Genesis 28:10-19 - What God did while Jacob slept

From the time he was born, Jacob jockeyed and connived to get what he wanted, including his father's blessing. This created such tension with his brother Esau that it was a main reason that he left home for a while (Genesis 25:26, 31; 27:36, 43).

He must not have left home with a whole lot of gear, because several nights later he found himself sleeping on the ground with a rock to rest his head. He had a vivid dream that night, but not just because of an uncomfortable sleeping accommodations. (Genesis 28:11)

In the dream, there was a ladder stretched from earth to heaven, with angels going up and down the ladder. Usually when angels are sent down to earth, they are carrying messages to people. Possibly they were ascending the ladder to carry people's prayers and heart-cries back to God. (verse 12)

Apart from any supposition about the angels, God appeared in the dream. He revealed himself as the God of Abraham (Jacob's grandfather) and Isaac (his father). God said that he would bless Jacob with innumerable descendants who would own all the land around where Jacob slept (verses 13-15). When Jacob woke up, he said, "I didn't realize it, but God is right here," (v.16, KJC paraphrase), and he named the place Beth-el, the House of God.

God didn't bless him because he was a perfect person, but because God's character is to keep promises--like the one to bless the descendants of Abraham. And now God was renewing that promise to Jacob, even though he would still struggle with trying to control his destiny. (Genesis 29:20, 27; 30:42; 31:20; 32:20; 32:26). But he could never escape the blessing at Bethel.

It illustrates Psalm 127:2...

"It is vain for you to rise early, come home late, and work so hard for your food. Yes, he can provide for those whom he loves even when they sleep." (NET Bible*)

Father, It's not just Jacob. I also fall into the trap of thinking I have to make life work for me, that it's up to me to maneuver circumstances into just the right place for Your blessing. Breath your peace into my soul to trust Your love, to trust your provision day and night... even while I sleep. In Jesus' name, Amen.

.............

NET translation note: Heb “he gives to his beloved, sleep.” The translation assumes that the Hebrew term שֵׁנָא (shena’, “sleep,” an alternate form of שֵׁנָה, shenah) is an adverbial accusative. The point seems to be this: Hard work by itself is not what counts, but one’s relationship to God, for God is able to bless an individual even while he sleeps. (There may even be a subtle allusion to the miracle of conception following sexual intercourse; see the reference to the gift of sons in the following verse.) The statement is not advocating laziness, but utilizing hyperbole to give perspective and to remind the addressees that God must be one’s first priority. Another option is to take “sleep” as the direct object: “yes, he gives sleep to his beloved” (cf. NIV, NRSV). In this case the point is this: Hard work by itself is futile, for only God is able to bless one with sleep, which metonymically refers to having one’s needs met. He blesses on the basis of one’s relationship to him, not on the basis of physical energy expended.  Biblical Studies Press. (2005). NET Bible, First Edition. Logos.

Illustration: "Jacob's Ladder" by Wenceslas Hollar. Found at:
https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/on-dreams-and-reality/