The Ladder of Beth-El
Salathiel:
Angel with the eye of flame,
Known to mortals is thy name;
Oft to them didst thou unfold
Wond'rous things in days of old.
Tell me Angel, tell me where
Rises Israel's cloud-borne stair?
I have heard a tale of old,
Of a marv'lous ladder told —
One whose steps are seven times seven,
Reaching from the Earth to Heaven,
Seen by Patriarchal seers,
In the old and mystic years.
Thither would I haste and climb,
To its utmost rounds sublime:
Step by step go up, — and know
Things of life unseen below:
Clasp descending Angel's hands,
Climb with their ascending bands,
To the empyrean sphere
Where the jasper walls appear —
Pass the sapphire pillars there,
And the pearl-wrought portals fair,
Glorious gates that ever stand
Open toward the other land —
Enter there, and be at rest
In the mansions of the blest.
Wherefore Angel, tell me where
Is the place of Beth-el's stair,
Uriel:
Mortal, on no earthly land
Doth this holy ladder stand.
Tho' thou search o'er land and sea,
Vain shall all thy labor be,
Yet by those on mortal ground
May its heavenward steps be found —
Upright as the plummet's line,
Rise its two supports divine —
Love and wisdom; strong and fast —
Types of those by Hiram cast,
Matched in harmony sublime,
Seth beheld them in his time —
Cloud and fire, supremely grand,
Hosts of Israel saw them stand.
Still they rise, and ever there,
All the numbered rounds they bear,
Three and five, and seven and nine,
As the Sephiroth divine —
Principal of which are three,
Faith, and Hope, and Charity.
As of old, now even so,
Angels on them come and go:
Only there may none descend,
Save that some do first ascend —
As the seer beheld them there,
Pass they yet on Beth-el's stair.
Salathiel:
Tell what Angels did he see?
Would the same appear to me?
Tell me why at Luz alone
Was this sacred ladder shown?
Wherefore only then and there,
Man hath seen this heav'n built stair?
Uriel:
Angels three beheld he there,
Friends of Abraham they were,
Who on holy mission b ent,
Feasted at the Patriarch's tent,
Showing forth these, virtues three,
Faith, and Hope, and Charity:
And for purposes the same,—
Thro' the earth still went and came;
Thro' the world, and also there,—
Up and down on Beth-el's stair.
Salathiel:
Didst thou not declare to me,
None these stairs on earth may see?
But thou sayst they may be found,
Yet by those on mortal ground!
Wherefore hast thou spoken so?
Who can hence thy meaning know?
All this riddle now declare,
Touching Beth-el's mystic stair,
Uriel:
If thy soul will come with me,
Thou canst well this ladder see.
All its form behold, and know
How the Angels come and go,
Only thou must tread the ground
Which the seer by Haran found,
Of its stones thy pillow make;
Choosing those that he did take:
And thy cruise of oil prepare,
As did he at Beth-el's stair.
Salathiel:
How shall I the road endure
Till I scrip and purse procure?
See! My raiment worn and old
Shelters not from heat or cold:
Tempests on my head will beat,
Rocks and brambles tear my feet.
I must furnish hood and cloak,
Girdle strong and staff of oak,
Robe of stuff for pilgrim meet,
Cords and sandals for my feet,
Ere I on this journey fare,
To the place of Bethel's stair.
Uriel:
Nay, for those who go with me,
Neither clad nor n aked be —
Those who gain that blessed land,
Neither shod nor barefoot stand;
Neither canst thou there, indeed,
Poverty or riches plead.
If to go thy heart incline,
Gird thee with this cord of mine —
With humility and love,
Put thy trust in One above.
N aked knee and bosom bare,
Thou mayst come to Beth-el's stair.
If to sanctify thy rest,
Oil of Love thy heart hath blest,
If thy pillow be in sooth
Of the chosen stones of Truth:
Thou mayst see in vision true
Holy things the patriarchs knew.
Thou mayst see that ladder rise
From the earth, to reach the skies —
See those beauteous angels three,
Bringing precious gifts for thee.
