Pondering Genesis 28:11-12 (Ladder, Stairs, Ramp)

Looking at Genesis 28:11-12 again, it's funny how new details become salient each time and things become clearer with one more read. The word normally translated "ladder" (sullam) in that account could be rendered "stairway" or ramp. Moreover, the ladder/stairway could have been made from stone steps.

Another important detail is that Jehovah (YHWH) possibly was at the top of the ladder on which angels ascended and descended (Genesis 28:13) or others understand the text to say YHWH was beside Jacob. The Hebrew allows for different renderings, but I still have my reservations about the idea that Jacob beheld a heavenly sanctuary at the top of the ladder. Of course, he was having a dream/vision, which is another thing to keep in mind.

Esau and Jacob: the Flesh and the Spirit

One major difference between the twins Esau and Jacob is that Jacob was a spiritual man, a person with faith in Jehovah, while Esau lacked appreciation for spiritual things and even despised them (Hebrews 11:21; 12:16). This is why Esau sold his precious birthright as firstborn for a mere bowl of stew: he did not appreciate the great spiritual blessing that stood before him. Hence, Jehovah loved Jacob but hated Esau (Malachi 1:1-4).

Therefore, when Isaac got ready to bless Esau, but he was out hunting game, Rebekah devised a plan to help Jacob obtain his rightful blessing from Isaac. According to Genesis 27:6-10, Rebekah first had Jacob to go and get “two of the best young goats” in order that she might prepare a tasty meal for Isaac. 

After eating this meal, which he would think came from Esau, Isaac would bless Jacob instead. However, in order to fool Isaac, Jacob also had to make himself appear to be hairy Esau. What was the outcome of this ruse?

Isaac prayed that Jehovah would bless Jacob, and God bless him by pouring out blessings on the Israelites. Israel eventually came into a land flowing with milk and honey and Jehovah faithfully kept the promises that he gave to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob because they were all men of godly devotion and faith.

Isaac uttered other blessings for Jacob in Genesis 27:29. So Jacob’s descendants, the Israelites, became much stronger than Esau’s progeny, the Edomites. Genesis 25:23 foretold that the older twin would serve the younger one. These words were also fulfilled when Edom was surpassed in power and blessings by Israel. Read 2 Samuel 8:14.

Because the Edomites cursed (called down evil on) the Israelites and hated them, they were destroyed as a nation: Jehovah wiped Edom out of existence because they did not bless Jacob’s descendants. See Ezekiel 25:12-14.

For the record, Jacob did not cheat Esau out of his inheritance; he obtained the rightful blessing that was legally his. He had faith and appreciated sacred things.