The introduction of Jacob's ladder into the symbolism of Speculative Masonry is to be traced to the vision of Jacob, which is thus substantially recorded in the twenty-eighth chapter of the book of Genesis: When Jacob, by the command of his father Isaac, was journeying toward Padan-aram, while sleeping on night with bare earth for his couch and a stone for his pillow, he beheld the vision of a ladder, whose foot rested on the earth and whose top reached to heaven. Angels were continuously ascending and descending upon it, and promised him the blessing of a numerous and happy prosperity. When Jacob awoke, he was filled with pious gratitude, and consecrated the spot as the house of God. It is a symbol of progress, its three principal rounds representing Faith, Hope and Charity, present us with the means of advancing from earth to heaven, from death to life — from mortal to immortality. Hence its foot is placed on the ground-floor of the Lodge, which is typical of the world, and its top rests on the covering of the Lodge, which is symbolic of heaven. — ( Genesis 28:12 )
Biblical Reference
Genesis 28:12
And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.
~~ooOoo~~
This page is adapted from the Glossary at Phoenixmasonry — Used with permission.
