Stairway to Heaven
Gen 28, Divisions of the Chapter
Jacob: Sent Away, vv1-5
Esau: Selects an Ishmaelite Wife, vv6-9
Jacob: Sees a Staircase to Heaven, vv10-15
Jacob: Sets Up an Altar God, vv16-22
Gen 28, Details in the Chapter
God Almighty, v3, (אל שדי) el sha-day (see Ex 6:3)
ladder, v12(סלם) su-lam – stair case
angels of God, v12, (אלהים מלאכי) ma-lakh-iy el-o-hiym
gate of heaven, v17, ( שער השמים ) sha'ar ha-sha-ma-iym
Bethel, v19, ( בית־אל) beyt_el
Gen 28, Divine Perspectives from the Chapter
I. Doctrinal Assent
1. Gracious Manifestation of God's Presence, v12
a. Initiated by a Sovereign God, Isa 46:10a
b. Christ, the Only Access to Father - Ladder, Jn 14:6
Glorious Declaration of God's Promise, vv13-15
a. Fulfilled by an Almighty God, Isa 46:10b
b. Christ, the Seed of the Promise, Matt 5:17-18; Gal. 3:16Genuine Response to God's Provision, vv16-22
a. Awakening to God's Almighty Presence, v16
b. Fearful Reverence for God's Holiness, v17 Isa 6:1-5
c. Simple Form of Worship, vv18-19
d. Personal Trust in God's Promises, vv20-22
i. Promises: acknowledges God's Word, v20-21
ii. Personal: revelation of his God, v21
iii. Commitment: tithe, v22
II. Devotional Assertions
1. Awakened to Christ's Power by His Word?
v16; Heb 4:12
2. Fearful Reverence for Christ's Holiness?
v17; Prov 9:10
3. Worship God with Your Substance?
vv18-19; Mark 12:41-44
4. Thank God for His Provision?
vv20-21; Jas 1:17
5. Rejoice in a Personal Salvation?
v21; 1 John 4:12
6. Committed to an Almighty God?
v22; Rom 12:1