Genesis 27:41—30:24: God's Mercy and Justice
HOW DO YOU cope with the consequences of sin in your life? What effect does your disobedience to God have on his purposes for you? Jacob's experience can provide helpful answers to these questions. In the last study we saw how parental partiality increased the natural rivalry between Esau and Jacob. As Isaac and Rebekah took sides to work against each other, the family relationships became strained. In this study we see how they finally fractured with unforeseen consequences.
Warming Up to God
What words would you use to describe the mercy of God? Thank him for each way he has shown mercy to you.
Read Genesis 27:41—30:24. »
Discovering the Word
- When Rebekah hears of Esau's plan to kill Jacob, what strategy does she devise, and how does she persuade her son and husband to carry it out (27:41-46)?
- Describe what happens to Jacob on his first night away from home (28:10-15).
- From Jacob's response to the dream, what clue can we get about his relationship to God at this point (28:16-22)?
- In what ways is Jacob's initial experience in Haran similar to and different from that of Abraham's chief servant many years earlier (29:1-18; see also 24:10-28)?
- Jacob meets his match and means of discipline in Laban. In what way does the latter's trickery repay Jacob for the exploitation of his father's blindness (29:19-24), and how is this situation resolved (29:25-30)?
- What impresses you about the relationships between Rachel and Leah (30:1-24)?
Applying the Word
- A past sin or disobedience to God can leave us with a burden of guilt or failure. How can Jacob's experience renew our confidence in God's grace?
- Spiritual maturity often comes through suffering. In what difficult situation do you now believe God is working to strengthen your faith and character?
Responding in Prayer
Spend time thanking God for his care and discipline in your life.
For Further Study
The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament by John H. Walton, Victor H. Matthews and Mark W. Chavalas