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Genesis 28:12
Verse
Context
Jacob’s Ladder
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.12And Jacob had a dream about a ladder that rested on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven, and God’s angels were going up and down the ladder. 13And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie.
Sermons
Todd Atkinson
Chuck Smith
Wesley Duewel
Harold EricksonSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He dreamed, and behold a ladder - A multitude of fanciful things have been spoken of Jacob's vision of the ladder, and its signification. It might have several designs, as God chooses to accomplish the greatest number of ends by the fewest and simplest means possible. 1. It is very likely that its primary design was to point out the providence of God, by which he watches over and regulates all terrestrial things; for nothing is left to merely natural causes; a heavenly agency pervades, actuates, and directs all. In his present circumstances it was highly necessary that Jacob should have a clear and distinct view of this subject, that he might be the better prepared to meet all occurrences with the conviction that all was working together for his good. 2. It might be intended also to point out the intercourse between heaven and earth, and the connection of both worlds by the means of angelic ministry. That this is fact we learn from many histories in the Old Testament; and it is a doctrine that is unequivocally taught in the New: Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? 3. It was probably a type of Christ, in whom both worlds meet, and in whom the Divine and human nature are conjoined. The Ladder was set up on the Earth, and the Top of it reached to Heaven; for God was manifested in the Flesh, and in him dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Nothing could be a more expressive emblem of the incarnation and its effects; Jesus Christ is the grand connecting medium between heaven and earth, and between God and man. By him God comes down to man; through him man ascends to God. It appears that our Lord applies the vision in this way himself, first, In that remarkable speech to Nathanael, Hereafter ye shall see the heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of man, Joh 1:51. Secondly, in his speech to Thomas, Joh 14:6 : I am the Way, and the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
he dreamed . . . and behold a ladder--Some writers are of opinion that it was not a literal ladder that is meant, as it is impossible to conceive any imagery stranger and more unnatural than that of a ladder, whose base was on earth, while its top reached heaven, without having any thing on which to rest its upper extremity. They suppose that the little heap of stones, on which his head reclined for a pillow, being the miniature model of the object that appeared to his imagination, the latter was a gigantic mountain pile, whose sides, indented in the rock, gave it the appearance of a scaling ladder. There can be no doubt that this use of the original term was common among the early Hebrews; as JOSEPHUS, describing the town of Ptolemais (Acre), says it was bounded by a mountain, which, from its projecting sides, was called "the ladder," and the stairs that led down to the city are, in the original, termed a ladder (Neh 3:15) though they were only a flight of steps cut in the side of the rock. But whether the image presented to the mental eye of Jacob were a common ladder, or such a mountain pile as has been described, the design of this vision was to afford comfort, encouragement, and confidence to the lonely fugitive, both in his present circumstances and as to his future prospects. His thoughts during the day must have been painful--he would be his own self-accuser that he had brought exile and privation upon himself--and above all, that though he had obtained the forgiveness of his father, he had much reason to fear lest God might have forsaken him. Solitude affords time for reflection; and it was now that God began to bring Jacob under a course of religious instruction and training. To dispel his fears and allay the inward tumult of his mind, nothing was better fitted than the vision of the gigantic ladder, which reached from himself to heaven, and on which the angels were continually ascending and descending from God Himself on their benevolent errands (Joh 1:51).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he dreamed,.... As he slept; not a common dream, but under divine direction and influence: and, behold, a ladder set upon the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: denoting either the providence of God, and the various steps of it, bringing about his own glory and the good of his people; and which is steady, firm, and sure, and reaches to all things here on earth; and in an especial manner is concerned about the people of God, their protection and safety; and is directed and governed according to the will, counsels, and purposes of God in heaven; a view of which must be very encouraging to Jacob in his present circumstances: or else the incarnation and mediation of Christ, who in his human nature was to be in the fulness of time on earth, there to live a while, obey, suffer, and die, and so was the ladder set on earth; and his divine nature was the top of it, which reached heaven; here he was in that nature before his incarnation, and from hence he came; and indeed here he was in that when on earth; and as man, he ascended on high when he had done his work, and is now higher than