Genesis 31:1-16 Things take a turn for the worse in Jacob's relationship with Laban and his sons, and Jacob's situation becomes tenuous, even dangerous. How does God use our circumstances to direct us? What is the significance of God being "with" someone? What are the three reasons that Laban's wealth was transferred to Jacob? What part did Laban play in that transfer? What lesson can we learn from Rachel's and Leah's realization that they no longer had a portion or inheritance in their father's house? What, ultimately, will happen to all the riches of the world? (56 min.)

Keywords Jacob, Laban, Blessing, Bethel

Genesis 30:37-43 The Bible contains a number of very difficult passages to understand. This is one of them, and is difficult on several levels. What should we do when we encounter very difficult passages? What exactly was Jacob doing with all those rods and sheep and goats? Did what Jacob do have any affect on the outcome, and if so, how? We look at a number of puzzling cases in Scripture similar to this one with Jacob. What can we learn from all these examples of human devices? What relevance or application does this passage have to our lives today? (66 min.)

Keywords Jacob, Laban

Genesis 30:25-36 God "remembered" Rachel. What does that mean? Had He forgotten her? Rachel's son becomes central to the unfolding story about the Children of Israel. Jacob now enters into negotiations with Laban regarding his desire to return home, but does Jacob really have a home? How was Jacob's sojourn changed as a result of his encounter at Bethel. What does Jacob possess that Laban desperately wants? What exactly is the agreement that Jacob and Laban reach? What does Laban do as soon as the agreement is made? How do we respond when we are wronged or taken advantage of by others? How should we view things when that happens? (61 min.)

Keywords Jacob, Rachel, Laban

Genesis 30:1-24 The unfolding story of the birth of Jacob's sons continues. But Rachel is jealous of her sister, Leah, and Leah is jealous of her sister, Rachel. What are the results of discontentment and jealousy? What exactly is jealousy? How can we distinguish legitimate yearnings from discontentment? With whom are we really struggling when we struggle with others? What could Rachel have done for Leah? Is it reasonable to expect her to do that? What can we learn from this confusing and difficult story? (65 min.)

Keywords Jacob, Rachel, Leah