Genesis 28 "Jacob sleeps on a rock"

Genesis 28:16 "And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not."

Issac has called Jacob to him and charged him that he not marry a woman of the local population but go back to his people, the house of Laban, to find a bride. So Jacob leaves for his journey. Esau is upset over the whole thing, it seems. He notices that his parents do not like his wives so he took others apparently to spite them. Even though Jacob has received the blessing through deceit, he does have one redeeming quality and it is found in this verse.

Genesis 18 v 7 "And that Jacob obeyed his father and his mother and was gone to Padanaram;" Children first learn to respect and obey their parents. If taught correctly and they do not rebel, children learn a healthy respect for authority through their parents. Then when they are taught about God and obeying his commands, they make the transition in their life more easily. Children who are not taught respect for authority have trouble when it comes to obeying God. Jacob with all his flaws still obeyed his parents.

On this journey, Jacob is confronted by the Lord as he sleep on a pillow of stones. It is here that Jacob promises God 10% of all that he acquires. He also sets up a stone to commemorate the meeting and the promise made.

In verse 13 God carries on his promise "And behold the Lord stood above it and said I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father and the God of Issac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it and to thy seed;"

We might point out here that sometimes the journey is as important as the destination.

Proverbs 22:1 "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches and loving favour rather than silver and gold."