GROUP MOSES

Genesis 28:1-35:29 (Jacob's Family)

Banquiao, Vienna Joy

Dela Rita, Lara Jean
Labapies, Jealian Claudy Marie
Namol, Ghen Benedict
Pandagani, Ma. Jessa Mae

Introduction

An essential truth about God is established in the book of Genesis. Among them are His
attributes as the Creator: His holiness, His love for people, His dislike of sin, and His willingness to
provide for our salvation. Our group will continue the chapters as we outline the happenings from
Genesis 28 until Genesis 35.

Content

Jacob and his family of the Lord keep his promises. Jacob left his home to escape his angry
brother Esau. Jacob's father blessed him to find and marry a woman who loved the Lord and
kept his commandments. While Jacob traveled, the Lord visited him in a vision, he promised to
always be with Jacob. Jacob also promised to give the Lord a tenth of all he received. The Lord
promised Jacob that he would have many children. Through Jacob's children the families of the earth
would be blessed to know the savior. Jacob's family and the latter days are called the house of Israel.
Jacob traveled to a land called Heron where he fell in love with the righteous woman named Rachel.

Jacob agreed to work seven years for her father and would allow him to marry Rachel. But
Laban wanted Leah, his oldest daughter, to be married first so he deceived Jacob. But Jacob loved
Rachel so he
promised to work another seven years so he could also marry her. Laban agreed and Jacob's family
began to grow. The Lord blessed Jacob with many animals and told Jacob to go back home. On his way
home, Jacob learned that his brother Esau and 400 men were coming to meet him. Jacob thought he
might still be angry at him.

Jacob feared for the safety of his family, so he took them to a safe place and prayed. Jacob
prayed all night and into the morning. The Lord visited Jacob and blessed him.The Lord told Jacob that
he would be a great leader to many. The Lord changed Jacob's name to Israel. After years apart, Jacob
nervously prepares to meet his brother Esau, fearing his anger over past wrongs. To appease him, Jacob
sends gifts ahead. When they finally reunite, Esau surprises Jacob by embracing him warmly, offering
forgiveness and reconciliation. They part peacefully, with Esau returning home and Jacob continuing
his journey.

Meanwhile, tragedy strikes Jacob's family as his daughter Dinah is violated by Shechem, a
prince. Seeking to make amends, Shechem proposes marriage, but Jacob's sons deceitfully agree only if
all men in Shechem's city undergo circumcision. While they are weakened, two of Jacob's sons,
Simeon and Levi, retaliate by slaughtering them, avenging their sister's honor. Jacob is troubled by
their actions, fearing retaliation.

God commands Jacob to return to Bethel, where he first encountered Him. Jacob gathers his
household, purges the theme of idols, and travels safely to Bethel. There, God reaffirms His covenant
with Jacob, renaming him Israel. Amidst blessings, tragedy strikes again as Rachel, Jacob's beloved
wife, dies while giving birth to Benjamin.

Jacob buries Rachel, marking her resting place with a memorial. The chapter closes with the
listing of Jacob's twelve sons, who would become the founders of the twelve tribes of Israel, cementing
God's covenant with His chosen people.

Summary

Our observation from Genesis 28–35 is that there were a lot of happenings that included acts
that would not please God, such as betrayal and jealousy. We can see this from how Jacob deceived
Isaac and Esau, how Laban deceived Jacob, and how envious Rachel was of Leah. However, the Lord
is merciful and knows how to forgive. He hears those who pray and seek Him. He is gracious, and He
blesses those who follow Him, as we can see from the life of Jacob.

Questions:

1. What do you think were the most important decisions they made that made a difference in
their lives?

● Jacob's Departure
Jacob's journey to Paddan-aram marked the beginning of his transformative experiences and
encounters with God, shaping his destiny and the future of his family.
● Jacob's Commitment to Rachel
Despite Laban's deception, Jacob's decision to work an additional seven years for Rachel
demonstrated his determination and love for her.
● Laban's Permission to Leave
Laban's acknowledgment of Jacob's blessings led to his decision to allow Jacob to depart with
his family, marking the end of Jacob's time serving Laban.
● Jacob's Wrestle with God
 Jacob's determination to receive a blessing from the man at Peniel resulted in his renaming as
Israel, symbolizing his transformation and the establishment of the nation of Israel.

● Jacob's Reconciliation with Esau

Jacob's choice to reconcile with Esau led to a joyous reunion, marking the resolution of their
conflict and the restoration of their relationship.

