Genesis 28:13
And 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.
And there at the top
This phrase sets the scene for a divine encounter. The "top" refers to the pinnacle of the ladder in Jacob's dream, symbolizing a connection between heaven and earth. In Hebrew, the word for "top" is "רֹאשׁ" (rosh), often used to denote the head or chief part, indicating the highest point of spiritual significance. This imagery underscores the transcendence of God and His supreme authority over all creation.

the LORD was standing
The Hebrew word for "LORD" is "יהוה" (YHWH), the sacred and personal name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and covenantal faithfulness. The act of "standing" suggests readiness and intentionality, portraying God as actively engaged in the affairs of His people. This divine posture reassures Jacob of God's unwavering support and presence.

and said, 'I am the LORD
God's self-identification as "I am the LORD" echoes His revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:14, "I AM WHO I AM." This declaration affirms His self-existence, sovereignty, and unchanging nature. It is a profound reminder of God's eternal presence and His role as the ultimate authority in the universe.

the God of your father Abraham
By identifying Himself as the God of Abraham, God reaffirms the covenantal promises made to Jacob's grandfather. Abraham is a patriarchal figure, representing faith and obedience. This reference serves to remind Jacob of the rich spiritual heritage and the divine promises that are now being extended to him.

and the God of Isaac
Mentioning Isaac, Jacob's father, reinforces the continuity of God's covenant through the generations. Isaac's life was marked by God's provision and faithfulness, and this connection assures Jacob that the same divine care and promise are now his inheritance.

I will give you
This promise of giving is a direct assurance of God's provision and blessing. The Hebrew verb "נָתַן" (natan) means to give or bestow, indicating a generous and intentional act of grace. God's promise to Jacob is not earned but freely given, highlighting the nature of divine grace.

and your descendants
The mention of "descendants" points to the future generations that will come from Jacob, emphasizing the enduring nature of God's promise. This promise of numerous offspring echoes the Abrahamic covenant, ensuring the perpetuation of God's people and His plan through Jacob's lineage.

the land on which you now lie
The "land" refers to the Promised Land, a central theme in the biblical narrative. This specific land, where Jacob lay during his dream, is a tangible symbol of God's promise and faithfulness. The land is not just a physical territory but a place of divine blessing and fulfillment of God's covenantal promises. This assurance to Jacob is a reaffirmation of God's commitment to His people and His plan for their future.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jacob
The grandson of Abraham and son of Isaac, Jacob is the central figure in this passage. He is on a journey to Haran to find a wife, fleeing from his brother Esau.

2. LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who appears to Jacob in a dream, reaffirming the promises made to Abraham and Isaac.

3. Bethel
The location where Jacob has his dream. Originally called Luz, Jacob renames it Bethel, meaning "House of God," after his encounter with God.

4. Abraham
Jacob's grandfather, with whom God made the original covenant, promising numerous descendants and land.

5. Isaac
Jacob's father, who inherited the covenant promises from Abraham.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness
God reaffirms His covenant promises to each generation, showing His unwavering faithfulness.

Personal Encounter with God
Jacob's dream signifies a personal encounter with God, reminding us that God desires a personal relationship with each of us.

Covenant Continuity
The promises made to Abraham are not just historical but are actively passed down through generations, emphasizing the importance of spiritual heritage.

God's Sovereignty
Despite Jacob's circumstances, God is in control and has a plan for his life, encouraging us to trust in God's sovereignty in our own lives.

Response to God's Promises
Jacob's response to God's promise is one of worship and commitment, challenging us to respond to God's promises with faith and dedication.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jacob's encounter with God at Bethel change his understanding of God's presence and promises?

2. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness in our own lives, similar to His faithfulness to Jacob?

3. How does the reaffirmation of the covenant to Jacob encourage us to trust in God's promises today?

4. What can we learn from Jacob's response to God's promise, and how can we apply this in our daily walk with God?

5. How does understanding the continuity of God's covenant from Abraham to Jacob help us see the bigger picture of God's plan in the Bible?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 12:7
God's promise to Abraham about giving his descendants the land, which is reiterated to Jacob in Genesis 28:13.

Genesis 26:24
God's reaffirmation of the covenant to Isaac, similar to the promise given to Jacob.

Exodus 3:6
God introduces Himself to Moses as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, showing the continuity of His covenant.

