Lesson 17 – Jacob Returns and Reconciles (Genesis 31-36)
Which is harder for you: to ask for forgiveness from someone you have wronged or to forgive someone who has wronged you?
17. What broken or damaged relationship can you work to reconcile this week?
18. What broken or damaged relationship can you work to reconcile this week?
| Memory Verse | Mnemonic Keyword(s) |
|---|---|
| Genesis 31:3 | RETURN—GOD WITH YOU |
This lesson in Genesis 31:1-36:43 highlights doctrinal themes in the Genesis narrative. Meaning In keeping with the general pattern in Genesis, a line outside of the line of the messianic promise is treated briefly before proceeding to a more thorough narrative concerning persons whom God chose to bear the pledge of blessing for all nations. Esau did not receive the promise previously delivered to Abraham and Isaac, so we have a recounting of his descendants before moving on to the final major section of Genesis which will focus on Jacob's sons. THINK ABOUT THIS: Laban is an example of a bully, oppressor, and tyrant.
In Jacob Flees from Laban, the flow of the passage emphasizes practical faith, obedience, and trust in God. Meaning In keeping with the general pattern in Genesis, a line outside of the line of the messianic promise is treated briefly before proceeding to a more thorough narrative concerning persons whom God chose to bear the pledge of blessing for all nations. Esau did not receive the promise previously delivered to Abraham and Isaac, so we have a recounting of his descendants before moving on to the final major section of Genesis which will focus on Jacob's sons. THINK ABOUT THIS: Laban is an example of a bully, oppressor, and tyrant.
Within the broader Genesis story, Genesis 31:1-36:43 advances the covenant line and the larger biblical narrative. Meaning In keeping with the general pattern in Genesis, a line outside of the line of the messianic promise is treated briefly before proceeding to a more thorough narrative concerning persons whom God chose to bear the pledge of blessing for all nations. Esau did not receive the promise previously delivered to Abraham and Isaac, so we have a recounting of his descendants before moving on to the final major section of Genesis which will focus on Jacob's sons. THINK ABOUT THIS: Laban is an example of a bully, oppressor, and tyrant.
THINK ABOUT THIS: Man attempts to grasp heaven, but his efforts fail, whether they are the proud labors of the Tower of Babel or the deceitful manipulations of Jacob. However, God bridges the gap with Jesus Christ. He is the only Mediator, the stairway to heaven.
Meaning In keeping with the general pattern in Genesis, a line outside of the line of the messianic promise is treated briefly before proceeding to a more thorough narrative concerning persons whom God chose to bear the pledge of blessing for all nations. Esau did not receive the promise previously delivered to Abraham and Isaac, so we have a recounting of his descendants before moving on to the final major section of Genesis which will focus on Jacob's sons. THINK ABOUT THIS: Laban is an example of a bully, oppressor, and tyrant.
Yet despite the deep divide among Jacob's sons, there is an even greater meaning to this chapter: the plan of God working despite the schism among his chosen people. Although God is never mentioned in this chapter, it is clear that his plan was revealed in Joseph's dreams, and it is certain that, even in the cruel and evil act of Joseph's brothers when they sold him into slavery, God was still at work not only to keep his promise to what would become the nation of Israel, but also to keep his promise to bless all nations through Abraham's offspring who would come from Israel to deliver the world from Adam's sin. That God is not mentioned at all in this chapter makes his work appear all the more powerful when his plan comes to fruition in Egypt many years later.
Explore It Answers
For this question, the key text in Genesis 31:1-13 addresses reason and purpose, so the answer should focus on why the action mattered in its immediate context. This answer sits within the patriarchal narratives, where promise, family, land, covenant, testing, and divine guidance shape the significance of the passage. The notes below give short summaries tied to the key text and each parallel text so that every answer stands on its own for study.
Genesis 31:1-13 is the main scripture for this question and provides the primary basis for considering how to answer “Why did Jacob flee from Laban and return to his native land?.”
Genesis 12:1 supports the answer by reinforcing the reason, motive, and purpose behind the event and by adding another biblical angle for study.
Genesis 26:3 supports the answer by reinforcing the reason, motive, and purpose behind the event and by adding another biblical angle for study.
Hosea 12:12 supports the answer by reinforcing the reason, motive, and purpose behind the event and by adding another biblical angle for study.
For this question, the key text in Genesis 31:14-20 explains how the event unfolded, so the answer should trace the movement of the narrative and the meaning of that process. This answer sits within the patriarchal narratives, where promise, family, land, covenant, testing, and divine guidance shape the significance of the passage. The notes below give short summaries tied to the key text and each parallel text so that every answer stands on its own for study.
Genesis 31:14-20 is the main scripture for this question and provides the primary basis for considering how to answer “How did Rachel and Leah respond to the plan to leave?.”
Genesis 31:14-16 supports the answer by reinforcing the way the event unfolded and what it reveals and by adding another biblical angle for study.
Ruth 1:16 supports the answer by reinforcing the way the event unfolded and what it reveals and by adding another biblical angle for study.
Psalm 133:1 supports the answer by reinforcing the way the event unfolded and what it reveals and by adding another biblical angle for study.
