Genesis 28

22 verses

TL;DR

Jacob departs for Padanaram, dreams of a ladder to heaven, receives God’s promise, and vows to worship God and give a tithe.

Summary

In Genesis 28 Jacob, guided by his father Isaac’s blessing and command, sets off for Padanaram to marry Laban’s daughters. Along the way he stops in a place at night, where he uses stones as pillows and falls asleep. Jacob dreams of a ladder reaching to heaven with angels ascending and descending, and God speaks to him, affirming the covenant made with Abraham and Isaac. God promises Jacob land, descendants, and protection, and declares that his seed will be as the dust of the earth, spreading to all nations. Jacob awakes in awe, declaring the place a house of God and a gate of heaven. He sets a stone pillar, anoints it with oil, names the place Bethel, and vows that if God stays with him and provides for him he will give a tenth of everything back to God.

Outline

Isaac’s blessing and command to Jacob
Jacob’s journey, night’s stop, and divine ladder dream
Jacob’s vow, setting of Bethel, and covenant reaffirmation

Themes

Covenant faithfulnessDivine promise and presenceJourney and transformation

Keywords

blessingcovenantladderBetheltithepromiseGod's presence

People

IsaacJacobRebekahLabanEsauIshmaelMahalath

Places

PadanaramHaranBeershebaBethel (Luz)

Things

ladderstone pillaroiltenth (tithe)covenant promise

Key Verses

Genesis 28:12: Jacob’s dream of the ladder and God’s promise is central
Genesis 28:18: Jacob’s acknowledgment of the place as a house of God
Genesis 28:22: Jacob’s vow to give a tenth and to keep God’s covenant

Questions

What does the ladder symbolize in the context of Jacob’s journey?
Why does Jacob name the place Bethel, and how does it reflect his experience?
How does Jacob’s vow demonstrate his understanding of covenant and gratitude?
In what ways does this chapter foreshadow later themes of Israel’s relationship with God?

Sentiment

positive
Jacob’s encounter with God’s promise and covenant is uplifting and hopeful.