the heavens; he may be fitly represented hereby as the Mediator, who has reconciled things in heaven and things on earth, and has as it were joined and united heaven and earth together: and the various rungs in this ladder, so considered, are Christ's interposition as a surety front eternity; his incarnation in time; his being under the law, and his obedience to it; his sufferings, the shedding of his blood, and the death of the cross; his resurrection from the dead, ascension to heaven, session at the right hand of God, and intercession there. Moreover this may point out to us Christ as the way to his Father, of access unto him, and acceptance with him, by which he communicates the blessings of his grace to men, and by which they ascend to God with their prayers and praises to him: as also as being the way to heaven and eternal happiness; the various steps to which are election in him, redemption by him, regeneration by his Spirit and grace, the several graces of his Spirit, faith, hope, and love, justification by his righteousness, pardon by his blood, adoption through him, and the resurrection of the dead: and, behold, the angels of God ascending and descending on it: which may be expressive of the employment of angels in the affairs of Providence, who receive their commission from heaven, and execute it on earth, in which they are diligent, faithful, and constant; and of the ministry of them, both to Christ personal, and to his church and people, even to every particular believer; see Joh 1:51.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
28:12-15 The point of the vision was that God and his angels were with Jacob on his journey. God reiterated to Jacob the covenant promises made to Abraham and Isaac, promising him land, descendants numerous as the dust (cp. 13:16; 22:17), and universal blessing through him (cp. 12:2-3; 15:5, 18; 17:3-8; 22:15-18; 35:11-12). God also promised to be with Jacob and watch over him until he returned. 28:12-13 stairway (traditionally ladder): This word occurs nowhere else in Scripture. The imagery probably reminded readers of a staircase or ramp up the front of a ziggurat that signified communication between heaven and earth (see study note on 11:4). God initiated a divine communication between heaven and earth to guide and protect Jacob, the steward of his covenant (28:13-15; see Ps 91:11-15). • Jesus said that he himself is the stairway between heaven and earth (John 1:51).
Genesis 28:12
Jacob’s Ladder
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.12And Jacob had a dream about a ladder that rested on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven, and God’s angels were going up and down the ladder. 13And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Hebrews - Part 35): How Abraham Knew He Was Called
By A.W. Tozer5.8K33:40ExpositionalGEN 12:1GEN 28:12PSA 46:10MAT 11:15MAT 22:14JHN 3:16HEB 3:7In this sermon, the preacher discusses the call of God and how it can come to people in various circumstances. He emphasizes that the call of God is for everyone, but not everyone hears it. The preacher gives examples from the Bible, such as Moses and Abraham, who received a clear call from God and were chosen for a specific purpose. He contrasts those who live solely for this world and its concerns with those who have been called by God and have a higher purpose. The sermon encourages listeners to be open to the call of God and to recognize that their true fulfillment lies in following His plan for their lives.
Heavenly Worship Theology by +Todd Atkinson
By Todd Atkinson2.2K00:00GEN 28:12PSA 139:23JHN 1:51JHN 14:2PHP 3:20COL 3:1HEB 8:5REV 4:1REV 5:13
This sermon delves into the book of Revelation, emphasizing the vision of heaven shown to John and the purpose of understanding heavenly worship. It explores the concept of heaven and earth merging through worship, highlighting the thin line between the two realms and the transformative power of joining in heavenly worship. The sermon encourages believers to embrace the ache for heaven as a form of worship and to see themselves as part of the same reality as heaven, ultimately aiming for unity and oneness in worship.
Himmlische Gesinnung (With German Translation)
By Art Katz1.9K56:45GermanGEN 28:12JHN 1:51JHN 3:6JHN 3:31COL 3:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of setting our affections on heavenly things rather than earthly distractions. He shares a personal anecdote about wishing he had students who sought answers from above rather than giving predictable earthly answers. The speaker encourages the audience to shut off earthly distractions like the radio and TV and seek that which is above. He also discusses the potential impact of seeking heavenly things and warns that speaking the truth may create a crisis, but it is not our responsibility to solve it.
(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.
(Genesis) 44 - Jacob's Ladder: Grace Unsought, Unstinted and Unforgettable
By S. Lewis Johnson1.7K51:12GraceGEN 28:1GEN 28:12GEN 28:20MAT 6:33JHN 1:51JHN 3:16In this sermon, the preacher discusses the encounter between Jacob and God. Jacob, who was not a prodigal son returning to God, was taken by surprise when God appeared to him. Despite Jacob's past experiences, God showed him grace and made promises to him. God promised Jacob that his influence would extend to the four corners of the earth and that he would be a blessing to all mankind. The preacher emphasizes that believers today can have the same experience of God's presence and promises, as Yahweh is with us until the end of the age.
