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Genesis 28:10
Verse
Context
Jacob’s Ladder
9Esau went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Abraham’s son Ishmael, in addition to the wives he already had.10Meanwhile Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Haran.11On reaching a certain place, he spent the night there because the sun had set. And taking one of the stones from that place, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep.
Sermons
Carter Conlon
J. Vernon McGeeCarter Conlon
Chuck Smith
Stephen Kaung
Roy Hession
Major Ian ThomasSummary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Jacob's Dream at Bethel. - As he was travelling from Beersheba, where Isaac was then staying (Gen 26:25), to Haran, Jacob came to a place where he was obliged to stop all night, because the sun had set. The words "he hit (lighted) upon the place," indicate the apparently accidental, yet really divinely appointed choice of this place for his night-quarters; and the definite article points it out as having become well known through the revelation of God that ensued. After making a pillow with the stones (מאשׁת, head-place, pillow), he fell asleep and had a dream, in which he saw a ladder resting upon the earth, with the top reaching to heaven; and upon it angels of God going up and down, and Jehovah Himself standing above it. The ladder was a visible symbol of the real and uninterrupted fellowship between God in heaven and His people upon earth. The angels upon it carry up the wants of men to God, and bring down the assistance and protection of God to men. The ladder stood there upon the earth, just where Jacob was lying in solitude, poor, helpless, and forsaken by men. Above in heaven stood Jehovah, and explained in words the symbol which he saw. Proclaiming Himself to Jacob as the God of his fathers, He not only confirmed to him all the promises of the fathers in their fullest extent, but promised him protection on his journey and a safe return to his home (Gen 28:13-15). But as the fulfilment of this promise to Jacob was still far off, God added the firm assurance, "I will not leave thee till I have done (carried out) what I have told thee."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Jacob went out, &c.--His departure from his father's house was an ignominious flight; and for fear of being pursued or waylaid by his vindictive brother, he did not take the common road, but went by lonely and unfrequented paths, which increased the length and dangers of the journey.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And Jacob went out from Beersheba,.... Where Isaac and Rebekah now lived: from hence he went alone, without any servants to attend him, though perhaps not without letters of recommendation from his parents, testifying their affection to him, and that he came with their knowledge and consent, and was their heir, as Isaac had been to Abraham; nor without provisions, at least not without money to purchase them by the way, as appears by the oil he had, Gen 28:18, and went toward Haran: for thither he could not get in one day, being many days' journey; See Gill on Gen 28:5.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have here Jacob upon his journey towards Syria, in a very desolate condition, like one that was sent to seek his fortune; but we find that, though he was alone, yet he was not alone, for the Father was with him, Joh 16:32. If what is here recorded happened (as it should seem it did) the first night, he had made a long day's journey from Beersheba to Bethel, above forty miles. Providence brought him to a convenient place, probably shaded with trees, to rest himself in that night; and there he had, I. A hard lodging (Gen 28:11), the stones for his pillows, and the heavens for his canopy and curtains. As the usage then was, perhaps this was not so bad as it seems how to us; but we should think, 1. He lay very cold, the cold ground for his bed, and, which one would suppose made the matter worse, a cold stone for his pillow, and in the cold air. 2. Very uneasy. If his bones were sore with his day's journey, his night's rest would but make them sorer. 3. Very much exposed. He forgot that he was fleeing for his life; or had his brother, in his rage, pursued, or sent a murderer after him, here he lay ready to be sacrificed, and destitute of shelter and defence. We cannot think it was by reason of his poverty that he was so ill accommodated, but, (1.) It was owing to the plainness and simplicity of those times, when men did not take so much state, and consult their ease so much, as in these later times of softness and effeminacy. (2.) Jacob had been particularly used to hardships, as a plain man dwelling in tents; and, designing now to go to service, he was the more willing to inure himself to them; and, as it proved, it was well, Gen 31:40. (3.) His comfort in the divine blessing, and his confidence in the divine protection, made him easy, even when he