What happensPermalink
Jacob flees from Esau toward Haran. One night, he sees a stairway to heaven, and God confirms to him the promise he made to Abraham and Isaac to bless and multiply him. Jacob names that place Bethel, “house of God.” Esau marries an Ishmaelite.
Why it mattersPermalink
God confirms His covenant with Abraham yet again, this time to Jacob. Later, Israel will refer to God as “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Esau marries an Ishmaelite, which is actually closer to Abraham’s line than Laban’s daughters whom Jacob will marry.
Key versePermalink
“Behold, I [God] am with you [Jacob] and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”