Jacob’s journey

Away from home. Back with a promise.

All journeys

Illustrated overview of Canaan, Syria, and Mesopotamia.

Mediterranean
Sea CANAAN SYRIA MESOPOTAMIA Euphrates

02Bethel

Illustrative connectionsNearby chapters grouped at this scale.

CHAPTER 02 OF 06

Illustrative map · locations approximate

A dream at Bethel

Canaan · A promise on the road

Stopping for the night, Jacob dreams of a stairway reaching from earth to heaven, with angels ascending and descending. God promises land, descendants, and protection. Jacob names the place Bethel and sets up the stone he used as a pillow.

Genesis 28:10–22

Bethel is a named place; its position on this overview is approximate.

You might be wondering...

What did Jacob see in his dream?

He sees a stairway or ladder reaching to heaven and angels going up and down. God promises to be with him, protect him, and bring him back to the land (Genesis 28:12–15).

What does Bethel mean?

Bethel means “house of God.” Jacob gives the place this name after waking from the dream and recognizing it as a place of encounter with God.