John Calvin Commentary Genesis 28:16

"And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely Jehovah is in this place. And I knew it not." — Genesis 28:16 (ASV)

And Jacob awakened. Moses again affirms that this was no common dream, for when anyone awakes, he immediately perceives that he had been under a delusion in dreaming. But God impressed a sign on the mind of his servant, by which, when he awoke, he might recognize the heavenly oracle which he had heard in his sleep.

Moreover, Jacob, in express terms, accuses himself, and extols the goodness of God, who condescended to present himself to one who did not seek him; for Jacob thought that he was there alone: but now, after the Lord appeared, he wonders, and exclaims that he had obtained more than he could have dared to hope for. However, it is not to be doubted that Jacob had called upon God, and had trusted that he would be the guide of his journey; but, because his faith had not been sufficient to convince him that God was so near to him, he justly extols this act of grace.

So, whenever God anticipates our wishes, and grants us more than our minds have conceived, let us learn, after the example of this patriarch, to marvel that God was present with us. Now, if each of us would reflect on how feeble his faith is, this way of speaking would always seem appropriate for us all; for who, with his limited understanding, can comprehend the immense multitude of gifts which God is perpetually heaping upon us?