Jacob’s Dream at Bethel: In this report of Jacob’s dream Jacob rests for the night (vv. 10–11), God speaks to him in a dream (vv. 12–15), Jacob responds (vv. 16–17), he names that place (vv. 18–19), and he makes a vow (vv. 20–22).

28:10–11 Because of Esau’s threats and in order to find a wife, Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Haran. It was a long journey, especially by foot. As the sun set, Jacob picked a place to spend the night. The NIV understands the text to say that taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head. Since a stone does not make a good pillow, it seems more likely that Jacob arranged these stones to provide protection for his head while he slept on the ground. As far as Jacob knew, that place possessed no special significance. He did not expect anything to hap…