The Triology of Intercession
By Wesley Duewel1.5K1:12:32IntercessionGEN 28:12PSA 47:8ISA 54:2JHN 1:12ACT 9:151CO 11:23EPH 2:10In this sermon, Bob begins by recounting the story of Jacob's dream of a ladder reaching to heaven. He emphasizes that being a child of God is not simply about being a member of a church or participating in religious rituals. Bob passionately calls for believers to exercise their kingdom authority and make a difference in society. He highlights the importance of prayer and the role of the Holy Spirit in deepening our understanding of sin and the need for revival. The sermon concludes with a reference to Isaiah 54:2, encouraging believers to enlarge their spiritual influence and strengthen their faith.
Geography of the Spirit
By Harold Erickson1.3K49:28GeographyGEN 28:12GEN 32:28EXO 3:2MAT 6:33JHN 1:51JHN 4:7In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Jacob from the Bible. Jacob had deceived his brother and had to leave home. One night, as he slept with his head on a stone, he had a dream of a ladder connecting heaven and earth, with angels ascending and descending. The speaker explains that this ladder is a symbol of Jesus Christ, who serves as God's communication between heaven and earth. The sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and experiencing His blessings.
(Trees in the Christian Experience) 4. the Man Under the Tree
By Roy Hession1.3K47:14Christian ExperienceGEN 28:12MAT 6:33MAT 27:32JHN 1:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having faith and trust in God. He uses the metaphor of a ladder leading to heaven to illustrate the idea that even when life feels difficult, there is always a way to connect with God. The preacher also discusses the concept of the victorious Christian life and suggests that sometimes our theology can be inconsistent. He encourages listeners to turn to Jesus and the power of his blood to find strength and overcome challenges.
Acts 12_pt1
By Bill Gallatin81157:45ExpositionalGEN 28:12DEU 33:2PSA 91:11MAT 16:18ACT 12:7HEB 1:13In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of angels and their role in the Bible. He explains that angels were created by God and came from heaven. Their purpose is to serve and carry out God's will. The preacher also highlights the relationship between angels and the redeemed, emphasizing how God uses angels to protect and guide believers. He shares the story of Peter's miraculous escape from prison, where an angel freed him from chains and led him to safety. The sermon concludes with the preacher encouraging the audience to reflect on their own experiences and consider the possibility of angels watching over them.
Surrounded by Angels
By Basilea Schlink68604:35Radio ShowGEN 28:122KI 6:16PSA 91:11MAT 6:33LUK 4:10ACT 12:7HEB 13:2In this sermon transcript titled "Surrounded by Angels," Basilia Schlink shares her experiences of ministering in slum areas with a traveling chapel. Despite facing threats and attacks from a rough gang, Schlink and her team relied on the power of prayer and the promise of God's angels to protect them. They witnessed the fulfillment of Psalm 91:11, as the gang members inexplicably stayed away from their bus during a planned attack. This experience strengthened their faith and belief in the power of God's angels to overcome darkness and provide security.
Prophecy About Bartle Hall
By Mike Bickle171:11:23ProphecySpiritual DedicationGEN 28:122KI 6:17EZK 3:1MAT 7:7JHN 1:511CO 1:51TH 5:201TI 1:18HEB 6:12REV 10:9Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of the upcoming gatherings at Bartle Hall, viewing them as a fulfillment of a long-standing prophecy regarding a young adult movement. He stresses the importance of responding to prophetic promises with faith and dedication, highlighting that these promises are invitations to partner with God rather than guarantees. Bickle shares insights from a recent heavenly visitation experienced by Julie Meyer, which reinforces the call for increased dedication and preparation for a new season in their spiritual family. He encourages the congregation to remain steadfast in their faith and to expect a powerful move of God as they gather, while also acknowledging the challenges that may accompany such breakthroughs.
