Genesis 28:12-17. The comforting vision of the heavenly ladder shown to the fugitive Jacob, assured him of the omnipresent providence of God, and of his communication of all needed good to his people in the desert of this world, Hebrews 1:14. It was also an assurance that there was a way open from earth to heaven, as well as from heaven to earth; and we may see in it an illustration of the nature of Christ, in which heaven and earth meet; and of his work, which brings man home to God.

Occurs only once, in the account of Jacob's vision (Genesis 28:12).

LAD'DER, n.

1. A frame of wood, consisting of two side pieces, connected by rounds inserted in them at suitable distances, and thus forming steps, by which persons may ascend a building, &c.

2. That by which a person ascends or rises; means of ascending; as a ladder made of cords.

Lowliness is young ambition's ladder.

3. Gradual rise; elevation.

Mounting fast towards the top of the ladder ecclesiastical.