Another matter, “behold, a ladder” (Genesis 28:12) – this is Nebuchadnezzar’s dream: “Behold, a giant image was set on the earth…its radiance surpassing, stood before you” (Daniel 2:31). “Its top was reaching the heavens” (Genesis 28:12) – “the image, which was great” (Daniel 2:31). “Behold, the angels of God” (Genesis 28:12) – two ascending and two descending; these are the angels of the four kingdoms, whose dominion ends with them.
“Ascending and descending” (Genesis 28:12) – “descending and ascending” is not written, but rather, “ascending and descending.” They ascend; it will be an ascent for them, but each of them is lower than its predecessor. It is written: “That image, its head was of [fine] gold, [its breast and its arms of silver]…” (Daniel 2:32). Babylon was above them all, as it is written: “You are the head of gold” (Daniel 2:38).
And it is written: “After you, will arise another kingdom, inferior to yours” (Daniel 2:39), and it is written: “And afterward a third kingdom, of bronze” (Daniel 2:39). And it is written at the end: “The toes of the feet, some of them iron, and some of them earthenware – part of the kingdom will be strong, and some of it will be brittle” (Daniel 2:42). “Behold, the Lord was standing over him” (Genesis 28:13) – it is written: “In the days of those kings, the God of the heavens will establish a kingdom that will be eternal…” (Daniel 2:44).