FEBRUARY WEEK 7
This week, we will continue our reading of Genesis, covering chapters 28-32. These chapters deal with Jacob: his flight from home, his dealings with Laban (his mother’s brother), his multiple marriages and children, and his return home.
Discussion Questions:
As you read this week, here are some questions to help you explore the truths contained in these chapters.
• What is the significance of Jacob’s dream? (Gen. 28:12, 16-17)
• How is it possible that Jacob could have slept with Leah on his wedding night without knowing who she was? (Gen. 29:23-25)
• What do you think of Jacob’s breeding program? (Gen 30:37-39)
• What two reasons did Jacob have for returning to the land of his birth? (Gen. 31:2-3) And how are they related?
• Who did Jacob wrestle with? (Gen 32:24, 30)
Some Answers to Last Week's Questions:
• Why did Abraham go to the effort and expense of buying a cave and field as a burial spot for Sarah? (Gen. 23) Why not just bury her in a cemetery? – There likely were no public cemeteries. And, more importantly, it was a place where the family could rest together in the future.
• Why did Abraham want Isaac to marry someone from his extended family rather than from the local Canaanites? (Gen. 24:1-4) – As seen in later generations, intermarriage with the local Canaanites was frowned upon (Gen. 27:46; 28:8-9). Even before the law was given, there was a cultural interest in maintaining a pure bloodline.
• What is the significance of the birthright that Esau sold for a bowl of soup? (Gen. 25:29-34) – The birthright of the eldest son gave him the greater share of the inheritance. Often a double portion.
• Why did God tell Isaac not to be afraid? (Gen. 26:23-25) – Because God was with him and would prosper him.
• What is the significance of the blessing that Jacob stole from his brother Esau? (27:35-37) – A father’s blessing was a look into the son’s future, based on what the father knew of his child. See Genesis 49:1-28
Helpful Resources:
• Rooted Facebook Group for online sharing and further exploration
• Bible Project Old Testament overview videos
• Bible Gateway, a Bible app with many translations and some other free helps
• A Clay Jar Devotionals
Discussion Questions:
As you read this week, here are some questions to help you explore the truths contained in these chapters.
• What is the significance of Jacob’s dream? (Gen. 28:12, 16-17)
• How is it possible that Jacob could have slept with Leah on his wedding night without knowing who she was? (Gen. 29:23-25)
• What do you think of Jacob’s breeding program? (Gen 30:37-39)
• What two reasons did Jacob have for returning to the land of his birth? (Gen. 31:2-3) And how are they related?
• Who did Jacob wrestle with? (Gen 32:24, 30)
Some Answers to Last Week's Questions:
• Why did Abraham go to the effort and expense of buying a cave and field as a burial spot for Sarah? (Gen. 23) Why not just bury her in a cemetery? – There likely were no public cemeteries. And, more importantly, it was a place where the family could rest together in the future.
• Why did Abraham want Isaac to marry someone from his extended family rather than from the local Canaanites? (Gen. 24:1-4) – As seen in later generations, intermarriage with the local Canaanites was frowned upon (Gen. 27:46; 28:8-9). Even before the law was given, there was a cultural interest in maintaining a pure bloodline.
• What is the significance of the birthright that Esau sold for a bowl of soup? (Gen. 25:29-34) – The birthright of the eldest son gave him the greater share of the inheritance. Often a double portion.
• Why did God tell Isaac not to be afraid? (Gen. 26:23-25) – Because God was with him and would prosper him.
• What is the significance of the blessing that Jacob stole from his brother Esau? (27:35-37) – A father’s blessing was a look into the son’s future, based on what the father knew of his child. See Genesis 49:1-28
Helpful Resources:
• Rooted Facebook Group for online sharing and further exploration
• Bible Project Old Testament overview videos
• Bible Gateway, a Bible app with many translations and some other free helps
• A Clay Jar Devotionals