2. What do you think were the most difficult times they encountered? How did they deal with
those hardships?

● Jacob and Rachel`s Difficulty to Bear a Child

Rachel struggles with infertility, she was deeply loved by her husband Jacob, but she
was unable to conceive children for many years.
● Rachel and Leah`s Competition
Rachel's sister, who was also married to Jacob, created a competition since Leah gave
birth to several sons for Jacob while Rachel was infertile. Rachel was certainly affected
by this rivalry since she longed for her own children.
● Death of Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife
Rachel died after giving birth to his second child, Benjamin. This leads Jacob into
sorrow.
● Finding comfort in their relationships and their faith by praying together.

3. What important values and principles in life did they show in the way they made decisions
and actions?
● Faith and Trust in God: Jacob's journey begins with a vision at Bethel, where God reassures
him of the covenant and promises protection. Throughout the narrative, there is a recurring
theme of relying on faith and trusting in God's guidance.
● Perseverance and Determination: Despite facing numerous challenges and uncertainties,
Jacob perseveres in pursuing his goals. His determination is evident in his commitment to
working for Laban and overcoming obstacles to marry Rachel.
● Responsibility for Family: Jacob takes responsibility for his family, working hard to provide for
them. His dedication is seen in his commitment to Laban, even in the face of mistreatment, as
well as in his efforts to protect his wives and children.
● Reconciliation and Forgiveness: The narrative highlights the importance of reconciliation and
forgiveness. Jacob, after years of estrangement, seeks reconciliation with his brother Esau,
demonstrating a willingness to mend broken relationships.
● Honesty and Open Communication: Jacob openly communicates with his wives about God's
command to return to Canaan. While there are instances of deception earlier in the narrative,
there is a shift towards honesty and transparency in Jacob's communication.
● Self-Reflection and Transformation: Jacob undergoes a significant transformation from a
deceitful young man to a more mature and spiritually aware individual. His wrestling with God
symbolizes self-reflection and personal growth.
 ● Resolution of Conflicts: The resolution of conflicts through covenants and agreements
demonstrates a commitment to peaceful solutions. The covenant between Jacob and Laban
signifies a willingness to end their dispute and move forward.
● Recognition of Divine Providence: Characters in these chapters recognize and acknowledge
the role of divine providence in their lives. Jacob, in particular, acknowledges God's presence
and guidance in various encounters and decisions.
● Hospitality: When Jacob prepares to meet Esau, he demonstrates hospitality by sending gifts
and approaching his brother with humility, seeking a peaceful resolution.

These moral development, progress, and comprehension of one's place within God's plan are
all demonstrated by the ideals and ideas found in Genesis 28–35, which we can learn from the
story as a whole. Together, these choices influence the story of Genesis 28–35, highlighting
themes of faith, forgiveness, personal growth, and family dynamics. The main characters
overcome obstacles and make crucial decisions that help their destinies play out and God's
promises come to pass.

4. Name some of the biggest mistakes the Fathers and Mothers may have committed.

● Rebekah’s aid in deception

Rebekah helps Jacob deceive Isaac into giving his blessing intended for Esau to Jacob.
This led to a broken brotherhood between the two. Rebekah should have known better
as a mother.
● Laban’s deceit against Jacob
Laban deceived Jacob into marrying Leah instead of Rachel in order to make him work
for longer in order to gain Rachel back. This was a result of greed and had caused a lot
of tension in the family.
● Hamor’s irresponsibility as a father figure.
Hamor enabled Shechem's actions by not punishing him for such an act. Hamor
should’ve taught his son better andnot spoiledl him.
● Jacob’s favouritism for Joseph
Jacob expressed favouritism for a son, Joseph, which angered his brothers and cast
Joseph out to slavery. Children should all be all treated equally as favourites because
love should be shared equally.

5. List things you like in the main characters and those things you do not like at all.

Jacob
Likes:
● He is obedient to God’s orders.
● He worked hard to marry the girl he loves.
● He knows to ask for forgiveness.

Dislikes:
● He deceived his father and older brother.
 ● He is a wise man and a manipulator.

Rachel
Likes:
● Rachel prayed to God to have children.
● Persistent
Dislikes:
● Envious of Leah’s fertility
● Discontent and Dissatisfied

Leah
Likes:
● Tender-hearted
● Contented with her sons
Dislikes:
● Jealous of Rachel because Jacob loved her more.