Genesis Lesson 65: Pillow to Pillar {Vision Expansion and Vow Expressed}

Genesis 28:16-22

Jacob's life was a picture of the spiritual man struggling against his flesh (see Galatians 5:17).  His primary struggle was not about his love of the world, but it was about his own self-sufficiency - which, of course, boils down to a pride issue.  Time after time, Jacob took matters into his own hands without relying on God, in Whom he did believe.  

When we left Jacob in Lesson 64, he was still sleeping (on a rock pillow).  He fell asleep fearful, lonely, disgraced, exiled, and destitute, but the Lord gave him great tidings of promises and assurances by way of a marvelous dream (commonly called the dream of Jacob's Ladder).  In this lesson, we discuss the events that took place when Jacob awoke (it was a twofold awakening).  First, we discuss "Jacob's Vision of God Expanded" as he has a new awe for God and creates a new memorial for God (A PILLAR MADE FROM HIS PILLOW) and a new name for the place of his dream ("Bethel," "the House of God").  Second, we will talk about "Jacob's Vow to God Expressed" (and the two views about that vow).