Hebrews 11:9
The faith of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the promises of God, living as foreigners in the promised land.
A Ladder Between Heaven and EarthT. Champness.Genesis 28:10-15
A Ladder of EscapeD. Rowlands, B. A.Genesis 28:10-15
A Man AsleepC. S. Robinson, D. D.Genesis 28:10-15
A Turn in the TideD. G. Watt, M. A.Genesis 28:10-15
Angelic MinistriesBishop Woodford.Genesis 28:10-15
Ascending and Descending AngelsA. S. Nickerson.Genesis 28:10-15
BethelT. S. Dickson.Genesis 28:10-15
Bethel: a Picture and its LessonC. S. Robinson, D. D.Genesis 28:10-15
Bethel; Or, the True Vision of LifeHomilistGenesis 28:10-15
Christ Typified by Jacob's LadderJ. Burns, D. D.Genesis 28:10-15
Divine ProvidenceW. L. Watkinson.Genesis 28:10-15
Intercourse Between Earth and HeavenR. Winterbotham, M. A.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob At BethelD. O. Mears, D. D.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob At BethelG. R. Leavitt.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob At BethelW. J. Evans.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob At BethelLyman Abbott, D. D.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob At BethelD. C. Hughes, M. A.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob At BethelJ. Hambleton, M. A.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob's ConversionF. W. Robertson, M. A.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob's DreamH. W. Beecher.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob's DreamHomilistGenesis 28:10-15
Jacob's Dream: the Solution of a MysteryD. Rowlands, B. A.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob's LadderR. Fuller.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob's Night At BethelD. March, D. D.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob's VisionT. H. Leale.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob's VisionA. D. Davidson.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob's VisionR. Thomas, M. A.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob's VisionJ. Burns, D. D.Genesis 28:10-15
Life as a LadderJ. M. Miller, D. D.Genesis 28:10-15
Man's Spiritual CapacityHomilistGenesis 28:10-15
Right PrinciplesH. W. BeecherGenesis 28:10-15
The Angel-LadderF. B. Meyer, B. A.Genesis 28:10-15
The Christ LadderC. Nose.Genesis 28:10-15
The Comfortable VisionDean GoulburnGenesis 28:10-15
The Dream of JacobJ. Parker, D. D.Genesis 28:10-15
The DreamerA. F. Joscelyne, B. A.Genesis 28:10-15
The God of BethelW. Jay.Genesis 28:10-15
The Heavenly Pathway and the Earthly HeartA. Maclaren, D. D.Genesis 28:10-15
The Incarnation a Helpful FactM. Doris, D. D.Genesis 28:10-15
The Ladder of DoctrineC. S. Robinson, D. D.Genesis 28:10-15
The Ladder of LifeC. S. Robinson, D. D.Genesis 28:10-15
The Nearness of God to MenD. Rhys Jenkins.Genesis 28:10-15
The Solitary One and His VisitationBenson Bailey.Genesis 28:10-15
The Spirit WorldHomilistGenesis 28:10-15
The VisionE. Craig.Genesis 28:10-15
The Vision At BethelF. D. Maurice, M. A.Genesis 28:10-15
The Vision in the WildernessW. S. Smith, B. D.Genesis 28:10-15
The Vision of GodC. S. Robinson, D. D.Genesis 28:10-15
What Jacob Saw in SleepS. A. Tipple.Genesis 28:10-15
Jacob's DreamR.A. Redford Genesis 28:10-22
People
Aram, Bethuel, Esau, Haran, Isaac, Ishmael, Jacob, Laban, Mahalath, Nebaioth, Nebajoth, Rebekah
Places
Beersheba, Bethel, Haran, Luz, Paddan-aram
Topics
Behold, Beside, Descendants, Isaac, Lie, Liest, Lying, Saying, Seed, Sleeping, Standing, Stood, Whereon
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 28:13

     4207   land, divine gift

Genesis 28:10-15

     8409   decision-making, and providence

Genesis 28:10-17

     1449   signs, purposes

Genesis 28:10-22

     4366   stones

Genesis 28:11-13

     1670   symbols

Genesis 28:12-15

     1409   dream
     7258   promised land, early history

Genesis 28:13-14

     1348   covenant, with Abraham
     2540   Christ, genealogy
     7949   mission, of Israel

