Genesis 28

Genesis 28:9

VNto Ishmael] That is to say, to the Ishmaelites, for Ishmael was dead, Genesis 25:17 Maaleth] Called also by the name of Bashemath, Genesis 36:3.

Genesis 28:12

A Ladder] This vision signifieth the Communication which the Elect have with God, through the mediation of Jesus Christ, and the Covenant of grace founded upon him, through which God takes notice and care of their wants, and prayers which are brought unto him by his Angels: and doth miraculously afford them ayd. See John 1:51.

Genesis 28:15

Untill I] The Scripture doth often use this manner of speech, not to exclude the time which followeth after the prefixed time; but onely to assure the thing against that time, when it seemeth to bee most doubtfull and dangerous. See Psalme 110. 1. Matth. 28. 20.

Genesis 28:16

The Lord] As if he said, God appeareth in this Country of Infidels, as well as in my Fathers house, where I thought this gift had beene peculiar, and restrain’d to that place.

Genesis 28:17

Dreadfull] Through the glorious apparition of God, which alwayes brings terrour to the frailtie and Conscience of the sinfull man, This is] The Italian hath it, This place is] This place seemeth to bee a place of the particular presence and residence of God; and from hence man seemeth to have Heaven open to communicate with God, and have accesse to his Throne. Words of an abstracted mind; for there was no worth nor holinesse annexed unto this place: yea the Israelites were condemned in following ages, for holding this superstitious opinion, 1 King. 12. 29, 32.

Genesis 28:18

A pillar] For a remembrance of this apparition Oyle] Which was used in the consecration of places, and persons, Exod. 30. 25. and 40. 9.

Genesis 28:19

Bethel] That is, the house of God Citie] That is, neare unto the place of this vision.

Genesis 28:20

Vowed a vow] This manner of ceremoniall service was then in use, and so it was afterward with many such like observations, afterwards confirmed and ruled in Moses Law: If God] Not that he doubted of Gods promises, or that he would bargaine with God, like one that were mercenary, but by this it must bee understood; when, or after, that these good things shall have chanced unto me, according to Gods promises I doe promise him service therefore, with an expresse and solemne acknowledgement.

Genesis 28:21

Shall] That is to say, I will serve him faithfully, and will worship him as mine only God.

Genesis 28:22

Gods house] A place of devotion, prayer, and sacrifice. See Genesis 35:7.The tenth] See upon Genesis 14:20.