Bet-El & Bet Elokim
Based on our earlier comparison between this "hitgalut" to Yaakov (28:14) and God's earlier "hitgalut" to Avraham at Bet El (13:14-16), we may offer a deeper interpretation.

As explained above, the two common phrases, "afar ha'aretz" and "yama v'keydma...," suggest to Yaakov that he currently stands on the same site where Avraham Avinu built a mizbayach and 'called out in God's Name.' Yaakov thus concludes that this site is a Bet Elokim. Meaning, it has been designated for the very purpose of a 'Bet Elokim' - to offer korbanot and proclaim God's Name. Hence the name Bet-El ("House of God").

[See the Ramban's commentary to Breishit 12:8 where he explains the significanceof "calling out in the Name of God" at Bet El. Review also Devarim 12:5-12, and note the expression used numerous times in Sefer Dvarim to describe the Mikdash - "ha'makom asher yivchar Hashem l'shakein shmo sham."]

But if this is true, that the "hitgalut" to Yaakov brought to mind Avraham's experience in Bet-El two generations earlier, Yaakov should have followed his grandfather's lead. As Avraham did years earlier at the exact same spot where Yaakov now stands, Yaakov should have built a mizbayach and 'called out in God's Name.' Why does he set up a "matzeyvah" and make "neder" instead?

To answer this question, we must again consider Yaakov's current, life-threatening situation. He is literally 'on the run,' fleeing from his brother Esav to Padan Aram. At this point in time, he is in no condition (or position) to 'call out in God's Name.' No one is around to listen, and Esav may be on his trail! Unlike Avraham, whom the local population considered as "the prince of God in our midst" (see 23:6), Yaakov - at least at this point - has yet to earn such a reputation in Canaan.

Yaakov thus realizes that he is no position to build a mizbayach as Avraham had done. Nonetheless, he hopes that one day he will indeed return and fulfill that very same goal. Therefore, he marks this spot by erecting a "matzeyvah" and anointing it with oil (28:18), thereby designating it as the cornerstone for his future Bet-Elokim. He then promises that when he indeed returns, he will establish a Bet-Elokim at this site - in order that he can build a mizbayach there and call out in God's Name.

Hence, Yaakov's "neder" reflects not only his understanding of the purpose of his "bechira," but also his hope to one day fulfill that destiny. As we explained in previous shiurim, Avraham was chosen for a purpose, to establish a nation that will brings God's message to all mankind. A "House of God" - the Bet Ha'Mikdash - serves as the primary vehicle to fulfill that purpose. Therefore, Yaakov vows that should God fulfill His promise of the bechira by returning him to the Promised Land, he will fulfill the purpose of that bechira by establishing a "Bet Elokim."

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