Introduction
“Jacob dreamed that there was a ladder resting on the earth and reaching up into heaven. And he saw angels of God going up and down the ladder.” Genesis 28:12
Esau was so angry about Jacob receiving the blessing of birthright that he planned to kill Jacob when his father died. He would then take over the possessions for his own.
Rebekah was ever watchful over Jacob and when she heard of Esau’s plan to kill his brother, she warned Jacob to leave Haran, promising him she would send for him as soon as Esau forgot his anger.
Rebekah did not tell Isaac about the quarrel between the sons, but told him Jacob had gone to seek a wife among their people. Isaac agreed that Jacob should find a wife that worshipped the true God, for they were disappointed in Esau’s wife. Isaac had forgiven Jacob for fooling him and gave him his parting blessing.
Jacob set out on the journey alone. On the slow journey many thoughts came to Jacob, whether his brother would kill him or not, and if he would ever be safe in returning home to claim the birthright he had stolen. But, God was listening to Jacob.
He was very tired and lay down to sleep. While he slept, God sent him a wonderful dream. He saw a ladder that reached from earth to heaven. On the ladder were angels climbing up and down from heaven to earth and back to their heavenly home.
God stood at the top of the ladder and spoke to Jacob saying,
“I am the God of your grandfather Abraham and of your father Isaac. The land where you are lying, I will give to you and your children. Your family will be great with as many people as there are specks of dust on the earth and through your family all the peoples of the earth shall be blessed. I am with you and will be with you wherever you go and I will bring you back to the land some day. I will never leave you until I make this promise come true.”
Like words were spoken to Abraham and Isaac, which kept them close to God throughout their lives. They had been repeated to Jacob. How good he must have felt for he whispered,
“Surely the Lord is in this place and I did not know it. Why this is the house of God, the gate of heaven.”
Taking the stone that had been his pillow, he set it up as a marker to God, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Joseph. He named the place Bethel, which means,
“The House of God”
and made a promise to God he would give back a part of all God gave him. What a wonderful dream. He continued on his journey.
Quiz
1. Why did Esau want to kill Isaac?
2. Where did Rebekah send Jacob?
3. What did she tell Isaac?
4. What strange thing happened to him on his journey?
5. What was the dream like?
6. Who spoke to Jacob?
7. What did He promise him?
8. Had this promise been made before? To whom?
9. How did Jacob mark this place?
10. What did he call it?