Jacob’s experience at Bethel is described in Genesis 28:12:
“Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.”
This was not a vision but a dream, and it carried profound meaning. The ladder, or stairway, symbolized a connection between heaven and earth, showing that God is actively involved in human affairs. The angels ascending and descending demons/”>demonstrated God’s presence and work on earth, even when Jacob felt alone and vulnerable.
The Lord spoke to Jacob during the dream, reaffirming His covenant promises. Genesis 28:13–14 says:
“And behold, the Lord stood above it and said: ‘I am the Lord God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants. Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth… and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’”
When Jacob awoke, his response was significant. Genesis 28:16–17 says:
“Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, ‘Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.’ And he was afraid and said, ‘How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!’”
Jacob recognized Bethel as a sacred place where God’s presence had been revealed. He set up a stone pillar and anointed it, naming the place Bethel, meaning “House of God” (Genesis 28:18–19).
Spiritually, the dream points to Christ as the ultimate connection between God and man. Jesus alluded to this in John 1:51:
“Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”
Christ is the true “ladder,” the only way for sinners to approach God (John 14:6).
