Emphasis Preaching Journal
A Jacob's ladder, is a...
Illustration
A "Jacob's ladder," is a small rope ladder used by sailors to board their ship when a regular metal ladder or "gangplank" isn't available. This rope ladder has to be ascended in a particular way in order to avoid swinging and crashing into the side of the ship. The sailor has to go up the rope ladder from the side, grabbing the rungs with his legs from the front and rear, while hauling himself hand over hand up the rope on one side of the ladder. Meanwhile the ship is moving, the wind is blowing and the sea is below, wet and cold.