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

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...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Oblath, Michael (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Sage 2001
In: Journal for the study of the Old Testament
Year: 2001, Volume: 26, Issue: 1, Pages: 117-126
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
Description
Summary: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.
ISSN:1476-6728
Contains:Enthalten in: Journal for the study of the Old Testament
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1177/030908920102600107