Genesis 28:13-15

     1245   God of the fathers
     5096   Jacob, patriarch
     5467   promises, divine

Library
The Heavenly Pathway and the Earthly Heart
'And Jacob went out from Beer-sheba, and went toward Haran. And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

February the Fifth Everywhere the Gate of Heaven
"Surely the Lord is in this place, and I knew it not." --GENESIS xxviii. 10-22. That is the first time for many a day that Jacob had named the name of God. In all the dark story of his wicked intrigue the name of God is never mentioned. Jacob wanted to forget God! God would be a disturbing presence! But here he encounters Him in a dream, and in the most unlikely place. "And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place!" Jacob had yet to learn that there is everywhere "a ladder set up on
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Presence of God.
"And Jacob awakened out of his sleep and said, Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not."--GENESIS xxviii. 16. These words indicate the beginning of a new life in the patriarch Jacob. They tell us of the moment when, as it would appear, his soul awoke in him. And they surprise us in some degree, as such awakenings of spiritual capacity often do; for Jacob's recorded antecedents were not exactly such as to lead us to expect the dream and the vision, and the awakening which are described
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby

Jacob's Waking Exclamation
I would address you this morning upon a topic which may perhaps be as useful to us as to Jacob, if God the Holy Ghost shall but enable me to preach, and you to hear. Oh thou that art everywhere, be speedily now; be thou in this place, and may we know it, and tremble in thy presence. I shall speak on three points; first, the omnipresence of God--the doctrine of it; secondly, a recognition of that omnipresence, or the spirit which is necessary in order to discover the presence of God; and thirdly,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

Notes on the First Century:
Page 1. Line 1. An empty book is like an infant's soul.' Here Traherne may possibly have had in his mind a passage in Bishop Earle's "Microcosmography." In delineating the character of a child, Earle says: "His soul is yet a white paper unscribbled with observations of the world, wherewith at length it becomes a blurred note-book," Page 14. Line 25. The entrance of his words. This sentence is from Psalm cxix. 130. Page 15. Last line of Med. 21. "Insatiableness." This word in Traherne's time was often
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations

Never! Never! Never! Never! Never!
Hence, let us learn, my brethren, the extreme value of searching the Scriptures. There may be a promise in the Word which would exactly fit your case, but you may not know of it, and therefore miss its comfort. You are like prisoners in a dungeon, and there may be one key in the bunch which would unlock the door, and you might be free; but if you will not look for it you may remain a prisoner still, though liberty is near at hand. There may be a potent medicine in the great pharmacopia of Scripture,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 8: 1863

The Life of Faith.
The fruit of these trials. The conduct of the submissive soul. It results from all that has just been described that, in the path of pure faith, all that takes place spiritually, physically, and temporarily, has the aspect of death. This is not to be wondered at. What else could be expected? It is natural to this state. God has His plans for souls, and under this disguise He carries them out very successfully. Under the name of "disguise" I include ill-success, corporal infirmities, and spiritual
Jean-Pierre de Caussade—Abandonment to Divine Providence

The Plan for the Coming of Jesus.
God's Darling, Psalms 8:5-8.--the plan for the new man--the Hebrew picture by itself--difference between God's plan and actual events--one purpose through breaking plans--the original plan--a starting point--getting inside. Fastening a Tether inside: the longest way around--the pedigree--the start. First Touches on the Canvas: the first touch, Genesis 3:15.--three groups of prediction--first group: to Abraham, Genesis 12:1-3; to Isaac, Genesis 26:1-5; to Jacob, Genesis 28:10-15; through Jacob,
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

The Prophecy of Obadiah.
We need not enter into details regarding the question as to the time when the prophet wrote. By a thorough argumentation, Caspari has proved, that he occupies his right position in the Canon, and hence belongs to the earliest age of written prophecy, i.e., to the time of Jeroboam II. and Uzziah. As bearing conclusively against those who would assign to him a far later date, viz., the time of the exile, there is not only the indirect testimony borne by the place which this prophecy occupies in
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Letter xxviii (Circa A. D. 1130) to the Abbots Assembled at Soissons
To the Abbots Assembled at Soissons [45] Bernard urges the abbots zealously to perform the duty for which they had met. He recommends to them a great desire of spiritual progress, and begs them not to be delayed in their work if lukewarm and lax persons should perhaps murmur. To the Reverend Abbots met in the name of the Lord in Chapter at Soissons, brother Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, the servant of their Holiness, health and prayer that they may see, establish, and observe the things which are
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

