him with direction and assurance as he faces a new chapter in his journey.
