Genesis 28:11

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.

And he lighted {H6293} upon a certain place {H4725}, and tarried there all night {H3885}, because the sun {H8121} was set {H935}; and he took {H3947} of the stones {H68} of that place {H4725}, and put {H7760} them for his pillows {H4763}, and lay down {H7901} in that place {H4725} to sleep {H7901}.

He came to a certain place and stayed the night there, because the sun had set. He took a stone from the place, put it under his head and lay down there to sleep.

On reaching a certain place, he spent the night there because the sun had set. And taking one of the stones from that place, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep.

And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took one of the stones of the place, and put it under his head, and lay down in that place to sleep.

Commentary

Commentary on Genesis 28:11 (KJV)

Genesis 28:11 describes a pivotal moment in Jacob's journey, setting the stage for one of the most significant divine encounters in the Old Testament. This verse captures Jacob's vulnerability and solitude as he flees from his brother Esau.

Context

Jacob, having deceived his father Isaac and stolen Esau's blessing, is now on a solitary journey from Beersheba to Haran, sent by his mother Rebekah. He is a fugitive, traveling alone, without the comforts or security of his family home. The phrase "he lighted upon a certain place" highlights the unplanned, perhaps desperate, nature of his stop. As the sun set, indicating the end of the day's travel and the onset of night, Jacob found himself in an desolate, unnamed location. His choice to use "stones of that place" as "his pillows" vividly illustrates his lack of provisions and the harsh reality of his situation, a far cry from the life he left behind.

Key Themes

  • Vulnerability and Dependence: Jacob is depicted at one of his lowest points, alone and exposed. This vulnerability underscores his complete dependence on God, rather than on human provision or cunning.
  • Divine Providence: Even in this seemingly random and uncomfortable location, God's hand was at work. This "certain place" was not accidental but divinely appointed for a profound revelation. It teaches that God can meet us anywhere, even in our most desolate circumstances.
  • The Sacred in the Ordinary: The use of ordinary stones for a pillow transforms a mundane, even harsh, sleeping arrangement into the site of a profound spiritual experience. This foreshadows how this place, later named Bethel ("House of God"), would become sacred due to God's presence.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "lighted upon" is paga' (פָּגַע), which can mean to encounter, meet, or even to fall upon. While it can simply describe coming across a place, in this context, it carries a sense of providential encounter—Jacob didn't just happen upon this spot; God led him there for a specific purpose. The anonymity of "a certain place" further emphasizes that its significance comes not from its inherent qualities, but from the divine intervention that would soon occur there.

Related Scriptures

This verse is the prelude to Jacob's famous dream of a ladder to heaven, detailed in Genesis 28:12. It is in this humble setting that Jacob receives the profound promise of God's presence and protection, echoing the covenant made with Abraham and Isaac. The narrative reminds us that God's presence is not limited to temples or grand places, but can be found even in the wilderness, as suggested by Psalm 139:7-10.

Practical Application

Genesis 28:11 offers a powerful message for believers today. It reminds us that even in moments of great difficulty, isolation, or discomfort—when we feel most vulnerable and alone—God is present and can reveal Himself in unexpected ways. Our "hard places" or "stone pillows" can become the very sites where we experience divine comfort, guidance, and renewed promises. It encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He can use humble circumstances to initiate profound spiritual encounters and demonstrate His unwavering faithfulness.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 28:18 (4 votes)

    And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put [for] his pillows, and set it up [for] a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:5 (4 votes)

    For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

  • Matthew 8:20 (4 votes)

    And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air [have] nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay [his] head.

  • Genesis 31:46 (2 votes)

    And Jacob said unto his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap: and they did eat there upon the heap.