Matthew Henry Commentary Genesis 28:20-22

"And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, so that I come again to my father`s house in peace, and Jehovah will be my God, then this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God`s house. And of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee." — Genesis 28:20-22 (ASV)

Jacob made a solemn vow on this occasion. In this, observe:

1. Jacob's faith. He trusts that God will be with him and will keep him; he depends upon it.

2. Jacob's moderation in his desires. He does not ask for soft clothing and dainty food. If God gives us much, we are obligated to be thankful and to use it for him; if he gives us only a little, we are obligated to be content and cheerfully enjoy him in it.

3. Jacob's piety and his regard for God appear in his desire that God would be with him and keep him. We need desire nothing more to make us comfortable and happy.

His resolution is also to cling to the Lord as his God in covenant. When we receive more than ordinary mercy from God, we should abound in gratitude to him.

A tenth is a fitting proportion to be devoted to God and used for him, though it may be more or less, as God prospers us (1 Corinthians 16:2).

Let us then remember our Bethels, how we are committed by solemn vows to yield ourselves to the Lord, to take him for our God, and to devote all we have and are to his glory!