The answer to “What did Rachel take with her?” begins with the key text in Genesis 31:14-20, which provides the main scriptural setting and direction for the response. This answer sits within the patriarchal narratives, where promise, family, land, covenant, testing, and divine guidance shape the significance of the passage. The notes below give short summaries tied to the key text and each parallel text so that every answer stands on its own for study.
Genesis 31:14-20 is the main scripture for this question and provides the primary basis for considering how to answer “What did Rachel take with her?.”
Genesis 31:14-16 supports the answer by reinforcing the key idea that shapes the question and by adding another biblical angle for study.
Ruth 1:16 supports the answer by reinforcing the key idea that shapes the question and by adding another biblical angle for study.
Psalm 133:1 supports the answer by reinforcing the key idea that shapes the question and by adding another biblical angle for study.
The answer to “What was Laban looking for among Jacob's possessions, and why didn't he find it?” begins with the key text in Genesis 31:22-35, which provides the main scriptural setting and direction for the response. This answer sits within the patriarchal narratives, where promise, family, land, covenant, testing, and divine guidance shape the significance of the passage. The notes below give short summaries tied to the key text and each parallel text so that every answer stands on its own for study.
Genesis 31:22-35 is the main scripture for this question and provides the primary basis for considering how to answer “What was Laban looking for among Jacob's possessions, and why didn't he find it?.”
Genesis 31:34-35 supports the answer by reinforcing the key idea that shapes the question and by adding another biblical angle for study.
1 Samuel 19:13 supports the answer by reinforcing the key idea that shapes the question and by adding another biblical angle for study.
Psalm 44:21 supports the answer by reinforcing the key idea that shapes the question and by adding another biblical angle for study.
For this question, the key text in Genesis 32:1-21 explains how the event unfolded, so the answer should trace the movement of the narrative and the meaning of that process. This answer sits within the patriarchal narratives, where promise, family, land, covenant, testing, and divine guidance shape the significance of the passage. The notes below give short summaries tied to the key text and each parallel text so that every answer stands on its own for study.
Genesis 32:1-21 is the main scripture for this question and provides the primary basis for considering how to answer “How did Jacob prepare for his meeting with Esau?.”
Genesis 32:9-12 supports the answer by reinforcing the way the event unfolded and what it reveals and by adding another biblical angle for study.
Proverbs 15:1 supports the answer by reinforcing the way the event unfolded and what it reveals and by adding another biblical angle for study.
Matthew 5:23-24 supports the answer by reinforcing the way the event unfolded and what it reveals and by adding another biblical angle for study.
The answer to “With whom did Jacob wrestle, and what promise did Jacob elicit from him?” begins with the key text in Genesis 32:22-31, which provides the main scriptural setting and direction for the response. This answer sits within the patriarchal narratives, where promise, family, land, covenant, testing, and divine guidance shape the significance of the passage. The notes below give short summaries tied to the key text and each parallel text so that every answer stands on its own for study.
Genesis 32:22-31 is the main scripture for this question and provides the primary basis for considering how to answer “With whom did Jacob wrestle, and what promise did Jacob elicit from him?.”
Genesis 32:28 supports the answer by reinforcing the covenant theme and God’s confirming word and by adding another biblical angle for study.
Hosea 12:3-4 supports the answer by reinforcing the covenant theme and God’s confirming word and by adding another biblical angle for study.
Matthew 15:28 supports the answer by reinforcing the covenant theme and God’s confirming word and by adding another biblical angle for study.
For this question, the key text in Genesis 33:1-20 supplies the central event itself, so the answer should stay closely tied to the storyline and its significance. This answer sits within the patriarchal narratives, where promise, family, land, covenant, testing, and divine guidance shape the significance of the passage. The notes below give short summaries tied to the key text and each parallel text so that every answer stands on its own for study.
Genesis 33:1-20 is the main scripture for this question and provides the primary basis for considering how to answer “What happened when Jacob met Esau?.”
Genesis 33:4 supports the answer by reinforcing the main event and its significance and by adding another biblical angle for study.
Proverbs 16:7 supports the answer by reinforcing the main event and its significance and by adding another biblical angle for study.
Romans 12:18 supports the answer by reinforcing the main event and its significance and by adding another biblical angle for study.
For this question, the key text in Genesis 34:1-29 supplies the central event itself, so the answer should stay closely tied to the storyline and its significance. This answer sits within the patriarchal narratives, where promise, family, land, covenant, testing, and divine guidance shape the significance of the passage. The notes below give short summaries tied to the key text and each parallel text so that every answer stands on its own for study.
Genesis 34:1-29 is the main scripture for this question and provides the primary basis for considering how to answer “What happened to Jacob's daughter Dinah, and what did Jacob's sons do about it?.”
Genesis 10:32 supports the answer by reinforcing family lines, nations, and the consequences of human action and by adding another biblical angle for study.
Deuteronomy 32:8 supports the answer by reinforcing family lines, nations, and the consequences of human action and by adding another biblical angle for study.
Acts 2:6-11 supports the answer by reinforcing family lines, nations, and the consequences of human action and by adding another biblical angle for study.
