This division of the Genesis text allows us to distinguish two moments of the event—one where God takes the initiative and a second one where Jacob is the protagonist. It seems that verses 16 and 17 occur just as Jacob wakes from sleep, but dawn has not arrived. He gains another view of the place where he has settled for the night: God is here!
Then three expressions follow: “I did not know it,” “he was afraid,” and “how awesome is this place.” They offer an inter- esting sequence from ignorance through fear to admiration—or perhaps we would say adoration.
Many years ago while in a forced labor camp, I sat in the dark on Christmas Eve and felt haunted by loneliness and fear. Many sad and bitter thoughts rushed through my mind because “I did not know” that God was with me there. I felt so scared that when I heard the guard screaming my name to present myself at the entrance gate, I decided not to answer. But the second call and third shout shook me to my feet, and I ran to the gate. There stood an unknown cousin of my mother and her husband, two elderly persons with a hug and a kiss and a small gift in their hand—soda crackers and guava jam! At that hour of the night I gathered with several brothers in the faith, and we feasted in great thanksgiving. How awesome!
Jacob then converts the very stone that served as his pillow into an altar and acknowledges that lonely place as “the house of God.” Did you recall your own Bethel experiences yesterday? Turn each one into a service of thanksgiving and praise! Build your own altar!