Jacob's Ladder as Altar, Korah, and Moses Ascending

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Vayetzei 7:1

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

Another interpretation (of Genesis 28:12): "And he dreamed, and behold a ladder (sullam)." Rabbi Yose the Galilean said: He showed him Manasseh, who made an image (semel). [Another interpretation:] "And he dreamed, and behold a ladder." Rabbi Eleazar son of Rabbi Shimon ben (Yose) [Yochai] said: He showed him an altar, as it is stated, "An altar of earth [you shall make for Me... and you shall not go up by steps upon My altar]" (Exodus 20:24, 26). "And its top reached to the heavens" — this is the cloud of the incense. "And behold, angels of God" — these are the priests who stand upon the ramp of the altar and minister. Rabbi Shimon ben Halafta said: He showed him Korah, as it is stated, "And the earth opened its mouth" (Numbers 16:32). "And its top reached to the heavens" — He showed him Moses, as it is stated, "And to Moses He said: Come up to the LORD" (Exodus 24:1).

Themes

JacobSacrificeDreamsTempleRebellion

Biblical References

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