That the Ruler Should be a Near Neighbour to Every one in Compassion, and Exalted Above all in Contemplation.
The ruler should be a near neighbour to every one in sympathy, and exalted above all in contemplation, so that through the bowels of loving-kindness he may transfer the infirmities of others to himself, and by loftiness of speculation transcend even himself in his aspiration after the invisible; lest either in seeking high things he despise the weak things of his neighbours, or in suiting himself to the weak things of his neighbours he relinquish his aspiration after high things. For hence it is
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
That the Lord gave special token of his approbation of the exercise of Covenanting, it belongs to this place to show. His approval of the duty was seen when he unfolded the promises of the Everlasting Covenant to his people, while they endeavoured to perform it; and his approval thereof is continually seen in his fulfilment to them of these promises. The special manifestations of his regard, made to them while attending to the service before him, belonged to one or other, or both, of those exhibitions
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Tithing
There are few subjects on which the Lord's own people are more astray than on the subject of giving. They profess to take the Bible as their own rule of faith and practice, and yet in the matter of Christian finance, the vast majority have utterly ignored its plain teachings and have tried every substitute the carnal mind could devise; therefore it is no wonder that the majority of Christian enterprises in the world today are handicapped and crippled through the lack of funds. Is our giving to be
Arthur W. Pink—Tithing

Gen. xxxi. 11
Of no less importance and significance is the passage Gen. xxxi. 11 seq. According to ver. 11, the Angel of God, [Hebrew: mlaK halhiM] appears toJacob in a dream. In ver. 13, the same person calls himself the God of Bethel, with reference to the event recorded in chap. xxviii. 11-22. It cannot be supposed that in chap xxviii. the mediation of a common angel took place, who, however, had not been expressly mentioned; for Jehovah is there contrasted with the angels. In ver. 12, we read: "And behold
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
SHOWING WHAT IT IS, AND HOW DISTINGUISHED FROM THAT WHICH IS NOT SO. ALSO, WHENCE IT COMES; WHO HAS IT; WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS; AND WHAT THE PRIVILEGES OF THOSE THAT HAVE IT IN THEIR HEARTS. London: Printed for N. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "a fountain of life"--the foundation on which all wisdom rests, as well as the source from whence it emanates. Upon a principle
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Shaking of the Heavens and the Earth
Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Yet this once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land: and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come, and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. G od shook the earth when He proclaimed His law to Israel from Sinai. The description, though very simple, presents to our thoughts a scene unspeakably majestic, grand and awful. The mountain was in flames at the top, and
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Nature of Covenanting.
A covenant is a mutual voluntary compact between two parties on given terms or conditions. It may be made between superiors and inferiors, or between equals. The sentiment that a covenant can be made only between parties respectively independent of one another is inconsistent with the testimony of Scripture. Parties to covenants in a great variety of relative circumstances, are there introduced. There, covenant relations among men are represented as obtaining not merely between nation and nation,
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Christ the Mediator of the Covenant
'Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant,' &c. Heb 12:24. Jesus Christ is the sum and quintessence of the gospel; the wonder of angels; the joy and triumph of saints. The name of Christ is sweet, it is as music in the ear, honey in the mouth, and a cordial at the heart. I shall waive the context, and only speak of that which concerns our present purpose. Having discoursed of the covenant of grace, I shall speak now of the Mediator of the covenant, and the restorer of lapsed sinners, Jesus the Mediator
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The First Commandment
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Why is the commandment in the second person singular, Thou? Why does not God say, You shall have no other gods? Because the commandment concerns every one, and God would have each one take it as spoken to him by name. Though we are forward to take privileges to ourselves, yet we are apt to shift off duties from ourselves to others; therefore the commandment is in the second person, Thou and Thou, that every one may know that it is spoken to him,
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Strait Gate;
OR, GREAT DIFFICULTY OF GOING TO HEAVEN: PLAINLY PROVING, BY THE SCRIPTURES, THAT NOT ONLY THE RUDE AND PROFANE, BUT MANY GREAT PROFESSORS, WILL COME SHORT OF THAT KINGDOM. "Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."--Matthew 7:13, 14 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. If any uninspired writer has been
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Genesis 28:13 NIV
Genesis 28:13 NLT
Genesis 28:13 ESV
Genesis 28:13 NASB
Genesis 28:13 KJV

Genesis 28:13 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Genesis 28:12
Top of Page
Top of Page