Genesis 29:21-35 Laban's plan to trick Jacob into marrying Leah instead of Rachel is very risky. So much could have gone wrong. How did he pull it off? Where was God in this, and why didn't He intervene? In a sudden moment, when least expected, Jacob's great anticipation and hope is shattered. Can any good come out of this? What is God doing in Jacob's life, in the future of Israel, and in Leah's life? Speaking of Leah, she was complicit in this scheme. Why? What is Jacob's attitude toward Leah, and was it justified? Why does Paul warn husbands not to be embittered towards their wives? What great good comes in Leah's life? How did she respond? (62 min.)

Keywords Jacob, Laban, Leah, Rachel

Genesis 29:13-20 As we proceed through our story about Jacob in Haran, we encounter continuously repeated references to the family relationship. Why is that? What does Jacob do during that first month he stays with Laban? What are the differences between Laban's two daughters, and how does that play into the unfolding events? Things finally seem to be going pretty well now for Jacob, and he is filled with hope and expectation. Why does God allow him to experience such hope and anticipation, only to allow the rug to be pulled out from under him? What is God doing? (58 min.)

Keywords Jacob, Rachel, Laban, Leah

Genesis 29:1-12 Having left his Bethel experience, Jacob travels on to arrive in the "land of the peoples of the east." Why is Haran uniquely referred to in this way in this passage? How will the experience of Bethel change Jacob, and what will it take? What kinds of things do we discover about Jacob's character in this account at the well? How does this account of the well compare and contrast with the earlier account in chapter 24 about Abraham's servant? Why is that important? What difference does it make whether or not we see God's hand in the things He does in our lives? (57 min.)

Keywords Jacob, Rachel, Bethel, Laban

Genesis 28:10-22 Jacob leaves Beersheba and heads to Haran, a fugitive from his brother's wrath. Putting yourself in Jacob's sandals, what would you be thinking about one hour out of Beersheba? Three days later he arrives at a nondescript place and lays down to sleep. What he encounters in his dream that night alters his own life and the history of Israel. What is the ultimate fulfillment of that dream? Whom does he encounter, and what is he promised? Why does he erect a memorial in this place? Will what happens this night influence him only for a time, or will it have a life long impact? Jacob came to this place a fugitive, but he leaves Bethel a pilgrim. What will it take for him to return to his family in peace and be reconciled to Esau? (62 min.)

Keywords Jacob, Esau, Bethel

Genesis 27:41-28:9 The wrong done to Esau leaves him with deep wounds and a festering bitterness. How he deals with it reveals him to be, like Cain, of the seed of the serpent. Rebekah's discovery of Esau's murderous intent leads her to take quick action. What are the two things from which Rebekah seeks to protect Jacob? Why does Rebekah tell Isaac that if Jacob marries a daughter of Canaan that her life will be nothing to her? How does Esau respond to the discovery of his father's displeasure? As an aside, to whom is the prophet referring when he speaks of God loving Jacob and hating Esau, and for what did God choose Jacob, and why is it important to know? (62 min.)

Keywords Isaac, Jacob, Rebekah, Esau, Exile