I [am] the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, [and] where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.
Ver. 13. I am the God of Bethel, &c.] Here God pulls Jacob by the ear, as it were, and reminds him of his vow which he had well nigh forgotten. But the Lord looked for a performance, and afterward punished him for his slackness. Most men's practice proclaims, that having escaped the danger, they would willingly deceive the saint. a And of those that vow against sin, how many have we, who, when temptations, like strong Philistines, are upon them, break all bonds of God, whereby foul breaches are made into their consciences, such as nothing can cure, but the blood of that great votary, that Nazarite, Christ Jesus. Vows are solemn services; and they have much to answer for that care not either to make or keep them; that dally and play with them, as children do with nuts and beads. When the cardinals meet to choose a pope, they make a vow, Whosoever is chosen, he shall swear to such articles as they make. And Sleidan b saith, The pope is no sooner chosen, but he breaks them all, and checks their insolences; as if they went about to limit his power, to whom all power is given, both in heaven and earth. Is not this pretty collusion? But "God is the avenger of all such."
a Sciapato il morbo, fraudato il Santo .
b Sleid., Comm.