בראשית, פרק ל״א, פסוק י״ג

God's call for Jacob to return to his homeland marks a dramatic turning point, closing a circle that began years earlier with his flight from Esau. As Jacob shares this divine revelation with his wives to persuade them to join him on the journey, he recounts his experiences. The primary approach among commentators [רמב״ן, טור ארוך, ביאור יש״ר] is that Jacob is not describing a single, continuous dream. Instead, he combines two distinct events: the vision of the flocks occurred years prior while he worked for Laban, whereas the direct command to leave was given only the night before, prompting him to gather his wives immediately the next morning. Conversely, another perspective [שד״ל] suggests this was a single dream that happened just before his departure. In this vision, God showed Jacob the flocks to prove that He had been guiding his success all along, signaling that Jacob must now listen to His voice and return home.

When the speaker identifies Himself as the God of Bethel, it sparks a discussion regarding His exact identity. Most commentators agree that the speaker is an angel conveying the message in God's name and voice, as Jacob’s original vow was made directly to God, not to an angel [רד״ק, רמב״ן, שד״ל, רקנאטי]. However, another thought [אלשיך] proposes that at this exact moment, God Himself takes over the communication, speaking directly to Jacob after the angel's initial words. Regardless of the speaker, the message clearly refers back to the earlier revelation at Bethel, reminding Jacob of the stone pillar he had anointed. Pouring oil on this stone was not a standard anointing, such as the crowning of a king. Rather, it was an act of profound dedication and elevation, preparing the stone to serve as a future altar for sacrifices [רש״י, רשב״ם, גור אריה, מזרחי]. On a deeper conceptual level, this anointed stone symbolizes Jacob's righteous sons. United as a single foundation, they themselves become a house of God, functioning as a living sanctuary [אלשיך].

The explicit mention of the vow Jacob made at Bethel is intended to spur him into immediate action. God had fulfilled His promise to protect Jacob and bring Him back, and the time had come for Jacob to uphold his end of the conditional vow by serving God in the chosen land and separating tithes [רמב״ן, מלבי״ם]. This reminder carries a tone of urgency and a subtle warning. Delaying the fulfillment of a vow can lead to tangible danger and provoke divine wrath, making it imperative for Jacob to depart without hesitation [העמק דבר]. Furthermore, recalling the revelation at Bethel serves to remind Jacob of his earlier salvation from Esau, instilling him with the confidence he needs to face his brother without fear on the journey back.

The directive to return to the land of his birth points specifically to Hebron, Jacob's birthplace and future home [ביאור יש״ר]. In relaying this command to his wives, Jacob demonstrates remarkable sensitivity. He deliberately uses the phrase "land of my birth" rather than "land of my fathers" out of politeness and consideration for Rachel and Leah. He is careful not to sound as though he is demanding they abandon their own ancestral heritage solely for the sake of his, even though the sisters will soon admit that they have no remaining inheritance in their father's house [קונטרס חיבה יתירה]. Driven by this same piety and tact, Jacob refrains from repeating the petty gossip he had heard from Laban's sons, choosing instead to focus entirely on the purity of the divine command [אלשיך].