‘To Sleep,Perchance to Dream…’: What Jacob Saw at Bethel (Genesis 28.10-22)

Abstract

The focal point of Jacob’s dream at Bethel, the sullām ([UNKNOWN][UNKNOWN][UNKNOWN]) is almost universally accepted as a ladder or staircase. Through an analysis of the language of Gen. 28.10-22 it is evident that the biblical author makes reference to the physical structure of the [UNKNOWN][UNKNOWN][UNKNOWN] within the context of the story. The [UNKNOWN][UNKNOWN][UNKNOWN] is identified as the ‘gate of heaven’. Thus, even though [UNKNOWN][UNKNOWN][UNKNOWN] is a hapax legomenon, its meaning may be derived as the result of the description in the text. This analysis suggests that the [UNKNOWN][UNKNOWN][UNKNOWN] is to be understood as an enclosed Near Eastern gate structure. It is oriented vertically in the manner and likeness of other Near Eastern gates through which deities and celestial objects traveled between realms.