Jacob’s ladder is found in Genesis 28:10-17, during a moment of solitude and uncertainty in Jacob’s life. As he fled from Esau and journeyed toward Haran, Jacob stopped to rest for the night. Using a stone for a pillow, he dreamed of “a ladder set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it” (Genesis 28:12).
Above the ladder stood the Lord, who spoke promises to Jacob: the land on which he lay would be given to him and his descendants, his offspring would be numerous, and through his seed all families of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 28:13-14). God also promised His presence, saying, “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go” (Genesis 28:15).
The ladder signifies a divine connection between heaven and earth, a picture of God’s access and activity among men. It revealed that heaven was not distant, and that God’s providence and messengers were active even in Jacob’s isolation.
Jesus later referenced this event in John 1:51, saying, “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.” In this, Jesus revealed that He is the true ladder, he only connection between heaven and earth, the one through whom God reaches man and through whom man may come to God.
Jacob’s response was awe: “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it… How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven” (Genesis 28:16-17).
Jacob’s ladder is not just a dream; it is a revelation of Christ and the promise of access to God through Him.