lay thus exposed; being sure that his God made him to dwell in safety, he could lie down and sleep upon a stone. II. In his hard lodging he had a pleasant dream. Any Israelite indeed would be willing to take up with Jacob's pillow, provided he might but have Jacob's dream. Then, and there, he heard the words of God, and saw the visions of the Almighty. It was the best night's sleep he ever had in his life. Note, God's time to visit his people with his comforts is when they are most destitute of other comforts, and other comforters; when afflictions in the way of duty (as these were) do abound, then shall consolations so much the more abound. Now observe here, 1. The encouraging vision Jacob saw, Gen 28:12. He saw a ladder which reached from earth to heaven, the angels ascending and descending upon it, and God himself at the head of it. Now this represents the two things that are very comfortable to good people at all times, and in all conditions: - (1.) The providence of God, by which there is a constant correspondence kept up between heaven and earth. The counsels of heaven are executed on earth, and the actions and affairs of this earth are all known in heaven are executed on earth, and the actions and affairs of this earth are all known in heaven and judged there. Providence does its work gradually, and by steps. Angels are employed as ministering spirits, to serve all the purposes and designs of Providence, and the wisdom of God is at the upper end of the ladder, directing all the motions of second causes to the glory of the first Cause. The angels are active spirits, continually ascending and descending; they rest not, day nor night, from service, according to the posts assigned them. They ascend, to give account of what they have done, and to receive orders; and then descend, to execute the orders they have received. Thus we should always abound in the work of the Lord, that we may do it as the angels do it, Psa 103:20, Psa 103:21. This vision gave very seasonable comfort to Jacob, letting him know that he had both a good guide and a good guard, in his going out and coming in, - that, though he was made to wander from his father's house, yet still he was the care of a kind Providence, and the charge of the holy angels. This is comfort enough, though we should not admit the notion which some have, that the tutelar angels of Canaan were ascending, having guarded Jacob out of their land, and the angels of Syria descending to take him into their custody. Jacob was now the type and representative of the whole church, with the guardianship of which the angels are entrusted. (2.) The mediation of Christ. He is this ladder, the foot on earth in his human nature, the top in heaven in his divine nature: or the former in his humiliation, the latter in his exaltation. All the intercourse between heaven and earth, since the fall, is by this ladder. Christ is the way; all God's favours come to us, and all our services go to him, by Christ. If God dwell with us, and we with him, it is by Christ. We have no way of getting to heaven, but by this ladder; if we climb up any other way we are thieves and robbers. To this vision our Saviour alludes when he speaks of the angels of God ascending and descending upon the son of man (Joh 1:51); for the kind offices the angels do us, and the benefits we receive by their ministration, are all owing to Christ, who has reconciled things on earth and things in heaven (Col 1:20), and made them all meet in himself, Eph 1:10. 2. The encouraging words Jacob heard. God now brought him into the wilderness, and spoke comfortably to him, spoke from the head of the ladder; for all the glad tidings we receive from heaven come through Jesus Christ. (1.) The former promises made to his father were repeated and ratified to him, Gen 28:13, Gen 28:14. In general, God intimated to him that he would be the same to him that he had been to Abraham and Isaac. Those that tread in the steps of their godly parents are interested in their covenant and entitled to their privileges. Particularly, [1.] The land of Canaan is settled upon him, the land whereon thou liest; as if by his lying so contentedly upon the bare ground he had taken livery and seisin of the whole land. [2.] It is promised him that his posterity should multiply exceedingly as the dust of the earth - that, though he seemed now to be plucked off as a withered branch, yet he should become a flourishing tree, that should send out his boughs unto the sea. These were the blessings with which his father had blessed him (Gen 28:3, Gen 28:4), and God here said Amen to them, that he might have strong consolation. [3.] It is added that the Messiah should come from his loins, in whom all the families of the earth should be blessed. Christ is the great blessing of the world. All that are blessed, whatever family they are of, are blessed in him, and none of any family are excluded from blessedness in him, but those that exclude themselves. (2.) Fresh