For this question, the key text in Genesis 35:1-7 points first to what God Himself says or does, so the answer should begin with His command, promise, provision, or judgment in the passage. This answer sits within the patriarchal narratives, where promise, family, land, covenant, testing, and divine guidance shape the significance of the passage. The notes below give short summaries tied to the key text and each parallel text so that every answer stands on its own for study.
Genesis 35:1-7 is the main scripture for this question and provides the primary basis for considering how to answer “What did God tell Jacob to do, and how did Jacob respond?.”
Genesis 28:20-22 supports the answer by reinforcing God’s command, gift, or moral requirement and by adding another biblical angle for study.
Psalm 66:13-14 supports the answer by reinforcing God’s command, gift, or moral requirement and by adding another biblical angle for study.
Genesis 31:13 supports the answer by reinforcing God’s command, gift, or moral requirement and by adding another biblical angle for study.
For this question, the key text in Genesis 35:9-15 points first to what God Himself says or does, so the answer should begin with His command, promise, provision, or judgment in the passage. This answer sits within the patriarchal narratives, where promise, family, land, covenant, testing, and divine guidance shape the significance of the passage. The notes below give short summaries tied to the key text and each parallel text so that every answer stands on its own for study.
Genesis 35:9-15 is the main scripture for this question and provides the primary basis for considering how to answer “What did God promise Jacob, and what was Jacob's response?.”
Genesis 17:5-8 supports the answer by reinforcing the covenant theme and God’s confirming word and by adding another biblical angle for study.
Genesis 28:18-19 supports the answer by reinforcing the covenant theme and God’s confirming word and by adding another biblical angle for study.
Hebrews 11:21 supports the answer by reinforcing the covenant theme and God’s confirming word and by adding another biblical angle for study.
For this question, the key text in Genesis 35:16-19 explains how the event unfolded, so the answer should trace the movement of the narrative and the meaning of that process. This answer sits within the patriarchal narratives, where promise, family, land, covenant, testing, and divine guidance shape the significance of the passage. The notes below give short summaries tied to the key text and each parallel text so that every answer stands on its own for study.
Genesis 35:16-19 is the main scripture for this question and provides the primary basis for considering how to answer “How did Rachel die?.”
Psalm 110:4 supports the answer by reinforcing the way the event unfolded and what it reveals and by adding another biblical angle for study.
Hebrews 5:6 supports the answer by reinforcing the way the event unfolded and what it reveals and by adding another biblical angle for study.
Hebrews 7:1-3 supports the answer by reinforcing the way the event unfolded and what it reveals and by adding another biblical angle for study.
For this question, the key text in Genesis 35:22-26 identifies the people, place, or relationship in view, so the answer should arise from those narrative details. This answer sits within the patriarchal narratives, where promise, family, land, covenant, testing, and divine guidance shape the significance of the passage. The notes below give short summaries tied to the key text and each parallel text so that every answer stands on its own for study.
Genesis 35:22-26 is the main scripture for this question and provides the primary basis for considering how to answer “Who were Jacob's sons?.”
Genesis 10:32 supports the answer by reinforcing family lines, nations, and the consequences of human action and by adding another biblical angle for study.
Deuteronomy 32:8 supports the answer by reinforcing family lines, nations, and the consequences of human action and by adding another biblical angle for study.
Acts 2:6-11 supports the answer by reinforcing family lines, nations, and the consequences of human action and by adding another biblical angle for study.
The answer to “How old was Isaac when he died, and who buried him?” begins with the key text in Genesis 35:27-29, which provides the main scriptural setting and direction for the response. This answer sits within the patriarchal narratives, where promise, family, land, covenant, testing, and divine guidance shape the significance of the passage. The notes below give short summaries tied to the key text and each parallel text so that every answer stands on its own for study.
Genesis 35:27-29 is the main scripture for this question and provides the primary basis for considering how to answer “How old was Isaac when he died, and who buried him?.”
Genesis 21:1-2 supports the answer by reinforcing the key idea that shapes the question and by adding another biblical angle for study.
Romans 9:9 supports the answer by reinforcing the key idea that shapes the question and by adding another biblical angle for study.
Hebrews 11:11 supports the answer by reinforcing the key idea that shapes the question and by adding another biblical angle for study.
For this question, the key text in Genesis 36:1-40 identifies the people, place, or relationship in view, so the answer should arise from those narrative details. This answer sits within the patriarchal narratives, where promise, family, land, covenant, testing, and divine guidance shape the significance of the passage. The notes below give short summaries tied to the key text and each parallel text so that every answer stands on its own for study.
Genesis 36:1-40 is the main scripture for this question and provides the primary basis for considering how to answer “Who were Esau's descendants?.”
Genesis 10:32 supports the answer by reinforcing family lines, nations, and the consequences of human action and by adding another biblical angle for study.
Deuteronomy 32:8 supports the answer by reinforcing family lines, nations, and the consequences of human action and by adding another biblical angle for study.
Acts 2:6-11 supports the answer by reinforcing family lines, nations, and the consequences of human action and by adding another biblical angle for study.
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