Genesis 28:12

He dreamed. As Jacob lay there, weary, lonely, and sad, his heart turned in prayer to God (PP 183). Such was the mental background of his dream. Only after two long days, during which he had opportunity to reflect upon his course of action and to realize his own helplessness, did God appear to him. In the providence of God, delay is often the means used to purify the soul and lead a man to cast himself without reserve upon God’s mercy and grace (see DA 200, 380-382). The ladder was a visible symbol of the real and uninterrupted fellowship between God in heaven and His people upon earth. The angels ascend to present men’s needs before God, and descend with promises of divine assistance and protection. The ladder appeared to rest upon the earth, where Jacob lay, alone, destitute, and forsaken by men. Above, in heaven, stood Jehovah. Proclaiming Himself to Jacob as the God of his fathers, He not only confirmed to him all the promises made to his fathers — the possession of Canaan, a numerous offspring, and blessing to all men (see chs. 12:2,3; 13:14-17; 15:5,7, 16; 17:2-6, 16; 17:8; 18:18; 22:17, 18; 26:3, 4, 24) — but vouchsafed to him protection on his journey and a safe return home. Since the fulfillment of this promise to Jacob was still afar off, God added the firm assurance, “I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.”