promises were made him, accommodated to his present condition, Gen 28:15. [1.] Jacob was apprehensive of danger from his brother Esau; but God promises to keep him. Note, Those are safe whom god protects, whoever pursues them. [2.] He had now a long journey before him, had to travel alone, in an unknown road, to an unknown country; but, behold, I am with thee, says God. Note, Wherever we are, we are safe, and may be easy, if we have God's favourable presence with us. [3.] He knew not, but God foresaw, what hardships he should meet with in his uncle's service, and therefore promises to preserve him in all places. Note, God knows how to give his people graces and comforts accommodated to the events that shall be, as well as to those that are. [4.] He was now going as an exile into a place far distant, but God promises him to bring him back again to this land. Note, He that preserves his people's going out will also take care of their coming in, Psa 121:8. [5.] He seemed to be forsaken of all his friends, but God here gives him this assurance, I will not leave thee. Note, Whom God loves he never leaves. This promise is sure to all the seed, Heb 13:5. [6.] Providences seemed to contradict the promises; he is therefore assured of the performance of them in their season: All shall be done that I have spoken to thee of. Note, Saying and doing are not two things with God, whatever they are with us.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
28:10-22 Despite Jacob’s previous means of securing the blessing, God assured him of protection and provision. The God of Abraham and Isaac was also the God of Jacob. The revelation dramatically changed Jacob’s outlook and brought faith into clearer focus.
Genesis 28:10
Jacob’s Ladder
9Esau went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Abraham’s son Ishmael, in addition to the wives he already had.10Meanwhile Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Haran.11On reaching a certain place, he spent the night there because the sun had set. And taking one of the stones from that place, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Judging Angels
By Carter Conlon2.8K51:47AngelsGEN 28:10In this sermon, the preacher begins by encouraging the congregation to let go of old debts and grievances and experience the freedom that comes from forgiveness. He then moves on to the main message of the sermon, titled "Judging Angels," based on Genesis 28:10-19. The preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking truth and asks for God's grace to deliver the message effectively. He highlights the power of faith and the ability to speak things into existence, using Mark 11 as a reference. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the purpose of believers on earth, which is to bring the message of Christ's sacrifice and forgiveness to all people.
(Genesis) Genesis 46:4-7
By J. Vernon McGee2.6K04:35GenesisGEN 12:10GEN 28:10GEN 31:21GEN 32:3GEN 46:5GEN 46:26MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker discusses the three spiritual periods in the life of Jacob, which can be applicable to many believers today. The first period is when Jacob lived somewhere else and then encountered the gospel and turned to God. The second period is characterized by Jacob's struggle to rely on himself rather than on God. The third period is when Jacob grows in grace and knowledge of Christ. The speaker then focuses on Jacob's journey to Egypt due to a famine in the land, highlighting the improvement in Jacob's faith as he takes his entire family with him. The speaker acknowledges the presence of a long genealogy in the passage but does not delve into it, emphasizing the importance of not getting bogged down in such details.
The Dreadful Places of Blessing
By Carter Conlon2.5K47:42BlessingGEN 28:10GEN 32:24GEN 32:26JER 31:31MAT 6:33HEB 11:6JAS 4:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of walking in the presence of God and bringing joy to heaven. The sermon also includes a segment on baby dedication, where babies are brought to Jesus for blessing. The preacher then focuses on the story of Jacob in Genesis 32, where Jacob wrestles with God and receives the blessing promised to him. The sermon concludes with the message that God wants to deal with the issues in our hearts so that His blessings can flow through our lives.
(Through the Bible) Exodus 1-5
By Chuck Smith1.8K1:23:21ExpositionalGEN 50:26EXO 2:15EXO 4:1EXO 4:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is not just a passive observer of our struggles and suffering. He takes action to deliver His people from their hardships. The preacher also highlights the importance of not getting too attached to material possessions, as they can easily be taken away. Instead, our focus should be on the things of the Spirit and God's eternal kingdom. The sermon references the story of Moses and the Israelites in Egypt, where they faced oppression and hardship, but ultimately God delivered them.
