Jacob anointed the pillar at Bethel to consecrate the place where God had revealed Himself to him. It marked the spot as sacred and signified Jacob’s vow to serve the Lord. After fleeing from Esau, Jacob stopped at a certain place for the night, where he had a dream of a ladder reaching into heaven:
“Then Jacob rose early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put at his head, set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on top of it. And he called the name of that place Bethel; but the name of that city had been Luz previously.” (Genesis 28:18–19)
The dream was not just a vision, but a divine encounter. God reaffirmed to Jacob the covenant made with Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 28:13–15). Jacob’s act of anointing the stone showed his recognition of God’s presence and promise.
Anointing with oil symbolized dedication, setting something apart for holy use. By anointing the pillar, Jacob made a memorial of God’s faithfulness and marked the location as a house of God, because after all, “Bethel” means “house of God.”
Jacob later returned to this same place after God instructed him to do so. He again set up a pillar and worshiped:
“So Jacob 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.” (Genesis 35:14)
This repetition showed ongoing devotion and acknowledgment of God’s enduring covenant. The pillar at Bethel became a testimony to God’s revealed presence and Jacob’s pledged loyalty.
The act of anointing the pillar points forward to the biblical theme of consecration. Setting apart people, places, and objects for God’s glory. In Christ, believers themselves become temples of the Holy Spirit, set apart for His dwelling and service.