Convergence: Earthly Jerusalem and Heavenly Jerusalem
By Mike Bickle1650:30Millennial KingdomConvergence of RealmsGEN 28:12ISA 2:2EZK 43:7ZEC 14:16MAT 5:35JHN 1:51HEB 12:22REV 21:2Mike Bickle discusses the profound connection between the earthly Jerusalem and the heavenly Jerusalem, emphasizing that during the Millennial Kingdom, the New Jerusalem will descend and serve as the eternal capital for the redeemed. He explains that this convergence allows for a dynamic relationship between the two cities, where the resurrected saints will inhabit the New Jerusalem while engaging in assignments on the Millennial Earth. Bickle highlights the significance of Jesus' throne being present in both Jerusalems, symbolizing the unity of the heavenly and earthly realms. He encourages believers to understand the fullness of God's plan, which includes the healing of nations through the leaves of the Tree of Life from the New Jerusalem. Ultimately, he paints a picture of a glorious future where the two realms will operate together in harmony.
The Ladder
By Henry Law0GEN 28:12NUM 32:23PSA 139:23JHN 14:6EPH 2:8Henry Law preaches about Jacob's dream of the ladder reaching to heaven, symbolizing the connection between God and man through Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the consequences of sin and the importance of staying on the path of godliness to avoid misery and trouble. Law highlights the comfort and salvation found in Jesus, who blots out sin with His blood and provides a way for believers to ascend to God and receive His blessings. He urges believers to hold fast to Jesus, the only true Savior, and warns against false ladders that lead away from God.
God Accomplishes His Purpose
By David Wilkerson0God's PurposeDivine GraceGEN 27:36GEN 28:12GEN 28:141SA 16:7PSA 51:17ISA 55:8JER 29:11ROM 8:28PHP 1:6David Wilkerson emphasizes that despite Jacob's deceitful nature, God had a divine purpose for him, showcasing God's unwavering love and commitment to fulfill His promises. As Jacob fled from Esau after stealing his birthright, God revealed Himself through a vision of a ladder, assuring Jacob of His presence and the certainty of His plans. This story illustrates that God sees beyond our flaws and is willing to work with a heart that is open to change. Wilkerson highlights the importance of recognizing God's grace in our lives, even when we feel unworthy. Ultimately, God's purpose will prevail, regardless of our shortcomings.
Our Lord's First Disciples John 1:35-51
By R.A. Torrey0EvangelismDiscipleshipGEN 28:12ISA 45:22MAT 25:31MRK 10:52LUK 15:20JHN 1:35JHN 3:14JHN 6:37PHP 2:21REV 22:17R.A. Torrey explores the calling of Jesus' first disciples in John 1:35-51, emphasizing the importance of looking upon Jesus, following Him, and bringing others to Him. He highlights how John the Baptist's testimony led his disciples to seek Jesus, and how their encounter transformed their lives, prompting them to share the good news with others. The sermon illustrates the steps of experiencing Jesus, from hearing and looking to abiding and testifying, showcasing the relational aspect of faith. Torrey also addresses the divine knowledge of Jesus and His ability to see into the hearts of men, as exemplified in His interactions with Nathanael. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to actively seek Jesus and invite others into a relationship with Him.
A Door Opened in Heaven
By Charles E. Cowman0GEN 28:12PSA 24:3ACT 16:25PHP 3:8REV 4:1Charles E. Cowman preaches on the vision of a door opened in heaven as seen by John on the Isle of Patmos, emphasizing how God reveals Himself in unexpected places and circumstances, such as in exile, suffering, and loneliness. He draws parallels to Jacob's dream of a ladder connecting heaven and earth in the midst of his exile. Cowman highlights that doors to heaven are opened to those who are in the Spirit, pure in heart, obedient in faith, and willing to prioritize knowing Jesus above all else.
Emblems From Jacob's Pilgrimage
By A.B. Simpson0Faith and GraceSpiritual InheritanceGEN 25:26GEN 27:36GEN 28:12ISA 41:14A.B. Simpson emphasizes Jacob's relatable journey through human frailty, suffering, and the transformative grace of God. He illustrates how Jacob's birth, birthright, vision at Bethel, and struggles at Penuel reflect our own spiritual journeys, highlighting the importance of faith, earnest prayer, and the need to rely on God's strength rather than our own. Simpson encourages believers to claim their spiritual inheritance and to remain steadfast in their covenant with God, warning against the dangers of returning to old ways after experiencing divine blessings. Ultimately, he reassures that despite our imperfections, God's faithfulness and grace can lead us to victory and eternal hope.