Christ in Genesis: Jacob's Pillars
By Stephen Kaung1.3K1:03:06GEN 28:10GEN 32:28GEN 35:16GEN 35:22In this sermon, the preacher discusses the life of Jacob and the four pillars that make up the testimony of Jesus entrusted to the church. The first pillar is awakening, where individuals must recognize their need for deliverance from themselves and cry out to God. The second pillar is separation, where there is a separation of the spirit and the soul. Jacob's encounter with God in a dream symbolizes the third pillar, transformation, where he receives promises and blessings from God. Finally, the preacher mentions the fourth pillar, resurrection power, as Jacob's wife Rachel gives birth to a son before dying. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being face to face with God for self-reflection and transformation.
Jacob's Ladder
By Roy Hession1.3K47:30Deeper LifeGEN 28:10JHN 3:16JHN 14:6ROM 5:8EPH 2:8HEB 4:16In this sermon, the speaker addresses the feeling of being overwhelmed and the tendency to blame oneself for unhappiness. He emphasizes that even in the most difficult situations, God can bring about a new experience of grace. The speaker also discusses the common reliance on methods and ladders to improve our relationship with God, but highlights the importance of being honest with God and seeking His grace instead. The sermon concludes with the encouragement to have a personal "fig tree" where we can be open and transparent with God, leading to a deeper understanding of the power of the cross.
Jesus, the Ladder to Heaven
By Major Ian Thomas1.2K40:36HeavenGEN 12:3GEN 28:10GEN 28:15GEN 28:17JHN 1:46JHN 1:49In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob's encounter with God at a seemingly desolate place. Jacob, feeling homesick and lonely, finds himself in a situation where he believes he is in a god-forsaken spot. However, it is in this very place that he has a personal meeting with God. The preacher emphasizes that God often reveals Himself in unlikely situations and that even when we feel abandoned, God is present. The sermon also highlights the promise made to Jacob that from his seed, the Messiah would come and bless all the families of the earth. The preacher encourages listeners to have a personal encounter with Jesus Christ and recognize that even in the most unlikely places, God is present.
Spiritual House: The Meaning of the House
By Stephen Kaung1.0K1:25:27GEN 2:8GEN 28:10In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the house of God as the union and communion of God and man in Christ Jesus. He refers to the story of Jacob's dream in Genesis, where Jacob sees a ladder reaching to heaven with angels ascending and descending upon it. The preacher connects this dream to the revelation of the house of God, which is further explained in the book of John. He emphasizes that the purpose of God delivering us is not just for our salvation, but also for His desire to dwell among us. Therefore, we are called to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, as a cheap offering, so that God can use what we offer to build a sanctuary for Himself and for us.
K-522 Tv Show Part 6 Jacob
By Art Katz82927:31InterviewGEN 28:10In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob from the Bible. He describes Jacob as a conniving and self-confident man who eventually finds himself in a place of extremity, stripped of everything and desperate. It is in this moment that Jacob wrestles with a man until daybreak, refusing to let go until he receives a blessing. The preacher emphasizes the importance of a radical and total commitment to God, rather than a convenient and cheap religion. The sermon also touches on Jacob's encounter with his brother Esau and his fear and distress when he learns that Esau is coming with 400 men.
The Blessing of God
By K.P. Yohannan69922:00SufferingGEN 28:10ROM 8:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes five key applications for believers. The first application is surrendering to God and not fighting against difficulties. The example of Job is given, who surrendered to God and worshiped Him despite facing calamities. The second application is trusting in God's sovereignty and His plan for our lives. The speaker encourages the audience not to worry but to have faith in God's provision. The third application is to have peace and not try to change or judge others, leaving it to God to deal with them. The fourth application is to apply the cross of Christ in our lives, understanding His suffering and using it as a source of strength in our own difficulties. Lastly, the speaker highlights the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the promised land, emphasizing the importance of transformation and preparation for the blessings God has in store for us.
