Genesis 28:10-22 God’s Revelation to Jacob

Jacob left Beer Sheba and set our for Haran to seek refuge from his brother. After traveling for the day, he found a place to camp for the night.

During the evening Jacob had a dream in which the Lord revealed truths to Him. The Lord assured Jacob that He was with him and that He would fulfill through Jacob the promises that He had granted to Abraham.

He said that he is the same God as the One Abraham knew. He would give to Jacob and his descendants the land and that the descendants would be great like the dust of the earth. They would be spread out throughout the land, and all of the families of the earth would bless each other using his name and the name of his descendants.

The Lord promised to protect him and bring him back to the land. He continued, “I will not leave you until I have done what I promised you” (Gen 28:15).

Notice how the Lord is again reiterating the promises that Jacob received from his father (Gen 27).

It may seem redundant to mention this point, but God is once again reminding us of His faithfulness to do what He promises to do. We need to hear this message over and over again because we are very apt to forget it. Our culture reinforces the idea that God does not exist and of course cannot fulfill anything. We need to reject that message and cling to the truth of this text. God is faithful.

When Jacob arises from the dream he responds to God’s revelation by worshiping Him. He took the stone he had placed near his head made it a sacred stone and poured oil on it. He named the place “Bethel” meaning “house of God.”

Finally, Jacob made a vow to worship God and give Him a portion of his wealth (28:20-22).

Some Christians believe that God speaks to them in dreams and visions just as He did to Jacob on the way to Haran. They claim to regularly receive multitudes of messages from God in dreams and visions and by other means.

As we consider these claims it is helpful to keep three things in mind. First, the book of Genesis does not indicate that Jacob regularly received these kinds of visions and dreams. Even though he would eventually be the leader of the nation of Israel, God did not choose to speak to Him in that way and to that extent. Second, even if Jacob did receive regular dreams and visions, there is no indication that the other people who believed in God also received visions.

The book of Hebrews makes an interesting point concerning this issue, “After God spoke long ago in various portions and in various ways to our ancestors through the prophets, in these last days He has spoken to us in a son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he created the world” (He 1:1-2)

This passage teaches that the Lord now speaks differently to us than He did in earlier days. Although He used to speak to the people through the prophets in various ways, He now has spoken through His Son, Jesus Christ.

We now have the Scripture and no longer need to have revelations as the Old Testament prophets received. God has given us His Word, the Bible, that contains the revelation He wishes us to have. It is complete, and further revelation is not needed.

Even though we do not receive revelation in the same way Jacob received it, we can nevertheless respond by worship, just as Jacob did. When we read God’s word our hearts should be lifted up so that we come to know Him more and adore Him for who He is and what He has done. We come to know His wondrous works, the creation, the signs and wonders in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, the provision of manna in the wilderness, the victory over enemies as Israel entered into the Promised Land, etc.

As we read His word or hear it proclaimed, our hearts are drawn to Him in adoration. We worship Him. This response of love, adoration and worship is the proper response for us every time we hear His Word.

Are you and I eager to worship the Lord today? Let’s read His word, consider Him, reflect on what He has done and worship Him in this day and the days ahead.

“We give thanks to You, O God! We give thanks! You reveal your presence; people tell of your amazing deeds” - Psalm 75:1