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Genesis 28:18 - Jacob's stone: altar or foundation?

Genesis 28:18 - בראשית 28:18

Hebrew Text

וַיַּשְׁכֵּם יַעֲקֹב בַּבֹּקֶר וַיִּקַּח אֶת־הָאֶבֶן אֲשֶׁר־שָׂם מְרַאֲשֹׁתָיו וַיָּשֶׂם אֹתָהּ מַצֵּבָה וַיִּצֹק שֶׁמֶן עַל־רֹאשָׁהּ׃

English Translation

And Ya῾aqov rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put under his head, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil on the top of it.

Transliteration

Vayashkem Yaakov baboker vayikach et-ha'even asher-sam mera'ashotav vayasem otah matzevah vayitzok shemen al-roshah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם יַעֲקֹ֜ב בַּבֹּ֗קֶר וַיִּקַּ֤ח אֶת־הָאֶ֙בֶן֙ אֲשֶׁר־שָׂ֣ם מְרַֽאֲשֹׁתָ֔יו וַיָּ֥שֶׂם אֹתָ֖הּ מַצֵּבָ֑ה וַיִּצֹ֥ק שֶׁ֖מֶן עַל־רֹאשָֽׁהּ׃
וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם יַעֲקֹ֜ב בַּבֹּ֗קֶר וַיִּקַּ֤ח אֶת־הָאֶ֙בֶן֙ אֲשֶׁר־שָׂ֣ם מְרַֽאֲשֹׁתָ֔יו וַיָּ֥שֶׂם אֹתָ֖הּ מַצֵּבָ֑ה וַיִּצֹ֥ק שֶׁ֖מֶן עַל־רֹאשָֽׁהּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Yaakov's Morning Actions

The verse describes Yaakov's actions upon waking from his prophetic dream at Beit El. Rashi explains that Yaakov's early rising demonstrates his zeal in fulfilling a divine mission, as he immediately acts upon the revelation he received. The stone he used as a pillow now becomes a monument marking the sacredness of the place.

The Significance of the Stone

According to the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 68:12), the stone Yaakov took was not an ordinary one. The Talmud (Chullin 91b) suggests it was the Even HaShtiya (Foundation Stone) from which the world was created, later to be the site of the Mizbeach in the Beit HaMikdash. By setting it upright, Yaakov symbolically established a connection between heaven and earth.

Pouring Oil on the Pillar

Rambam (Hilchos Beis HaBechirah 1:15) notes that anointing with oil signifies consecration, as done later with the Mishkan's vessels. The Radak adds that this act mirrored future Temple service, where oil was used for anointing kings and sanctifying holy objects. The oil represents divine wisdom and the shefa (spiritual flow) from above.

The Pillar as a Monument

  • Rashi: Explains this was not idolatry but a marker of divine encounter, as matzevot were permitted before the Torah forbade them (later associated with idol worship).
  • Ramban: Suggests Yaakov prophetically foresaw this location's future holiness as the site of the Beit HaMikdash.
  • Sforno: Notes the oil symbolized dedication to Hashem's service, just as the Menorah's oil represented divine light.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 91b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the actions of Jacob and the significance of his setting up the stone as a pillar and anointing it with oil.
📖 Megillah 16b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the importance of early rising and diligence, as exemplified by Jacob's actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yaakov (Jacob) set up a stone as a pillar and pour oil on it?
A: Yaakov set up the stone as a monument (matzeivah) to mark the place where he had the prophetic dream of the ladder (Genesis 28:12). Pouring oil on it was an act of dedication, similar to how we anoint objects for holy purposes (Rashi on Genesis 28:18). This showed that the place was special and connected to Hashem's presence.
Q: What is the significance of Yaakov using the stone he slept on?
A: The stone he used was the same one he placed under his head while sleeping (Genesis 28:11). By using it for the monument, Yaakov showed that even ordinary objects can become holy when used for a divine purpose (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 68:12). This teaches us to elevate physical items for spiritual meaning.
Q: Why did Yaakov perform this act 'early in the morning'?
A: Yaakov acted immediately upon waking to show his enthusiasm for fulfilling Hashem's will (Rambam, Hilchot De'ot 1:5). The Talmud (Berachot 5b) also teaches that the morning is an auspicious time for divine service, as the mind is clear after sleep.
Q: What does pouring oil on the stone symbolize in Judaism?
A: Oil symbolizes wisdom and dedication in Jewish tradition (Menachot 85b). By anointing the stone, Yaakov was consecrating it as a marker of his encounter with the divine, similar to how oil was later used to anoint the Mishkan's vessels and the Kohanim (Exodus 30:26-30).
Q: How does Yaakov's action with the stone apply to us today?
A: Yaakov teaches us to recognize and mark moments of spiritual significance in our lives. While we don't erect stone monuments today, we can create personal reminders of our connection to Hashem - whether through prayer, mitzvot, or designating special objects for holy purposes (Tur, Orach Chaim 47).