Jacob's Dream at Bethel. - As he was travelling from Beersheba, where Isaac was then staying (Genesis 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 (Genesis 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."

Genesis 28:16 Parallel Commentaries

and I.

Exodus 3:5 And he said, Draw not near here: put off your shoes from off your feet, for the place where on you stand is holy ground.

Exodus 15:11 Who is like to you, O LORD, among the gods? who is like you, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?

Joshua 5:15 And the captain of the LORD's host said to Joshua, Loose your shoe from off your foot; for the place where on you stand is holy...

1 Samuel 3:4-7 That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I...

Job 9:11 See, he goes by me, and I see him not: he passes on also, but I perceive him not.

Job 33:14 For God speaks once, yes twice, yet man perceives it not.

Psalm 68:35 O God, you are terrible out of your holy places: the God of Israel is he that gives strength and power to his people. Blessed be God.

Isaiah 8:13 Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.