Gen 28:12-15 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Gen 28:12-15: 28:12-15 The point of the vision was that God and his angels were with Jacob on his journey. God reiterated to Jacob the covenant promises made to Abraham and Isaac, promising him land, descendants numerous as the dust (cp. 13:16 ; 22:17 ), and universal blessing through him (cp. 12:2-3 ; 15:5 , 18 ; 17:3-8 ; 22:15-18 ; 35:11-12 ). God also promised to be with Jacob and watch over him until he returned. Summary for Gen 28:12-13: 28:12-13 stairway (traditionally ladder ): This word occurs nowhere else in Scripture. The imagery probably reminded readers of a staircase or ramp up the front of a ziggurat that signified communication between heaven and earth (see study note on 11:4). God initiated a divine communication between heaven and earth to guide and protect Jacob, the steward of his covenant (28:13-15 ; see Ps 91:11-15 ). • Jesus said that he himself is the stairway between heaven and earth (John 1:51 ).

Summary for Gen 28:12-15: 28:12-15 ^a The point of the vision was that God and his angels were with Jacob on his journey. God reiterated to Jacob the covenant promises made to Abraham and Isaac, promising him land, descendants numerous as the dust (cp. 13:16 ^b; 22:17 ^c), and universal blessing through him (cp. 12:2-3 ^d; 15:5 ^e, 18 ^f; 17:3-8 ^g; 22:15-18 ^h; 35:11-12 ⁱ). God also promised to be with Jacob and watch over him until he returned.
Summary for Gen 28:12-13: 28:12-13 ^j stairway (traditionally ladder): This word occurs nowhere else in Scripture. The imagery probably reminded readers of a staircase or ramp up the front of a ziggurat that signified communication between heaven and earth (see study note on 11:4). God initiated a divine communication between heaven and earth to guide and protect Jacob, the steward of his covenant (28:13-15 ^k; see Ps 91:11-15 ^l).

• Jesus said that he himself is the stairway between heaven and earth (John 1:51 ^m).
28:14 ⁿ Jacob inherited Abraham’s entire covenant (see 22:17 ^o), which confirmed Isaac’s blessing (28:3-4 ^p) and stipulated a temporary exile (28:15 ^q; see 15:12-16 ^r).
28:15 ^s I am with you: The promise of God’s presence meant that God would protect and provide for Jacob in a special way. God’s promise to be with his people is repeated throughout Scripture (see also 26:24 ^t), prompting a response of worship and confidence in those who have faith (28:16-22 ^u).