Jacob's Ladder

When, from Bersheeba, Jacob left, He headed to Haran. He found a place to rest at night And settled there till dawn. It lacked certain amenities: The ground, his makeshift bed. It seems no pillow could be found; He used a stone instead. But shortly, he was fast asleep and he began to dream: A vision of a ladder there, ‘Twixt heaven and earth, it seemed. And angels were upon the rungs; They traveled them each way. And then the LORD himself appeared, And Jacob heard Him say: “I am the LORD, the father of Your father, and his too. Your offspring shall receive this land; I’m giving it to you. As like the dust, to north and south, And to the east and west, Your clan will spread both far and wide; All will, by them, be blessed. Behold, I always am with you To keep you close at hand. And though you will depart from here, You’ll come back to this land. And if it seems I’m far away, Remember! Do not grieve. For till you are back in the land, I promise I won’t leave.” Then Jacob woke up from his dream; The sun was on his face. “This spot I will name Bethel, for The LORD was in this place.” (From Genesis 28)