Genesis 28: Jacob’s Journey and the Stairway to Heaven

Key Verse: Genesis 28:15

"Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you."

Genesis 28 is a chapter of transition and divine encounter. Jacob, after deceiving his father and stealing Esau’s blessing, is now on the run for his life. But in the midst of his fear and loneliness, God meets him. This chapter teaches us about God’s faithfulness, His presence in our darkest moments, and His promises that never fail.

1. Jacob Leaves Home – The Consequences of Deception

Jacob had deceived Isaac to obtain the blessing, but instead of a life of immediate prosperity, he is now fleeing from Esau’s wrath.

Rebekah convinces Isaac to send Jacob away by saying:"I loathe my life because of the Hittite women. If Jacob marries one of the Hittite women… what good will my life be to me?” (Genesis 27:46)

This is a reference to Esau’s pagan wives, who had brought sorrow to the family (Genesis 26:34-35). Isaac agrees and sends Jacob to Paddan-aram to find a wife among Rebekah’s relatives.

Before Jacob leaves, Isaac blesses him again, this time knowingly and intentionally. He confirms that Jacob is the rightful heir of the Abrahamic covenant:

"May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, that you may become a company of peoples." (Genesis 28:3)

Key Lesson: Deception got Jacob the blessing, but he now leaves home with nothing. This reminds us that God’s promises are given by grace, not human manipulation.

2. Esau’s Desperate Attempt to Win Favor

Esau, realizing that his Canaanite wives displeased his parents, decides to fix the situation his own way.

"So when Esau saw that the Canaanite women did not please Isaac, his father, Esau went to Ishmael and took as his wife Mahalath." (Genesis 28:8-9)

Instead of seeking God’s will, Esau tries to fix things with human effort. But Ishmael’s descendants were not part of the covenant either. This further shows Esau’s lack of spiritual discernment.

Key Lesson: When we try to fix spiritual problems with human solutions, we only make things worse.

3. Jacob’s Dream at Bethel – A Life-Changing Encounter

Jacob, exhausted from his journey, stops to sleep in the wilderness with a stone as his pillow. He is alone, afraid, and uncertain of his future. But in this place of desperation, God speaks.

The Vision of the Stairway"And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it!" (Genesis 28:12)

This is one of the most powerful visions in the Bible. The stairway (sometimes called Jacob’s ladder) represents:

A connection between heaven and earth – God is not distant; there is a way to Him.
Angelic activity – God is actively involved in human affairs.
A foreshadowing of Jesus – In John 1:51, Jesus tells Nathanael: "You will see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man." Jesus Himself is the bridge between God and man.

4. God’s Promise to Jacob – Unconditional Grace

Then, God speaks directly to Jacob:

"I am the Lord, the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring." (Genesis 28:13)

God reaffirms the covenant, but notice what’s missing: There is no rebuke.

God does not remind Jacob of his deception.
He does not condemn him for his past mistakes.
Instead, He simply gives a promise.

This is pure grace. Jacob had done nothing to deserve God’s favor, yet God promises:

Land (v.13)
Descendants as numerous as the dust (v.14)
A blessing to all nations through him (v.14)
Divine protection wherever he goes (v.15)
A guaranteed return to the Promised Land (v.15)

God ends with this powerful statement:"I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." (Genesis 28:15)

Despite Jacob’s failures, God’s plan remains unchanged.

Key Lesson: God's promises are based on His faithfulness, not our perfection.

5. Jacob’s Response – A Heart Beginning to Change

When Jacob wakes up, he is overwhelmed:

"Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it." (Genesis 28:16)

This is the first time Jacob acknowledges God’s presence in his life. Up until now, he had relied on his own schemes.

He renames the place Bethel ("House of God") and makes a vow:

"If God will be with me… then the Lord shall be my God." (Genesis 28:20-21)

Jacob is still learning what true faith looks like. Instead of fully surrendering, he tries to make a deal with God.

God already promised to be with him.
But Jacob still says “If God will be with me…”
Faith is not about making deals—it’s about trusting God fully.

Finally, Jacob promises to give a tenth (tithe) of everything to God, showing that his heart is beginning to change.

Lessons from Genesis 28

God meets us in our lowest moments.
- Jacob was running for his life, yet God revealed Himself in the wilderness.
- God is not only found in churches—He meets us where we are.
God’s promises are based on His faithfulness, not our worthiness.
- Jacob was a deceiver, yet God still reaffirmed the covenant.
- Grace means God blesses us even when we don’t deserve it.
Jesus is the true Stairway to Heaven.
- The stairway Jacob saw points to Jesus, the bridge between God and man.
- Salvation is not about climbing to God—it’s about Jesus coming down to us.
Faith requires surrender, not deals.
- Jacob still tried to bargain with God.
- True faith says, “I trust You, no matter what.”

Are We Trusting God or Bargaining with Him?

Jacob’s story is our story. He was flawed, fearful, and running from his past—but God still pursued him.

Are we trying to earn God's blessing through our efforts, or are we trusting in His grace?
Are we surrendering fully, or are we making conditional promises like Jacob?
Do we believe that God is with us, even in our wilderness moments?

God’s words to Jacob are His words to us:

“I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

God is faithful—even when we are not.