This story was addressed under Dreams of Genesis. Angels ascend and descend to and from heaven and earth at Bethel. Jacob dreamed this as he was given the promise of descendents and blessing, in other words it was the continuation of God's Covenant with Abraham.
As in most of the other covenants of Genesis, God established his promises to individuals when they were most afraid. Abraham was afraid of revenge because he had just slaughtered a large army. Hagar was afraid because she had no food and was alone in the desert with her child. And Jacob was afraid because he had just run for his life from his brother, and was moving into unchartered territory.
In all 3 cases the individuals were afraid for their lives and in all 3 cases, God promised them a future - and a blessed one at that. God promised Jacob not only a nation as descendents, but more specifically God promised that He would be with Jacob on his journey and bring him back safely.
When Jacob woke up he made a pillar of stones to mark the spot where he had his dream and then he promised God 10% of all that he was to make when and if he returned safely.
Jacob did return over 20 years later and when he came back he was a wealthy man with servants, cattle and not one but four wives.
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