In these passages is the account of God commanding Jacob to go to Bethel and live there for a period of time. It was in Bethel that God first appeared to Jacob as Jacob slept. Jacob had slept with his head on a particular stone. After God appeared to Jacob and promised Jacob that God would bless Jacob and his descendants, Jacob vowed that he would return to this place and make God his God.
God was now telling Jacob to go to Bethel and erect a pillar. On this pillar, Jacob would place the stone on which he laid his head over 20 years prior. God had indeed blessed Jacob with wives, children, and possessions. Jacob had fulfilled his vow of proclaiming God to be Jacob’s God. Jacob then told his people to put away their foreign gods, their idols, and to worship the one true God.
It is believed by many today that the stone on which Jacob laid his head still exists. It is called the ‘Stone of Scone’ and resides in Edinburgh, Scotland. Many believe it remained with Israel and was carried on the Exodus journey. Many also believe that Judah’s royal lineage has been preserved in the English monarchy. When a new monarch is crowned in England the ‘Stone of Scone’ is placed beneath the coronation chair.
The Bible says, “The scepter shall not depart from Judah until Shiloh comes.” Shiloh refers to Jesus who will return soon to become King of Israel and the world. I believe the scepter in this verse is currently held by the King of England. Soon, Jesus will hold the scepter.
