And Jacob made a vow, saying, “If the LORD God be with me and guard me on this way that I am going…and I return safely to my father’s house, then the LORD will be my God….everything that God gives me I will surely tithe it.” The word “saying” is superfluous – the Midrash learns from here that Jacob was saying something to future generations. Namely that although the Torah warns us against taking vows, if there should come a time of danger then it is appropriate to take a vow.