Jacob
By A.W. Tozer6043:34God's PursuitJacobSpiritual LongingGEN 28:10A.W. Tozer explores the life of Jacob, emphasizing his flawed character and troubled upbringing, yet highlighting his profound encounter with God. Despite Jacob's deceitful nature and the dysfunction in his family, he possessed a deep longing for God, which ultimately led to his transformation. Tozer illustrates that God pursues those who are spiritually discontented, as seen in Jacob's awakening to God's presence during a lonely night. This sermon serves as a reminder that even the most unlikely individuals can experience God's grace and become vessels for His purpose. Tozer encourages listeners to embrace their spiritual longing as a precious treasure that draws them closer to God.
Jacob's Departure
By Peter Brandon549:57Faith and GraceFamily DynamicsGEN 28:10Peter Brandon explores Jacob's departure from Beersheba, emphasizing the significance of his dream at Bethel where he encounters God through a vision of a ladder connecting heaven and earth. He reflects on Jacob's struggles, the importance of family dynamics, and the consequences of favoritism, while drawing parallels to contemporary issues of faith and materialism. Brandon highlights God's promises to Jacob, illustrating how divine grace meets us in our moments of helplessness. He encourages believers to seek a genuine relationship with God, emphasizing the need for spiritual authenticity over superficiality.
The Nearness of the Glory
By John Gifford Bellett0GEN 28:10JER 32:9LUK 23:43JHN 7:7JHN 11:121JN 4:17John Gifford Bellett preaches about the present times of advancing evil and the rivalry between ecclesiastical and civil powers, with the expectation of the ecclesiastical power prevailing for a time before yielding to the civil power. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a good conscience toward Christ and the truth, being separate from the world, and looking for the sure and happy days beyond the present corruption and coming judgment. Bellett draws parallels between the prophet Jeremiah's faith, hope for the future, and unwavering conclusions of faith despite temporary circumstances, urging believers to walk by the light of God through darkness that may seem like light.
Genesis 35:1
By Chuck Smith0Spiritual RenewalReturning to GodGEN 28:10Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of returning to Bethel, where God first revealed Himself to Jacob, paralleling this with the call for the church to return to its first love. He highlights that God approached Jacob during a dark time in his life, showcasing His mercy and kindness, and that Bethel symbolizes a place of divine encounter and promise. Jacob's experience at Bethel marked the beginning of his true awareness of God and his first commitment, albeit imperfect. Smith encourages listeners to reflect on their own spiritual journeys and consider returning to their 'Bethels' for renewed commitment and connection with God. Ultimately, he reassures that God is always present and ready to renew His promises to those who seek Him.
Jacob and the Law of Life (Continued)
By T. Austin-Sparks0GEN 28:10GEN 31:13JHN 1:47JHN 14:61CO 1:201CO 2:14GAL 6:1PHP 2:8COL 1:18T. Austin-Sparks preaches on the sevenfold operation of life as represented by seven persons in Genesis, focusing on Jacob as a symbol of God's way of life. The sermon emphasizes the importance of the House of God, Bethel, starting from its heavenly side and the heavenly order that governs the Church. It highlights the need for everything to begin and lead to heaven, being of Christ, and the significance of Christ linking heaven with earth. The sermon also delves into the principles of authority and subjection in the Church, showing how authority is reached through subjection, and how heavenly order is governed by the law of Christly increase.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Jacob's Dream at Bethel. - As he was travelling from Beersheba, where Isaac was then staying (Gen 26:25), to Haran, Jacob came to a place where he was obliged to stop all night, because the sun had set. The words "he hit (lighted) upon the place," indicate the apparently accidental, yet really divinely appointed choice of this place for his night-quarters; and the definite article points it out as having become well known through the revelation of God that ensued. After making a pillow with the stones (מאשׁת, head-place, pillow), he fell asleep and had a dream, in which he saw a ladder resting upon the earth, with the top reaching to heaven; and upon it angels of God going up and down, and Jehovah Himself standing above it. The ladder was a visible symbol of the real and uninterrupted fellowship between God in heaven and His people upon earth. The angels upon it carry up the wants of men to God, and bring down the assistance and protection of God to men. The ladder stood there upon the earth, just where Jacob was lying in solitude, poor, helpless, and forsaken by men. Above in heaven stood Jehovah, and explained in words the symbol which he saw. Proclaiming Himself to Jacob as the God of his fathers, He not only confirmed to him all the promises of the fathers in their fullest extent, but promised him protection on his journey and a safe return to his home (Gen 28:13-15). But as the fulfilment of this promise to Jacob was still far off, God added the firm assurance, "I will not leave thee till I have done (carried out) what I have told thee."