What is the significance of Yakov's statement "v'Anochi Lo Yadati"?
Rashi: Had Yakov known that Hashem was there 1 , he would not have slept 2 in such a holy place. 3
Seforno: Had he known that Hashem was there, he would have prepared himself for Nevu'ah. Ohr ha'Chayim
Tosfos ha'Shalem (11): He knew that the Shechinah is everywhere. He did not know that the Kisei ha'Kavod is here.
Ha'Emek Davar: It would have been better to increase prayer and supplications while awake.
Oznayim la'Torah: Even though this would have meant missing out on the incredible revelation that he had just experienced - if Hashem had not caused him to fall asleep, he would not have done so, since, irrespective of the benefits, it may not come about through an Aveirah ('Mitzvah ha'Ba'ah ba'Aveirah').
Why does it say "mi'Shenaso"? (Obviously, he woke from his sleep!)
Tosfos ha'Shalem (1): We read this like Mishnaso (his learning). If one thinks in Torah the entire day, he learns in a dream the entire night, and fulfills "v'Hagisa Bo Yomam va'Laylah." Hashem rewards him as if he learned the entire day and night - "va'Hakitzosa Hi Seshichecha."
Ha'Emek Davar: Normally, every dream has Batel matters. Here, Yakov woke immediately from the dream, without sleeping more, because it was a prophecy without any vain matter.
It could have said 'Yesh Hashem Kan.' Why does it say "ba'Makom ha'Zeh"?
Tosfos ha'Shalem (7): Ba'Makom ha'Zeh excludes Shilo (the Shechinah abandoned it
