Jacob's Ladder: a Video Theophany
- Ken Kalis
- Jun 23
- 5 min read
This theophany in Genesis 28 is the 13th we have studied, only 69 to go!
Forty years before this, the LORD revealed Himself to Isaac, Jacob's father,
The LORD had affirmed Isaac* (1896-1716 BC) as the son of promise and directed him to stay in the land of Canaan, not to be a wanderer like his father.
Now things are changing again. Is Jacob* (1836-1689 BC) going to wander too?
Jacob's Ladder presents one of the most captivating accounts of divine interaction in the Bible. This story not only illustrates God's grace but also highlights the transformative power of a significant encounter with the divine. As we explore this pivotal moment in Jacob’s life, understanding the backstory surrounding this event and its implications for Jacob and future generations becomes essential.
Setting the Scene: Jacob's Disobedience
Before we examine Jacob's vision of the ladder, let’s consider his circumstances. Jacob was far from living a life of righteousness when he set out on his journey. He had deceived his brother, Esau,* (1836-1689 BC) twice: first by trading a bowl of stew for his birthright and then by stealing his blessing with the help of his mother.
An Asterisk* after a name means the person is in SPIRITUAL LIVES.
While Isaac had not yet seen the city of God that Abraham had sought, he did find a place of strength and stability in Beersheba, where he and Rebekah raised their sons. God had so blessed and established Isaac that there was no doubt he was God's man and the patriarch wearing the mantel of Abraham, but in a much different style.
Esau, the firstborn of the twins, had married two Hittite women, which was a "grief of mind" to Isaac and Rebekah. - Genesis 26:35 Theirs was a troubled household, with two very different sons, one favored by the mother, the other by the mother!
When Isaac grew old, "his eyes grew dim," and he thought he was going to die. He decided to get his house in order and create a will, making Esau his heir. When Rebekah heard this, she had Jacob trick Isaac into blessing him instead of Esau. The deception worked; Jacob stole the blessing, and Esau became enraged, deciding to kill his brother.
When Isaac understood this, he sent Jacob to Rebekah's family in Haran, and Jacob set off immediately, aware of the danger he faced. This deception left Jacob filled with guilt and fear, prompting him to flee his home to escape Esau’s anger.
As Jacob journeyed from Beer-sheba to Haran, the emotional weight of his actions compounded his loneliness. The wilderness around him mirrored his inner turmoil, vast and isolating. On a particularly lonely night, he lay his head on a stone pillow beneath a sky full of stars, overwhelmed with fear about what awaited him.
The Vision: A Ladder to Heaven
While Jacob slept under the stars, his life shifted dramatically. He dreamed of an extraordinary ladder set on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven. Angels were ascending and descending the ladder, symbolizing a direct connection between the earthly realm and the divine. This imagery beautifully represents mediation between God and humanity.
This is the most interactive theophany we have seen so far; angels ascending and descending that ladder connecting heaven and earth. That ladder is Jesus Christ, who referred to it Himself.
The LORD here, as we have seen before, is the pre-incarnate Jesus, showing one of His sheep His power and love for him.
Our first stop in getting a Christian perspective on this comes from Jesus "And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man." John 1:51
In this dream, God stood beside Jacob and spoke directly to him. The Lord identified Himself as the God of Abraham and Isaac, reaffirming the covenant made to Jacob's forefathers. The key aspects of this transformative encounter include:
Covenant Renewal: God promised Jacob the same land and descendants as those bestowed upon his grandfather and father. This assurance was not just a reminder of his ancestry but an invitation to partake in a divine purpose.
Presence of God: The fact that God stood beside Jacob underscores the gravity of this moment. Despite Jacob’s shortcomings, God's pursuit of him remained unwavering.
Assurance of Protection: God alleviated Jacob's fears with a promise of protection and guidance during his journey. He stated, “I will not leave you until I have accomplished what I have promised.” This assurance emphasized God’s commitment to Jacob, even in his state of disobedience.
Awakening from this remarkable dream, Jacob exclaimed, “Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not.” This realization must have been transformative, revealing to him that God's presence was with him, even in his failings.
The Impact of the Encounter
This moment was more than just a dream; it was a divine revelation that altered Jacob's destiny. A runaway filled with guilt and shame, Jacob unexpectedly encountered God’s grace. This revelation not only provided reassurance to Jacob but also laid the foundation for the nation of Israel, as his descendants would inherit this covenant.
Key takeaways from Jacob's Ladder include:
The Pursuit of God’s Grace: Even in our lowest points, when we feel unworthy, God is actively pursuing us. Jacob's flight mirrors our own quests for identity and purpose amidst confusion and turmoil.
Channel of Communication: The ladder symbolizes how humans connect with the divine, akin to prayer, faith, and personal testimony. In our lives, how do we construct our own ladders to heaven?
Legacy of Blessing: The blessings granted by God reach beyond ourselves. Jacob’s vision spoke not just to his future but also to generations to come. Our encounters with the divine can trigger waves of influence that extend to those around us.
A Journey of Transformation
Jacob's Ladder transcends a simple biblical narrative; it stands as a testament to the transformative power of divine encounters. Although Jacob was fleeing from his mistakes, he found grace waiting for him. This encounter did not erase his past but guided him toward a new future.
Reflecting on Jacob's story encourages us to recognize that it is often during our weakest and loneliest moments that God’s love is most potent. Just like Jacob, we may encounter divine presence in our wilderness.
Through his journey, Jacob transformed from a deceitful young man into a patriarch who witnessed the unfolding of God's promises. Perhaps your own ladder awaits—ready to bridge the gap between your past and a destiny directed by the divine.
As you navigate your life’s challenges, consider Jacob. Embrace the moments when God may be whispering encouragement into your own struggles, reminding you that He is with you and ready to guide you toward your destiny. The path may be difficult, but with divine encounters like Jacob's, there lies boundless potential for transformation.
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We are climbing Jacob’s ladder,
We are climbing Jacob’s ladder,
We are climbing Jacob’s ladder,
Soldiers of the cross.
Every round goes higher, higher,
Every round goes higher, higher,
Every round goes higher, higher,
Soldiers of the cross.
Sinner, do you love my Jesus?
Sinner, do you love my Jesus?
Sinner, do you love my Jesus?
Soldiers of the cross.
If you love Him, why not serve Him?
If you love Him, why not serve Him?
If you love Him, why not serve Him?
Soldiers of the cross.
African-American Spiritual
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. – Genesis 28:12
We used to sing this in public school in the 1950's in Elizabeth, NJ.
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