Bible Study Lessons from Genesis 28:10-22 – Jacob Makes a Covenant with God
You’ve probably heard the song “Jacob’s Ladder”—but did you know its roots come from Jacob’s powerful encounter with God in Genesis 28?
In this chapter, Jacob makes a covenant with God. But it doesn’t happen automatically just because he’s Isaac’s son. Faith isn’t inherited—it’s personal. God invites each of us, just like Jacob, into a relationship with Him.
Let’s see how Jacob’s journey, his dream, and his covenant with God can inspire our own faith walk today.
Jacob’s Covenant with God – A Promise of Life and Prosperity
He had a dream, and behold, a ladder was set on the earth with its top reaching to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.
And behold, the Lord stood above it and said, “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie, I will give it to you and to your descendants.
Your descendants will also be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and in you and in your descendants shall all the families of the earth be blessed.
Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”
So Jacob rose early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up as a pillar and poured oil on its top. He called the name of that place Bethel; however, previously the name of the city had been Luz.
Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me on this journey that I take, and will give me food to eat and garments to wear, and I return to my father’s house in safety, then the Lord will be my God.
This stone, which I have set up as a pillar, will be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.” – Genesis 28:12-22 NASB
Jacob’s Dream – And The Promise
Throughout the Old Testament, God makes covenants with those He calls. One of the most famous? God’s promise to Abraham—that he would be the “father of many nations.” His descendants would multiply, form nations, and be blessed by God.
Faith is Personal – No Grandchildren for God
But here’s something important: Jacob couldn’t rely on Abraham’s covenant. Being Abraham’s grandson wasn’t enough—God doesn’t have grandchildren, only children.
This meant Jacob had to make his own commitment. He needed to develop a personal relationship with God, just like each of us must today.
Jacob’s Promise – What About Our Covenant with God?
Just like Jacob, God calls us to make a decision. Our faith isn’t something we inherit—it’s a choice.
In some religions, being born into a certain family means you automatically follow that faith. But Christianity is different. We aren’t born Christians—we become Christians by accepting Jesus Christ as our personal Savior.
It doesn’t matter if our parents went to church every Sunday or if our grandparents were lifelong believers. What matters is our personal decision to follow Christ and live out our faith every day.
Is It Time for Your Covenant with God?
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus established a new covenant. And this one offers us salvation freely. Unlike Jacob and Israel, who had to work for their blessings, we cannot earn our way into heaven.
The only way to enter God’s kingdom is by believing in Jesus Christ.
So, where do you stand? Have you made the choice to accept Christ as your Savior? He’s patiently waiting for you. If you’re unsure about how to take that next step, you’re not alone. Check out the ABC to salvation and forgiveness below for guidance on what to do next.
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to find out more about the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to read John 3:16.