This week, we will continue our reading of Genesis, covering chapters 33-37. These chapters will see Jacob’s reunion with his brother Esau; the rape of a daughter and his sons' revenge; and an introduction to Joseph, the main character throughout the rest of Genesis.



Discussion Questions:

As you read this week, here are some questions to help you explore the truths contained in these chapters.

• What might have happened to cause Esau’s unexpected greeting? (Gen. 33:4)

• Were Dinah’s brothers justified in taking such extreme vengeance against the city of her rapist? (34:25-29) If not, what would be a more appropriate response?

• What purpose could a memorial stone serve? (Gen. 35:14) Have you ever set one up?

• Why did Esau move away from Canaan rather than Jacob? (Gen. 36:6-8)

• Why were Joseph’s brothers so antagonistic toward him? (Gen. 37:17-18)





Some Answers to Last Week's Questions:

What is the significance of Jacob’s dream? (Gen. 28:12, 16-17) – It may have been his first encounter with God. And in it, he received assurance that God would go with him and return him safely. The covenant promises first made to Abraham and then to Isaac are now passed on to Jacob.

• How is it possible that Jacob could have slept with Leah on his wedding night without knowing who she was? (Gen. 29:23-25) – They likely went straight from the wedding celebration to the bridal chamber, in the same house. And the bride would traditionally be veiled. So, as long as Leah did not say anything, Jacob may have been easily deceived.

• What do you think of Jacob’s breeding program? (Gen 30:37-39) – Visual symbols like that would have no impact on the lambs produced. It was by God’s intervention that the lambs had the right coloring.

• What two reasons did Jacob have for returning to the land of his birth? (Gen. 31:2-3) And how are they related? – He realized that Laban was growing unhappy with him. And God told Jacob that it was time to return to Canaan. The wording implies that God’s direction was a response to Laban’s attitude.

• Who did Jacob wrestle with? (Gen 32:24, 30) – His opponent is called a man. But after the wrestling match, Jacob declared that he had seen God. So it is likely that he was wrestling with the angel of the Lord.



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