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Jacob went out, &c.--His departure from his father's house was an ignominious flight; and for fear of being pursued or waylaid by his vindictive brother, he did not take the common road, but went by lonely and unfrequented paths, which increased the length and dangers of the journey.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And Jacob went out from Beersheba,.... Where Isaac and Rebekah now lived: from hence he went alone, without any servants to attend him, though perhaps not without letters of recommendation from his parents, testifying their affection to him, and that he came with their knowledge and consent, and was their heir, as Isaac had been to Abraham; nor without provisions, at least not without money to purchase them by the way, as appears by the oil he had, Gen 28:18, and went toward Haran: for thither he could not get in one day, being many days' journey; See Gill on Gen 28:5.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have here Jacob upon his journey towards Syria, in a very desolate condition, like one that was sent to seek his fortune; but we find that, though he was alone, yet he was not alone, for the Father was with him, Joh 16:32. If what is here recorded happened (as it should seem it did) the first night, he had made a long day's journey from Beersheba to Bethel, above forty miles. Providence brought him to a convenient place, probably shaded with trees, to rest himself in that night; and there he had, I. A hard lodging (Gen 28:11), the stones for his pillows, and the heavens for his canopy and curtains. As the usage then was, perhaps this was not so bad as it seems how to us; but we should think, 1. He lay very cold, the cold ground for his bed, and, which one would suppose made the matter worse, a cold stone for his pillow, and in the cold air. 2. Very uneasy. If his bones were sore with his day's journey, his night's rest would but make them sorer. 3. Very much exposed. He forgot that he was fleeing for his life; or had his brother, in his rage, pursued, or sent a murderer after him, here he lay ready to be sacrificed, and destitute of shelter and defence. We cannot think it was by reason of his poverty that he was so ill accommodated, but, (1.) It was owing to the plainness and simplicity of those times, when men did not take so much state, and consult their ease so much, as in these later times of softness and effeminacy. (2.) Jacob had been particularly used to hardships, as a plain man dwelling in tents; and, designing now to go to service, he was the more willing to inure himself to them; and, as it proved, it was well, Gen 31:40. (3.) His comfort in the divine blessing, and his confidence in the divine protection, made him easy, even when he lay thus exposed; being sure that his God made him to dwell in safety, he could lie down and sleep upon a stone. II. In his hard lodging he had a pleasant dream. Any Israelite indeed would be willing to take up with Jacob's pillow, provided he might but have Jacob's dream. Then, and there, he heard the words of God, and saw the visions of the Almighty. It was the best night's sleep he ever had in his life. Note, God's time to visit his people with his comforts is when they are most destitute of other comforts, and other comforters; when afflictions in the way of duty (as these were) do abound, then shall consolations so much the more abound. Now observe here, 1. The encouraging vision Jacob saw, Gen 28:12. He saw a ladder which reached from earth to heaven, the angels ascending and descending upon it, and God himself at the head of it. Now this represents the two things that are very comfortable to good people at all times, and in all conditions: - (1.) The providence of God, by which there is a constant correspondence kept up between heaven and earth. The counsels of heaven are executed on earth, and the actions and affairs of this earth are all known in heaven are executed on earth, and the actions and affairs of this earth are all known in heaven and judged there. Providence does its work gradually, and by steps. Angels are employed as ministering spirits, to serve all the purposes and designs of Providence, and the wisdom of God is at the upper end of the ladder, directing all the motions of second causes to the glory of the first Cause. The angels are active spirits, continually ascending and descending; they rest not, day nor night, from service, according to the posts assigned them. They