Genesis 28:12

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 28:10-15

We have here Jacob upon his journey towards Syria, in a very desolate condition, like one that was sent to seek his fortune; but we find that, though he was alone, yet he was not alone, for the Father was with him, John 16:32. If what is here recorded happened (as it should seem it did) the first night, he had made a long day's journey from Beersheba to Bethel, above forty miles. Providence brought him to a convenient place, probably shaded with trees, to rest himself in that night; and there... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 28:12

And he dreamed ,.... As he slept; not a common dream, but under divine direction and influence: and, behold, a ladder set upon the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven : denoting either the providence of God, and the various steps of it, bringing about his own glory and the good of his people; and which is steady, firm, and sure, and reaches to all things here on earth; and in an especial manner is concerned about the people of God, their protection and safety; and is directed and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 28:12

He dreamed, and behold a ladder - A multitude of fanciful things have been spoken of Jacob's vision of the ladder, and its signification. It might have several designs, as God chooses to accomplish the greatest number of ends by the fewest and simplest means possible. 1. It is very likely that its primary design was to point out the providence of God, by which he watches over and regulates all terrestrial things; for nothing is left to merely natural causes; a heavenly agency pervades,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 28:12

Verse 12 12.And he dreamed. Moses here teaches how opportunely, and (as we may say) in the critical moment, the Lord succoured his servant. For who would not have said that holy Jacob was neglected by God, since he was exposed to the incursion of wild beasts, and obnoxious to every kind of injury from earth and heaven, and found nowhere any help or solace? But when he was thus reduced to the last necessity, the Lord suddenly stretches out his hand to him, and wonderfully alleviates his trouble... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 28:10-22

Jacob at Bethel, or heaven opened. I. THE LONELY SLEEPER . 1. His desolate condition . Exiled from home, fleeing from the murderous resentment of a brother, o'er-canopied by the star-lit firmament, remote from human habitation, and encompassed by a heathen population, on the bleak summit of the Bethel plateau, upwards of sixty miles from Beersheba, the wandering son of Isaac makes his evening couch with a stone slab for his pillow, an emblem of many another footsore and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 28:10-22

Jacob's dream. Where revelations had been vouchsafed it was supposed that they would be repeated. The stony pillow on which the weary head rested may be changed by the visitation of Divine grace into the meeting-place of heaven and earth. The morning beams breaking in upon the shadowy refuge of the night are transfigured into a dream of covenant blessing. The ladder set up on the earth, the top of it reached to heaven. Angels of God on the way of mediation, ascending, descending, carrying... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 28:12

And he dreamed . This dream, which has been pronounced "beautifully ingenious," "clever" and "philosophical," the work of a later Hebrew poet and not of Jacob (De Wette), was not wonderful considering the state of mind and body in which he must have been—fatigued by travel, saddened by thoughts of home, doubtless meditating on his mother, and more than likely pondering the great benediction of his aged and, to all appearance, dying father. Yet while these circumstances may account for the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 28:12

A stairway to heaven. "And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. Jacob in fear of his life leaves home. The last kiss of his mother is taken. During the day Jacob goes forward cheerfully. Night comes on at length. The path is no longer distinct. The wind moans sadly. A sense of loneliness creeps over him. Fear of Esau haunts him. He sees the figure of his brother behind this shrub and that rock. Had Esau outrun to murder him in that... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Genesis 28:1-22

- Jacob’s Journey to Haran3. קהל qâhāl, “congregation.”9. מחלת māchălat, Machalath, “sickness, or a harp.”19. לוּז lûz, Luz, “almond.”The blessing of his sons was the last passage in the active life of Isaac, after which he retires from the scene. Jacob now becomes the leading figure in the sacred history. His spiritual character has yet come out to view. But even now we can discern the general distinction in the lives of the three patriarchs. Abraham’s is a life of authority and decision;... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Genesis 28:12

Genesis 28:12. Behold a ladder set up on the earth This might represent, 1st, The providence of God, by which there is a constant correspondence kept up between heaven and earth. The counsels of heaven are executed on earth, and the affairs of this earth are all known in heaven. Providence doth his work gradually and by steps; angels are employed as ministering spirits to serve all the designs of Providence, and the wisdom of God is at the upper end of the ladder, directing all the... read more

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