Bible moment
The Bible moment
Genesis 28:10–22 tells how Jacob traveled from Beersheba toward Haran and stopped for the night. He rested his head on a stone and dreamed of a stairway or flight of steps reaching heaven, with angels going up and down. The LORD stood above it and reaffirmed promises about land, descendants, blessing to all families of the earth, God’s presence, protection, and Jacob’s return. When Jacob woke, he recognized the place as special and spoke of it with awe. He took the stone he had used as a pillow, set it up as a pillar, poured oil on it, and named the place Bethel. The passage notes that it had previously been called Luz. Jacob then made a conditional vow to God.
Look closely
What children can notice
After waking, Jacob takes the stone he used as a pillow, sets it up as a pillar, pours oil on it, and names the place Bethel; the passage notes it was previously called Luz.
Talk together
Talk about it
- Why did Jacob set up the stone he had used as a pillow?
- What might help you remember God’s care?
For families, church, and class
Use this page
Use this page when teaching Genesis 28:18–19 or discussing Jacob’s response to God’s presence. Invite children to notice the stone’s change from a pillow to a pillar, while keeping the dream and God’s promises in the surrounding story. Avoid adding rituals, offerings, later events, or other people.
Source note
From this passage
Genesis 28:18-19 · Jacob at Bethel
After waking, Jacob takes the stone he used as a pillow, sets it up as a pillar, pours oil on it, and names the place Bethel; the passage notes it was previously called Luz.
