Genesis 31-33: Study Guide

Background

• Review of Genesis 28-30: In order to avoid the anger of his brother Esau, Jacob fled to the land of Laban his uncle where he worked for 20 years in exchange for livestock and marriage to Laban's two daughters. During this time Jacob's wives bore him 11 sons. Although Laban plotted to make himself rich by capitalizing on Jacob's blessing received from God, it was Jacob who had become prosperous.
• Setting for Genesis 31: Jacob has been shepherding Laban's 'blemished livestock' away from Laban's family.

Study Preparations

• Timer: Assign a timer who will focus the group on spending 15 minutes in each chapter.
• Prayer: Open in prayer and invite God to provide understanding into Genesis 31-33.

Genesis 31

Read: Choose a reader to read Genesis 31.

Discussion

1. First Impressions
1. What did you think about Jacob's decision to flee in secret?
2. What was your reaction to Rachel's theft?
3. What did you think about Laban's comment about "sending Jacob away with joy and with songs?"
4. What stood out to you about Jacob's & Laban's treaty?
2. God's Warning to Laban: Why do you think God warned Laban "not to speak either good or bad to Jacob", rather than simply "not to speak bad to Jacob"?
3. Laban's Error: Consider that Laban seemed to acknowledge God for His power to bless, and yet he ends up losing all his wealth to Jacob. Where do you think Laban went wrong in God's eyes?

Transition: The leader ties Genesis 31 into the full picture of Genesis, and transitions the group into Genesis 32. Suggested themes and foreshadows include:

• God favors Jacob over Laban (shown when He hands Laban's livestock over to Jacob)
• God reveals His preservation of Jacob through dreams (to both Jacob & Laban)
• Rachel's idolatry
• Laban rebukes Jacob's foolishness (for fleeing in secret)
• Jacob rebukes Laban's exploitative mistreatment ("If God were not with me, you would have sent me away empty-handed")
• 'Mizpah' Treaty: "God is Witness" (Jacob & Laban agree that God will be their witness if either plots to harm the other)

Genesis 32

Read: Choose a reader to read Genesis 32.

Discussion

1. First Impressions
1. What stood out to you in the reading of Genesis 32?
2. What do you think about Jacob's decision-making in this chapter?
2. Jacob's Prayer: What is noteworthy in Jacob's prayer to God?
3. Jacob's Wrestling Match: Recall the outcome of Jacob's wrestling match:
1. How do you understand Jacob's new name Israel?
2. Jacob names this location Penuel, which seems to be an expression of humility. How does this expression compare with the name that God had just given him?
3. Jacob's dislocated socket is commemorated "to this day" (verse 32). What do you think is its significance?
4. Jacob's Relationship with God: How would you summarize Jacob's relationship with God?

Transition: The leader ties Genesis 32 into the full picture of Genesis, and transitions the group into Genesis 33. Suggested themes and foreshadows include:

• Jacob prays for God's protection by appealing to His promise ("You said, 'Surely I will prosper you'")
• Jacob's non-allegiance to God (addressing God as "The God of my fathers" rather than "My God")
• Jacob named Israel for his contesting nature ("You have striven with both God and men, and have won")
• Limitation imposed upon Jacob (God dislocates his thigh)
• Jacob receives God's blessing (or, he receives the blessing of the man he wrestled)

Genesis 33

Read: Choose a reader to read Genesis 33.

Discussion

1. First Impressions
1. What do you think about how Jacob positioned his family when Esau approached?
2. What was your reaction to Jacob and Esau's conversation?
2. Traveling Separately: Why do you think Jacob insisted on Esau traveling ahead of him?
3. Esau's Prosperity: What do you think about Esau's prosperity, considering he had forfeit both his birthright and blessing?
4. El-Elohe-Israel: What is the significance of the altar Jacob built at the end of the chapter?

Transition: The leader ties Genesis 33 into the full picture of Genesis, and helps the group anticipate what may be coming in the next study. Suggested themes and foreshadows include:

• Reconciliation of Jacob & Esau
• Jacob pledges allegiance to God (by building an altar and naming it "The Mighty God of Israel")

Closing

Looking Forward: Reflect on the new name God has given Jacob: the name 'Israel'. Suppose that the nation of Israel grows up to be just like its forefather Jacob: What kind of character can we expect the people of Israel to exhibit?