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I. THE PLACE HERE SPECIFIED.

1. It was a place distinguished by favourable circumstances.

2. It was a place of sacred instruction.

(1) Jacob was instructed by what God here exhibited to his view. This ladder represented —

(a)  the mediation of Christ;

(b)  the Providence of God;

(c)  the ministry of angels.

(2) Jacob was also instructed by what God said to him.

3. This was a place of covenant engagement between God and man.

II. THE NAMES GIVEN TO IT.

1. The house of God.

(1)  In every such place God's family are associated in one community.

(2)  In every such place God is actually present.

(3)  In every such place God's favours are obtained by devout seekers (Luke 11:9-10).

2. None other but the house of God.

(1)  Not the house of amusement.

(2)  Not the house of merchandise.

(3)  Not the house of iniquity.

3. The gate of heaven.

III. THE REFLECTIONS SUGGESTED BY IT. "How dreadful is this place!" The worship of God should be attended with habitual seriousness.

1. With serious consideration.

2. With serious watchfulness against all distractions.

3. With serious concern to obtain present blessings from God.

4. With serious intercession in behalf of others.

5. With serious gratitude for favours received.

(Sketches of Sermons.)

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KJV: And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.

WEB: He was afraid, and said, "How dreadful is this place! This is none other than God's house, and this is the gate of heaven."