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

Genesis 26:34-27:17 Returning to the story on the struggle between Esau and Jacob, we encounter the account of the stealing of the birthright from Esau. We find in this passage four different individuals who represent to us four ploys which Satan uses to counter God's spiritual purposes in our lives. Which one of these individuals am I most like? For what is the blindness of Isaac a metaphor? What were Rebekah's strength and weakness? What is wrong with Jacob's response to his mother's proposal. This was an urgent situation. What other options did Rebekah and Jacob have by which they may have prevented Isaac's impending blunder? (55 min)

Keywords Isaac, Rebekah, Esau, Jacob, Blessing, Birthright

Genesis 25:19-26 We are moving on into the next section or "toledot" of Genesis. Why does Isaac get so much less of his story told than his father, Abraham, or his son, Jacob? Is there a lesson there for us? How does Isaac respond to his wife's inability to conceive a child? The pregnancy that finally occurs turns out to be very difficult. Why? A new major theme surfaces in Genesis. What is it? What is God's explanation to Rebekah for the violent struggle she is feeling? Is it O.K. for us to ask God "why?" How should we respond to His answer? (59 min)

Keywords Isaac, Jacob, Esau, Rebekah

Genesis 24:50-67 Having told his story, Abraham's servant awaits an answer from Rebekah's family. While the affirmative answer appears spiritual enough, it reveals a fatalistic view of God's direction, in sharp contrast to the response of the servant. By morning Laban's commitment appears to have waned. How does this change of circumstances fit into God's purposes? Given the choice, how will Rebekah respond to God's call on her life. What kinds of things do you think the traveling party discussed on the return to Canaan? What is the significance of Isaac's recent visit to Beer-lahai-roi? When Isaac and Rebekah are finally united, how will things work out? (60 min)

Keywords Isaac, Rebekah

Genesis 24:29-49 In his search for a wife for Isaac, Abraham's servant arrives in the home of Laban. Much of this passage is a repetition of the story we've already read. Why is this repetition important to us? Why is Laban so eager to invite this stranger into his house? As the servant tells the story about his prayer at the well, what is Rebekah thinking? By the time we reach the end of this passage Rebekah knows that she is being called to be the "second Abraham." What does that mean? Do you recall what it was like to discover God's intimate concern about you, and His involvement in your life? (56 min.)

Keywords Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah

Genesis 24:12-28 Abraham's servant asks for God's help in finding a wife for Isaac. In doing so he asks God for a sign. What does God think about our asking for signs in seeking His will? What is the significance of the particular sign the servant selected? What did the servant discover about Rebekah by her response to his request for a drink? What do the characters in the narrative know at each step in the story? What things did Rebekah discover when she saw and heard the servant in worship? (64 min.)

Keywords Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, Will of God

Genesis 24:1-14 The aged Abraham has one very important task left to accomplish: to secure a wife for Isaac. What are some of the important things we will learn from this chapter? What are the qualities of the servant he enlists in this endeavor? Why is this endeavor so important? What are the indications of the solemn nature of the oath the servant is about to take? What are the two things a believer must consider when he or she is selecting a life mate? Why did Abraham's servant take so many things with him on his journey? (55 min.)

Keywords Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah

Genesis 22:20-23:4 Abraham receives a report from Haran about his brother Nahor. When did Abraham receive this report, and how is it important to our unfolding story? Shortly thereafter we encounter the death of Abraham's wife, Sarah. It has been a remarkable life, but it ends as it always does, with death. Why? Abraham, the man of faith, mourns for his wife. Why? What is the chief thing about Abraham we will learn as he seeks a place to bury his wife?

Keywords Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah