The Yale expositor., 1913-04-10
LESSON FOR APRIL 13
JACOB At BETHEL.

| Ten ISIS.
Esau, like the foolish virgins, be-
came wise after his opportunity had
passed. Though there was a partial
subsequent reformation (28:6-9) it
was not real repentance. Jacob was
obliged to fee from his brothers an
ger. IN order to get him on in safety
Rebekah prompted Isaac to send
Jacob to her brother Laban, ostensibly
10 seek a wife (27:46), but in reality
for a few days." that he might es-
cape Esau's wrath.
Couch of Stones.
l. The Refuge, w. 10, IL. Every
wrong act entails retribution. Leav-
Ing the luxurious home in Beersheba,
Jacob went towards Haran, which
name signifies "a parched place" Out
yonder in the desert at certain place,
not any particular one, this refugee
tarried during the long cold hours OF
The night. Gathering a few stones as
rude couch, Jacob slept. There are
three things to consider about him
that night: % He was lonely, which
gave him time to mediate upon his
life and his actions; CD he was in a
great fear (27:43), which OF course
| qulckened his thoughts as to the ult-
mate outcome OF these experiences.
and (3) he was certainly weary. What
picture, a weary, troubled, sinful
! fugitive whose experience had brought
him to a time and into surroundings
wherein he was compelled to think on
his ways.
II only men would think and not
stifle conscience more Of them would
throw themselves upon the mercy OF
loving father.
II. Tho Revelation, w. 1915. Jacob
was not in reality alone. Both God
and his angels were there in that lone
ly desert place, Ps. 34:7-739:7. It
was not an accident that caused Jacob
to dream that night. Undoubtedly this
dream came from God. Dreams were
frequently used OF God as a means OF
revelation, a method that is not need.
full now that we have the holy spirit,
John 1918. Verify all heaven was at
Jacobs right hand.
There are three distinguishing fea-
lures about this revelation: % Tho
Ladder. This might have been sug-
gested to Jacob by the nature of the
mountainous country over which he
had been or was passing. A ladder Is
means whereby we attain unto the
higher things; (2) The Angels. They
were first ascending, then descending;
| suggesting, in mis- extremity, Jacobs
ascending prayer and Gods descend.
ing answer thereto. In this the hour
of Jacobs deepest trial God stood at
the top Of the ladder ready to reveal
himself and to succor: see 1858. There
IL in point OF fact a close and a real
connection between earth and heaven,
only q veil intervenes. Jesus Is our
means OF communication between
holy God and sinful men. John 1876,
Heb. 1919, 20; (S) God. Jehovah in.
troduced himself in a most gracious
and comforting manner. He it was
". 13) that had protected and guided
Jacobs father and grandfather.
Jacob Arose.
III. The Result, w. 1922. Jacob
moved, but the revelation remained.
The presence, the keeping power, the
guidance and the ultimately finished
work in Jacobs life remained after
the dream had passed. So much was
he impressed with this that he ex-
claims: Surely the Lord is in this
place" Jacobs fear ". 10 is the be-
rWfw. trxnr Nf lad De
also 1928. The words gate of
heaven" v. II. signifies the gate to a
populous city; In like manner we
have the promise OF an encamping
host ever about US, Ps. 34:7, 2; Kings
6:16,17. Jacob went a step further,
he. arose. signifying action. 1t Is not
enough to have a vision. Cody fear
is always accompanied by action. TAX.
Ing of the thing at hand, a stone,
Jacob erected q memorial, and pour.
Ing oil (consecration) upon 1t. he
called the name of that place Bethel,
the house of God. In like manner
God would have US to take of the
common things of our everyday life
and erect holy memorial out OF
luGHA W bnC biOiy VA lis
name. Twas not alone the place OF
vision, but also of prayer, and true
prayer involves work.
This lesson is wonderful revelar
ton OF the love, grace and patience Of
God watching over and dealing with
one of his erring children. Jacob had
forfeited his home by his folly. Note
his surpriseful expression, Surely the
Lord was in this place and knew it
not"
Another great lesson is that of the
close connection of God and OF heaven
with men and affairs here on this
earth, mans nearness to God. Divine
revelation and human humbling are
always closely connected. Jacob rec
ognized the divine revelation. and be-
lieved In the promise and purpose of
Jehovah, another evidence OF his SUI
periority over Esau. Jacob, II Is evi-
dent, had a desire 70 have some part