ascend, to give account of what they have done, and to receive orders; and then descend, to execute the orders they have received. Thus we should always abound in the work of the Lord, that we may do it as the angels do it, Psa 103:20, Psa 103:21. This vision gave very seasonable comfort to Jacob, letting him know that he had both a good guide and a good guard, in his going out and coming in, - that, though he was made to wander from his father's house, yet still he was the care of a kind Providence, and the charge of the holy angels. This is comfort enough, though we should not admit the notion which some have, that the tutelar angels of Canaan were ascending, having guarded Jacob out of their land, and the angels of Syria descending to take him into their custody. Jacob was now the type and representative of the whole church, with the guardianship of which the angels are entrusted. (2.) The mediation of Christ. He is this ladder, the foot on earth in his human nature, the top in heaven in his divine nature: or the former in his humiliation, the latter in his exaltation. All the intercourse between heaven and earth, since the fall, is by this ladder. Christ is the way; all God's favours come to us, and all our services go to him, by Christ. If God dwell with us, and we with him, it is by Christ. We have no way of getting to heaven, but by this ladder; if we climb up any other way we are thieves and robbers. To this vision our Saviour alludes when he speaks of the angels of God ascending and descending upon the son of man (Joh 1:51); for the kind offices the angels do us, and the benefits we receive by their ministration, are all owing to Christ, who has reconciled things on earth and things in heaven (Col 1:20), and made them all meet in himself, Eph 1:10. 2. The encouraging words Jacob heard. God now brought him into the wilderness, and spoke comfortably to him, spoke from the head of the ladder; for all the glad tidings we receive from heaven come through Jesus Christ. (1.) The former promises made to his father were repeated and ratified to him, Gen 28:13, Gen 28:14. In general, God intimated to him that he would be the same to him that he had been to Abraham and Isaac. Those that tread in the steps of their godly parents are interested in their covenant and entitled to their privileges. Particularly, [1.] The land of Canaan is settled upon him, the land whereon thou liest; as if by his lying so contentedly upon the bare ground he had taken livery and seisin of the whole land. [2.] It is promised him that his posterity should multiply exceedingly as the dust of the earth - that, though he seemed now to be plucked off as a withered branch, yet he should become a flourishing tree, that should send out his boughs unto the sea. These were the blessings with which his father had blessed him (Gen 28:3, Gen 28:4), and God here said Amen to them, that he might have strong consolation. [3.] It is added that the Messiah should come from his loins, in whom all the families of the earth should be blessed. Christ is the great blessing of the world. All that are blessed, whatever family they are of, are blessed in him, and none of any family are excluded from blessedness in him, but those that exclude themselves. (2.) Fresh promises were made him, accommodated to his present condition, Gen 28:15. [1.] Jacob was apprehensive of danger from his brother Esau; but God promises to keep him. Note, Those are safe whom god protects, whoever pursues them. [2.] He had now a long journey before him, had to travel alone, in an unknown road, to an unknown country; but, behold, I am with thee, says God. Note, Wherever we are, we are safe, and may be easy, if we have God's favourable presence with us. [3.] He knew not, but God foresaw, what hardships he should meet with in his uncle's service, and therefore promises to preserve him in all places. Note, God knows how to give his people graces and comforts accommodated to the events that shall be, as well as to those that are. [4.] He was now going as an exile into a place far distant, but God promises him to bring him back again to this land. Note, He that preserves his people's going out will also take care of their coming in, Psa 121:8. [5.] He seemed to be forsaken of all his friends, but God here gives him this assurance, I will not leave thee. Note, Whom God loves he never leaves. This promise is sure to all the seed, Heb 13:5. [6.] Providences seemed to contradict the promises; he is therefore assured of the performance of them in their season: All shall be done that I have spoken to thee of. Note, Saying and doing are not two things with God, whatever they are with us.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
28:10-22 Despite Jacob’s previous means of securing the blessing, God assured him of protection and provision. The God of Abraham and Isaac was also the God of Jacob. The revelation dramatically changed Jacob’s outlook and brought faith into clearer focus.