"Let the Reign Begin"
By Mark D. Partin0GEN 28:122CH 7:14PSA 85:6ISA 64:1JOL 2:28MAT 5:6MAT 28:19ACT 1:8ACT 3:19JAS 4:8Mark D. Partin recounts a powerful revival experience where God unexpectedly poured out His love and Spirit, leading to a profound transformation within the church. Despite initial setbacks and uncertainties, God orchestrated divine encounters and deep repentance, igniting a spiritual awakening that touched many lives. The revival extended beyond scheduled dates, with people experiencing supernatural signs and wonders, leading to a renewed commitment to prayer, worship, and spreading the Word of God. Through this extraordinary encounter, the church received a fresh vision of purpose, emphasizing the importance of prayer, healing, discipleship, and obedience to fulfill God's promises and blessings.
April 7. 1678. the Blessing.
By Jane Lead0GEN 28:12ROM 8:38ROM 12:2EPH 1:31JN 5:14Jane Lead shares her spiritual journey of encountering deep conflicts before experiencing divine sensations and blessings, including a vision of a majestic figure bestowing blessings and calling for prostration. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a raised divine posture of mind to receive great blessings, highlighting obedience to the law of faith and the powerful force of pure, fervent love in pursuing blessings. Lead encourages nurturing the Love-Seed within, which gradually transforms believers into the likeness of Christ, leading to the ultimate reign in peace, joy, and righteousness.
Jacob's Ladder
By David Wilkerson0God's FaithfulnessDivine ProtectionGEN 25:29GEN 27:18GEN 28:12GEN 28:14PSA 91:11MAT 18:10JHN 1:51ROM 8:31HEB 1:14David Wilkerson explores the life of Jacob, a flawed yet beloved figure in the Old Testament, who deceived his brother Esau to obtain his birthright and blessing. Despite Jacob's manipulative actions, God revealed His unwavering love and purpose for him through a vision of a ladder connecting heaven and earth, symbolizing divine activity and angelic ministry. This vision reassured Jacob of God's presence and promise, emphasizing that God's guidance and protection are still active in our lives today. Wilkerson highlights that the same angels who served Jacob continue to minister to us, reminding us of God's faithfulness and commitment to His people.
Holy Scripture, Brethren, Cries Out to Us, Saying
By St. Benedict of Nursia0GEN 28:12PSA 130:1LUK 14:11JAS 4:10St. Benedict of Nursia preaches on the importance of humility as a means to exaltation in the eyes of God. He emphasizes the need to avoid pride and instead embrace a humble mindset, drawing from the example of the Prophet who acknowledged his own humility before God. St. Benedict uses the imagery of Jacob's ladder to illustrate the concept that we descend through self-exaltation but ascend through humility, with our actions in this life serving as the steps of humility and discipline that lead us closer to God.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He dreamed, and behold a ladder - A multitude of fanciful things have been spoken of Jacob's vision of the ladder, and its signification. It might have several designs, as God chooses to accomplish the greatest number of ends by the fewest and simplest means possible. 1. It is very likely that its primary design was to point out the providence of God, by which he watches over and regulates all terrestrial things; for nothing is left to merely natural causes; a heavenly agency pervades, actuates, and directs all. In his present circumstances it was highly necessary that Jacob should have a clear and distinct view of this subject, that he might be the better prepared to meet all occurrences with the conviction that all was working together for his good. 2. It might be intended also to point out the intercourse between heaven and earth, and the connection of both worlds by the means of angelic ministry. That this is fact we learn from many histories in the Old Testament; and it is a doctrine that is unequivocally taught in the New: Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? 3. It was probably a type of Christ, in whom both worlds meet, and in whom the Divine and human nature are conjoined. The Ladder was set up on the Earth, and the Top of it reached to Heaven; for God was manifested in the Flesh, and in him dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Nothing could be a more expressive emblem of the incarnation and its effects; Jesus Christ is the grand connecting medium between heaven and earth, and between God and man. By him God comes down to man; through him man ascends to God. It appears that our Lord applies the vision in this way himself, first, In that remarkable speech to Nathanael, Hereafter ye shall see the heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of man, Joh 1:51. Secondly, in his speech to Thomas, Joh 14:6 : I am the Way, and the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
