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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJabez Burns Sermons: 046. Gen 28:11-22. Jacob's Vision
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Gen_28:11-22. Jacob's Vision
"And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried here all night."—Gen_28:11-22.
Jacob was now fleeing from the face of Esau, and was on his way to Padanaram. The first day he journeyed about forty-eight miles, and arrived at a place originally called Luz, but which, on account of the vision he had there, he afterwards called Beth-el. There never was a scene more truly solemn and interesting, than that with which the patriarch was favored on this memorable occasion. It was designed for his instruction and support; and the devout Christian, in reviewing it in the spirit of devout contemplation, cannot fail to receive both information and comfort from it.
Let us, then, notice,
I. What Jacob saw on this Occasion.
Overcome with the fatigue of the journey, he had selected a spot of ground for his couch, a stone for his pillow, and the outstretched canopy of heaven for his only covering. Wearied nature was recruiting her energies by balmy sleep, when God was pleased to manifest himself to his servant, through the medium of a striking vision or dream.
1. The object presented to his notice was a ladder.
2. Its position—Between heaven and earth, filling the whole of the vast space between the two.
3. Its base—Rested on the earth, close to the spot where he lay.
4. The top of it—Reached to heaven, the palace of Deity.
5. Above it—Watching it, and viewing it with complacency and delight, stood the Lord, Jehovah of Hosts.
6. Upon it—Were angels, the spiritual host of God, and they were ascending and descending as messengers, bearing tidings from heaven to earth, from God to man.
The appearance of the ladder might be intended to illustrate,
(1) The doctrine of divine providence. Both heaven and earth are under the divine government. Both worlds connected. God's eye constantly directed to the concerns of men. Angels minister to the necessities of the saints. This was eminently calculated to console the mind of Jacob in his present circumstances.
It might be intended to prefigure,
(2) The mediatorial work of Christ. Jesus is, emphatically, the sinners' ladder, or way to heaven. None can come to God but by him. He has reconciled heaven to earth. The Father looks upon men, through the work of his Son, with pleasure and delight. Angels, too, are now incorporated with believers, form a distinguished branch of this one family, and are all ministering spirits to those who shall be heirs of salvation; Joh_14:6; Heb_1:14. Notice,
II. What Jacob heard.
"And the Lord said, I am the Lord God of Abraham," &c. Here Deity,
1. Proclaimed himself the God of his fathers.
"God of Abraham and Isaac," &c. He who had made them a separate people, distinguished them, blessed them, &c. Him whom they had worshipped, trusted, &c.
2. He promised him the possession of the country where he then was.
"The land whereon thou liest," &c.; ver. 15.
3. He promised him a numerous progeny; and that of him should come the illustrious Messiah, in whom all the families of the earth should be blessed.
4. He promised him his divine presence and protection.
"I am with thee, and will keep thee," &c. This promise extended to all times and to all places, and to the end of life. "I will not leave thee until I have done that which I have spoken," &c.; ver. 15. How condescending and gracious on the part of Deity! What comfort for Jacob! Yet how infinitely short of those rich promises given to believers in the gospel! Notice,
III. What Jacob fed.
"And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said: Surely the Lord is in this place;" ver. 16.
1. He felt the influence of the Divine Presence.
"The Lord is in this place."
2. He felt a sacred and solemn fear.
"And he was afraid, and said: How dreadful is this place!" Where God is, how solemn! Angels prostrate themselves before him, &c.
3. He felt himself on the precincts of the heavenly world.
"This is none other than the house of God, and the gate of heaven." Where God reveals his glory is heaven. He might well exclaim thus; for here he was surrounded with heavenly intelligences—had a vision of Jehovah, &c. Notice,
IV. What Jacob did.
1. He expressed his solemn sense of the Divine Presence. Ver. 16, 17.
2. He erected and consecrated a memorial of the events of that eventful night.
Took the stone—made a pillow—poured oil upon it—called the place Beth-el. How pious! God had honored him, and he now desired to erect a monument to his glory. How necessary to keep up in his mind a remembrance of God's gracious manifestation! How proper to give God a public profession of our love, and fear, and obedience!
3. He vowed obedience to the Lord.
Seeing that God had thus engaged to bless and keep him, he now resolved, and publicly avowed his resolution to love God, and to serve him with all his life and substance; ver. 22
4. He went on his way in peace and safety.
How could he fail to proceed in peace and safety, when the Omniscient God guided, and the Almighty God protected him? Yet, this privilege have all his saints.
Application
Learn, 1. The privileges of piety Divine manifestations, promises, &c. In ill thy ways acknowledge him," &c.
2 The duties of piety. God distinguishes his people, that they may be brought to holy obedience, and conformity to himself. "I beseech you, brethren, by the mercies of God," &c.; Rom_12:1.
3. The delights of public worship. God's house is indeed the gate of heaven. The way to heaven is through his house.
4. How glorious a place is heaven. Where the pure in heart shall see God, and dwell in his presence forever!