CHAPTERS 31-36

CHAPTER 31

If you could advise Jacob, what would you tell him to do about relationship to Laban?  Remember, only use an absolute truth as discernment, not as a religious judgement. 

The Deception Continues !!!!

God told Jacob to leave.  Was he obligated to tell Laban he was leaving?  Why or why not?

What did Rachel do, to show she had become like her father?

Do you think Rachel and Leah would have agreed to leave if their father was still rich?  Why or why not? (Verses 14-16)

In this chapter, how is God, “the God who sees”?  Write the verse(s) you used.

What is your definition of the word “VOW”?

Do you think God caused Jacob to prosper because of the vow? Explain your thinking, there is no concrete answer.

Based on Genesis 28:22, how much of Jacob’s wealth was not touchable by Laban?

CHAPTER 32

What was one meeting or encounter you dreaded?  Why did you dread it?  Did you do everything you could to avoid it?  Do you still have a negative bias or attitude towards the situation?  As you can see, you need to dig deep.

In verse 7, what is the unfounded belief found in Abraham, Isaac, and now Jacob?

In a nutshell what was Jacob’s prayer to God in verses 9 – 12?

Do you believe you can wrestle with God for a blessing?  Why or why not?

CHAPTER 33

What dreaded family reunion or get together turned out much better than expected?

When is it easier, for you, to forgive others?

When is it easier, to feel forgiven?

In verse 32:7 & 13, why did Jacob send gifts to Esau?

In verse 33:10-11, What did Jacob say was his reason?

Compare 32:7 & 13 and 33:10-11 – what conclusion do you have?

Let’s remember that an alter is built to or for God.  There are several reasons Jacob could have decided to build an altar to God.  After reading these few chapters, what are some of those reasons.

CHAPTER 34

The deceptions continue!!!

What or who is your family’s pride and joy?

What was or is one unbearable loss you had or dread?

Define anger in verse 7 and deceit in verse 11 according to what happened in this chapter. 

What was the truth which was spoken in verses 13 – 18?

How did Hamor and Shechem convince the men to be circumcised according to verse 23? 

In your selfishness have you ever convinced someone to do something?

Matthew 5:44 Jesus tells you what your responsibility is concerning enemies.  Write a conversation to God, thanking him for the peace He can and does give you, when you obey this?

This chapter could have a lot of emotion attached to it for you.  Write a conversation to God about your thoughts.  Ask Him to give you what you need to have peace either in your “good for them” or “how could he” emotion.  This could be a secret place for you, which you have never allowed to come to the surface.   If so, it is destructive for you to keep it in the secret place. 

CHAPTER 35

In your life, when have you lingered at Shechem (a place to prosper and be religious) instead of going to Bethel ( your designated “house of God”)?

What is your Bethel?  Write it down.  Give it a name.  Have a conversation with God about it.  This is important to your spiritual health. 

It appears Jacob knew there were people with him who had foreign gods.  Do you think it was Jacob’s responsibility to rid them before now?  Why or why not?

Why do you think Jacob hid the gods and jewelry instead of destroying them? 

We do not see Jacob fearing the people of Canaan.  Why do you think he did not fear?

El Bethel – The God, of the house of God. The God! Of the House of God!  How do these two different expressions take on meaning in your life? (Verse7)

Reuben in essence slept with a step mother.  Yet there is no mention other than Israel (Jacob) heard about it.  Any thoughts on the lack of any conversations or outcome?

Write the names of the son’s of Jacob (Israel) in your notebook.  Write them in a way you can add to them.  For example:

Reuben –  first born, slept with fathers concubine, etc….

Simeon – Leah’s son, defended Dinah his sister, etc..

Levi – Leah’s son, defended Dinah, etc…

So on and so forth.  These men make up the whole of Israel.  They are important.  But it is important to remember their lives as people like us.

CHAPTER 36

In your family, how far back have you gone?

It was important to God to have Esau’s generations mentioned. Why do you think God did this, in light of Jacob getting the blessing, and not Esau?

What are your thoughts concerning the use of the chief throughout this genealogy?

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