he dreamed . . . and behold a ladder--Some writers are of opinion that it was not a literal ladder that is meant, as it is impossible to conceive any imagery stranger and more unnatural than that of a ladder, whose base was on earth, while its top reached heaven, without having any thing on which to rest its upper extremity. They suppose that the little heap of stones, on which his head reclined for a pillow, being the miniature model of the object that appeared to his imagination, the latter was a gigantic mountain pile, whose sides, indented in the rock, gave it the appearance of a scaling ladder. There can be no doubt that this use of the original term was common among the early Hebrews; as JOSEPHUS, describing the town of Ptolemais (Acre), says it was bounded by a mountain, which, from its projecting sides, was called "the ladder," and the stairs that led down to the city are, in the original, termed a ladder (Neh 3:15) though they were only a flight of steps cut in the side of the rock. But whether the image presented to the mental eye of Jacob were a common ladder, or such a mountain pile as has been described, the design of this vision was to afford comfort, encouragement, and confidence to the lonely fugitive, both in his present circumstances and as to his future prospects. His thoughts during the day must have been painful--he would be his own self-accuser that he had brought exile and privation upon himself--and above all, that though he had obtained the forgiveness of his father, he had much reason to fear lest God might have forsaken him. Solitude affords time for reflection; and it was now that God began to bring Jacob under a course of religious instruction and training. To dispel his fears and allay the inward tumult of his mind, nothing was better fitted than the vision of the gigantic ladder, which reached from himself to heaven, and on which the angels were continually ascending and descending from God Himself on their benevolent errands (Joh 1:51).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he dreamed,.... As he slept; not a common dream, but under divine direction and influence: and, behold, a ladder set upon the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: denoting either the providence of God, and the various steps of it, bringing about his own glory and the good of his people; and which is steady, firm, and sure, and reaches to all things here on earth; and in an especial manner is concerned about the people of God, their protection and safety; and is directed and governed according to the will, counsels, and purposes of God in heaven; a view of which must be very encouraging to Jacob in his present circumstances: or else the incarnation and mediation of Christ, who in his human nature was to be in the fulness of time on earth, there to live a while, obey, suffer, and die, and so was the ladder set on earth; and his divine nature was the top of it, which reached heaven; here he was in that nature before his incarnation, and from hence he came; and indeed here he was in that when on earth; and as man, he ascended on high when he had done his work, and is now higher than the heavens; he may be fitly represented hereby as the Mediator, who has reconciled things in heaven and things on earth, and has as it were joined and united heaven and earth together: and the various rungs in this ladder, so considered, are Christ's interposition as a surety front eternity; his incarnation in time; his being under the law, and his obedience to it; his sufferings, the shedding of his blood, and the death of the cross; his resurrection from the dead, ascension to heaven, session at the right hand of God, and intercession there. Moreover this may point out to us Christ as the way to his Father, of access unto him, and acceptance with him, by which he communicates the blessings of his grace to men, and by which they ascend to God with their prayers and praises to him: as also as being the way to heaven and eternal happiness; the various steps to which are election in him, redemption by him, regeneration by his Spirit and grace, the several graces of his Spirit, faith, hope, and love, justification by his righteousness, pardon by his blood, adoption through him, and the resurrection of the dead: and, behold, the angels of God ascending and descending on it: which may be expressive of the employment of angels in the affairs of Providence, who receive their commission from heaven, and execute it on earth, in which they are diligent, faithful, and constant; and of the ministry of them, both to Christ personal, and to his church and people, even to every particular believer; see Joh 1:51.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
28:12-15 The point of the vision was that God and his angels were with Jacob on his journey. God reiterated to Jacob the covenant promises made to Abraham and Isaac, promising him land, descendants numerous as the dust (cp. 13:16; 22:17), and universal blessing through him (cp. 12:2-3; 15:5, 18; 17:3-8; 22:15-18; 35:11-12). God also promised to be with Jacob and watch over him until he returned. 28:12-13 stairway (traditionally ladder): This word occurs nowhere else in Scripture. The imagery probably reminded readers of a staircase or ramp up the front of a ziggurat that signified communication between heaven and earth (see study note on 11:4). God initiated a divine communication between heaven and earth to guide and protect Jacob, the steward of his covenant (28:13-15; see Ps 91:11-15). • Jesus said that he himself is the stairway between heaven and earth (John 1:51).