“And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, even a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon.”
Context: To fully understand Genesis 35:14, it’s important to consider the broader context. In Genesis 35, Jacob returns to Bethel after receiving instructions from God to go there. Bethel held special significance for Jacob because it was the place where God appeared to him in a dream, promising to bless him and his descendants.
Jacob’s Encounter with God: Before setting up the pillar mentioned in verse 14, Jacob had a significant encounter with God in Bethel. In Genesis 35:9-13, God reaffirms His covenant with Jacob, gives him a new name (Israel), and promises to make him fruitful and multiply his descendants. This encounter with God deeply impacted Jacob, prompting him to respond in worship and obedience.
Setting up the Pillar: In verse 14, Jacob sets up a pillar of stone at the place where he spoke with God. This act symbolizes the establishment of a memorial, a tangible reminder of his encounter with the divine. Pillars were commonly used in ancient times to mark important locations or events. Jacob’s act of setting up a pillar signifies the significance and permanence of the encounter he had with God at that place.
Drink Offering and Oil: Jacob pours a drink offering and oil on the pillar. Drink offerings were a common form of worship in ancient times, where liquid, often wine, was poured out as an offering to God. Oil was also used in various religious rituals and symbolized consecration and anointing.
The pouring of the drink offering and oil on the pillar can be seen as an act of devotion and consecration. It represents Jacob’s desire to honor and worship God in response to the covenant and promises God had made to him. The pouring out of the drink offering and oil signifies the pouring out of Jacob’s heart, his gratitude, and his commitment to God.
Lessons for Us: Genesis 35:14 teaches us several important lessons. Firstly, it highlights the significance of encountering God personally. Just as Jacob encountered God at Bethel, we too can have personal encounters with God that shape our lives and faith. Secondly, Jacob’s act of setting up a pillar reminds us of the importance of remembering and commemorating significant moments in our spiritual journey. It’s essential to establish markers and reminders of God’s faithfulness in our lives.
Additionally, the pouring out of the drink offering and oil teaches us the importance of worship, gratitude, and consecration. We should offer ourselves fully to God, pouring out our hearts and lives in worship and dedication. Just as Jacob responded to God’s promises with acts of devotion, we should respond to God’s love and grace with a life of worship and obedience.
In conclusion, Genesis 35:14 portrays Jacob’s response to his encounter with God at Bethel. The setting up of the pillar, along with the pouring out of a drink offering and oil, symbolizes Jacob’s worship, gratitude, and consecration. This passage encourages us to seek personal encounters with God, remember His faithfulness, and respond to His love with lives of worship and devotion.
