18
Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put under his head, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil on its top.
Highlighted
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 18. A title. That is a pillar or monument. Challoner.—Or an altar, consecrated by that rite to the service of the true God. This he did without any superstition; as the Catholic Church still pours oil or chrism upon her altars, in imitation of Jacob. Raban. Instit. i. 45. If pagans did the like, this is no reason why we should condemn the practice. They were blamable for designing thus to worship false gods. Clem. strom. vii. Apul. Florid. i. and so forth If Protestants pull down altars, under the plea of their being superstitious, we cannot but pity their ignorance or malice. Worthington.
Private to this browser.