According to modern-day atlas measurements, Jacob has traveled fty miles from Beersheba to Bethel the rst day. His fear of his brother ́s revenge probably spurs him on as he makes that lengthy trek. He wants to put as much distance as possible between him and Esau ́s brutal wrath. We can also make the best of poetic language when it says “because the sun had set.” The growing darkness of twilight can invoke romance, or in Jacob ́s case, apprehension. But the tired young man grabs the minimum element for a night’s rest—a rock as a pillow.
Jacob could not possibly surmise the outcome of that night. He only knows that he is heading toward Haran to nd a wife among his mother ́s relatives and be secure there for a while. But grace surprises him. More than a dream—it is a vision, a con rmation of his personal participation in the patriarchal project. His father ́s blessing before parting has now received approval from Yahweh with the added promise of divine protec- tion at all times until the full plan becomes reality.
We are not always running away from infuriated brothers or traveling far from home to nd a spouse, but we have expe- rienced foreboding sunsets of life. We have lain down to sleep out of sheer exhaustion still carrying heavy loads of anguish and uncertainty, even of fear. But our God surprises us with divine grace when we least expect it and takes our situation far beyond immediate solutions. God doesn’t just mend things; God makes things new!
Before the close of this day, take some time to review your pilgrimage of life and note how many times the God of Abra- ham, Isaac, and Jacob has actually brought you a Bethel expe- rience just when you thought there was only a night to endure.