share torah logo

Genesis 35:14 - Jacob's sacred stone dedication

Genesis 35:14 - בראשית 35:14

Hebrew Text

וַיַּצֵּב יַעֲקֹב מַצֵּבָה בַּמָּקוֹם אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּר אִתּוֹ מַצֶּבֶת אָבֶן וַיַּסֵּךְ עָלֶיהָ נֶסֶךְ וַיִּצֹק עָלֶיהָ שָׁמֶן׃

English Translation

And Ya῾aqov set up a pillar in the place where He talked with him, a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering on it, and he poured oil on it.

Transliteration

Vayatziv Yaakov matzeva bamakom asher diber ito matzevet even vayasech aleha nesech vayitzok aleha shemen.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּצֵּ֨ב יַעֲקֹ֜ב מַצֵּבָ֗ה בַּמָּק֛וֹם אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּ֥ר אִתּ֖וֹ מַצֶּ֣בֶת אָ֑בֶן וַיַּסֵּ֤ךְ עָלֶ֙יהָ֙ נֶ֔סֶךְ וַיִּצֹ֥ק עָלֶ֖יהָ שָֽׁמֶן׃
וַיַּצֵּ֨ב יַעֲקֹ֜ב מַצֵּבָ֗ה בַּמָּק֛וֹם אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּ֥ר אִתּ֖וֹ מַצֶּ֣בֶת אָ֑בֶן וַיַּסֵּ֤ךְ עָלֶ֙יהָ֙ נֶ֔סֶךְ וַיִּצֹ֥ק עָלֶ֖יהָ שָֽׁמֶן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Significance of Yaakov's Pillar

The verse (Bereishit 35:14) describes Yaakov setting up a matzeivah (pillar) in the place where Hashem spoke to him. Rashi explains that this act commemorated the divine revelation Yaakov experienced there, similar to his earlier action in Bereishit 28:18 when he set up a pillar after his dream of the ladder. The matzeivah served as a physical marker of a sacred encounter with the Divine.

The Pouring of Oil and Drink Offerings

Ramban notes that pouring oil on the pillar was an act of consecration, as oil symbolizes wisdom and divine favor (see Shemot 30:25). The drink offering (nesech) may represent gratitude, as the Talmud (Menachot 20b) associates libations with thanksgiving offerings. The Sforno adds that these actions demonstrated Yaakov's recognition of Hashem's providence in that place.

Halachic Perspectives on Pillars

The Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 6:6) discusses how pillars were later prohibited when associated with idolatrous practices, but emphasizes that Yaakov's action preceded this prohibition and was purely for divine service. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 79:8) connects this pillar to future worship, suggesting it marked the site of the future Mizbeach in the Beit Hamikdash.

The Location's Sacred Status

  • Ibn Ezra identifies this as Beit-El, the same location as Yaakov's earlier vision.
  • Radak explains that consecrating this place reinforced its status as a future center of worship.
  • The Kli Yakar notes the parallel between Yaakov's actions here and Moshe's consecration of the Mishkan, showing continuity in sacred service.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 91b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the actions of the patriarch Jacob, particularly in relation to setting up a pillar and pouring offerings, as part of broader Talmudic discussions on biblical narratives and their implications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yaakov (Jacob) set up a pillar of stone?
A: Yaakov set up a pillar of stone to mark the place where he had a divine encounter with Hashem (Genesis 35:13-14). This was a common practice in biblical times to commemorate significant events or revelations, as seen earlier when Yaakov set up a pillar after his dream of the ladder (Genesis 28:18). Rashi explains that this act was an expression of gratitude and remembrance for the covenant and promises made to him by Hashem.
Q: What is the significance of pouring oil on the pillar?
A: Pouring oil on the pillar (anointing it) was a way to sanctify and dedicate it to Hashem. Oil (shemen) symbolizes holiness and divine favor in Jewish tradition. The Rambam (Hilchos Beis HaBechirah 1:15) notes that anointing with oil was used in the consecration of sacred objects, indicating that Yaakov was marking this place as holy due to his encounter with the Divine.
Q: What does the drink offering (nesech) represent in this verse?
A: The drink offering (nesech) was a libation, typically wine, poured as part of a sacrificial ritual. Here, Yaakov offers it alongside the anointing of the pillar as an act of devotion and thanksgiving to Hashem. The Talmud (Menachos 87b) discusses the significance of drink offerings as expressions of submission and acknowledgment of Hashem's presence.
Q: Does this verse connect to any Jewish practices today?
A: While we no longer pour drink offerings or anoint pillars, the concept of marking sacred moments remains. For example, Jews today may recite blessings or set up memorials (like matzeivos—gravestones) to honor spiritual experiences or loved ones. The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 79:7) teaches that Yaakov’s actions remind us to acknowledge and sanctify moments of divine connection in our lives.
Q: Why is this event important in Yaakov's life?
A: This event is significant because it reaffirms the covenant between Hashem and Yaakov, renaming him 'Yisrael' (Genesis 35:10) and promising the land to his descendants. The pillar serves as a physical reminder of this promise. Rashi (on Genesis 35:14) emphasizes that Yaakov’s actions demonstrate his commitment to fulfilling his spiritual mission, setting an example for future generations in serving Hashem with dedication.