Thou mayst say upon this spot,
God is here! I knew it not!
This, as God's own house I see;
This the gate of Heaven for me —
As the Seer did here declare,
Looking up —
on Beth-el's stair.
This poem was published in "Square and Compass"
in March, 1895, but may have been written at a much
earlier date.
Reflection:
The poem "The Ladder of Beth-El" and its rich depiction on the Tracing Board of the First Degree provide deep symbolism and insights into the journey of self-discovery and spiritual elevation.
The ladder, prominently placed on the First-Degree tracing board, is no mere physical construct. It serves as a bridge between the material and spiritual realms. As described in the poem, the "ladder of Beth-El" symbolizes the sacred path ascending toward divine wisdom and perfection. This mirrors Jacob’s vision in the Book of Genesis, where angels ascend and descend a ladder reaching to Heaven (Genesis 28:12).
In Masonic terms, this ladder represents Faith, Hope, and Charity, the three theological virtues that are vital to the Entered Apprentice’s journey. These virtues form the initial steps toward enlightenment, echoing the poem's reference to the Sephiroth—elements of the Kabbalistic Tree of Life. This connection emphasizes that the ladder is not just a tool but a transformative journey toward understanding God, self, and one’s purpose.
The poem mentions "seven times seven" steps, alluding to stages of spiritual ascent. This resonates with the symbolic numbers in Freemasonry and the wider esoteric traditions, such as the seven liberal arts, the seven virtues, and the seven heavens. Each step challenges the Mason to reflect, grow, and ascend higher.
The First-Degree tracing board depicts the ladder centrally, emphasizing its importance in the Entered Apprentice’s learning. The initiate begins their journey at the base of the ladder, surrounded by the working tools, the Pillars of Solomon’s Temple, and the checkerboard floor symbolizing duality.
The ladder represents the spiritual ascent that the initiate is encouraged to undertake through moral discipline, study, and reflection. Its vertical orientation points toward the heavens, urging us to transcend earthly concerns and strive for the light of wisdom. The angels ascending and descending the ladder symbolize the interplay of spiritual guidance and human effort.
Deeper Themes in the Poem
The Intermediary Role of Angels
Angels are seen as messengers of divine wisdom, traversing between the mortal and divine realms. In the poem, they embody virtues such as Faith, Hope, and Charity, reminding us that these principles are not static but dynamic forces that must be lived and practiced.
The line "Only there may none descend, save that some do first ascend" reveals the reciprocal nature of spiritual growth—one must first strive upward before receiving divine blessings.
The Role of Humility and Purity
Uriel’s guidance in the poem stresses that material preparations—shoes, garments, and wealth—are irrelevant for ascending the ladder. Instead, the pilgrim must gird themselves with "humility and love," aligning with the Masonic emphasis on internal qualifications over external appearances.
This reflects the Entered Apprentice’s initiation, where the candidate approaches the Lodge humbly and symbolically divested of material concerns, ready to begin their journey.
The "Stone Pillow" and the Foundation of Truth
The poem mentions Jacob’s stone pillow, symbolizing the foundation of truth. We are reminded that their work must be grounded in honesty, integrity, and steadfastness. In the Lodge, this relates to the cornerstone—a symbol of a firm and reliable foundation.
The poem serves as a rich educational tool for us all, teaching that the journey is not merely upward but inward. The tools and symbols on the tracing board—compass, square, and plumb-line—complement the ladder by illustrating how one must work on their moral and spiritual architecture.
The Ladder of Beth-El challenges us to consider our personal ascent—not just within the Craft but as spiritual beings. The First-Degree tracing board and the poem serve as reminders that the journey toward enlightenment begins with a single step, grounded in humility and guided by faith, hope, and charity.
As Uriel instructs, this ladder is not built of physical materials but of virtues and inner truths. By contemplating the ladder and striving to ascend it, we strive to fulfil the Craft’s ultimate aim: to build a Temple not of stone, but of the spirit.
To be honest had to read a few times the poème! Thanks a lot for the detailed translation if I may say 🙏