Lighted upon a certain place, &c.— From Beer-sheba to Padan-aram was a journey of about 500 miles. In the first day's journey he rested at a place called Luz, Genesis 28:19 which is about a day's journey from Beer-sheba. Here he found a convenient place to lodge in, shaded probably with trees, for the word Luz signifies an almond tree: and, used to the labours of a pastoral life, he chose one of the stones which he thought most convenient for his pillow; on which, being properly strawed or covered over, he rested his head and slept: When, behold, the Almighty appeared to him in an extraordinary vision, and renewed his promise of blessing to him. The ladder, which reached from earth to heaven, was a proper image of the Providence of God, whose care extends to all things on earth and in heaven, Psalms 113:5-6. The angels are represented ascending and descending upon this mysterious ladder, because these ministering spirits are always active in the execution of the wise designs of Providence, and are especially appointed guardians to watch over and protect the just, Hebrews 1:14. They ascend, as it were, to receive, and descend to execute the Divine orders. Lastly, by the representation of the Divine Majesty appearing above the ladder, is meant, that however the conduct of Providence be high, and often beyond the reach of human comprehension, yet the whole is under the management of infinite wisdom and goodness; that though we see but a few of the lower steps of the ladder, or that end of it which stands upon the earth, yet it hath a top which reacheth unto heaven; and, could we trace the concatenation of causes and effects up to their hidden source, we should see them all ascend by just gradation higher and higher, till they terminate in the Supreme Being, the first and proper Cause of all, who presides over, superintends, and directs the complicated scheme of Providence, from the beginning of the world to the consummation of things. That this is a true explication of the vision, appears not only from the suitableness of the several images to illustrate all the parts of the moral truth designed, but from the direct application which God makes of it to Jacob, in the 15th verse, by assuring him, that, in consequence of this general view of Providence, and more especially of the grand [evangelical] promise granted to him, his particular interest would always be taken care of, that God was now with him, would keep him in all places whither he went, would bring him again to his father's land, and not leave him until he had accomplished his promise concerning him. And what could have been a more seasonable relief to him in his present circumstances, than to have such a joyful assurance that, though exiled from his native home, he was still in the presence of his Maker; and that, whatever dangers he might be exposed to in his perilous journey, he was safe from any absolute or real evil, under the Divine foresight and protection. See more in Saurin's twenty-eighth Dissertation. Eusebius has made it appear, that the heathens have many traces of this vision of Jacob's, as well as of many other particulars in his life.
Related Commentaries of Genesis 28:11
Genesis 28:11
11 And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.