And God went up from him in the place where he talked with him.
Ver. 13. And God went up from him.] Not by local ascension; for he is everywhere; but in respect of that visible sign of his glory, which he now withdrew from over, or from upon Jacob. For the righteous are as God's chariot, say the Hebrews on this text. Compare Song of Solomon 6:12 .
Where he talked with him.] Prayer is a free and familiar conference or intercourse with God; a parling with his Majesty, as St Paul calls it; εντευξις , 1Ti 2:1 a standing upon interrogatories with him; especially when Satan, sin, and conscience accuse. It was a part of the Persian kings' silly glory, to keep their greatest subjects from coming near them without special licence. Est 4:11 To God we have free access upou all occasions, and are bid to "come boldly." Heb 4:16 If Seneca could say, Audacter Deum roges, nihil illum de alieno rogaturus; how much more may the faithful Christian, since all is his, God and all! 1Co 3:22 Moses and Luther could have what they would of God. Fiat voluntas mea, saith Luther; and then he adds, Mea voluntas, Domine, quia tua: Let my will be done; but no otherwise mine, than as thine, Lord.