Genesis Part 2 - Week 12

Day 1 

READ 

Genesis 32:1-2 

¹ As Jacob started on his way again, angels of God came to meet him. ² When Jacob saw them, he exclaimed, “This is God’s camp!” So he named the place Mahanaim. 

Jacob is on his way to his homeland and was met by angels. This caused him to rejoice and realize he was in a special place that he referred to with a word that meant “two camps.” It is unsure what Jacob meant by “two camps”; perhaps he referred to the camp of angels and to his camp as he proceeded back home. 

REFLECT 

Do you have geographical places that have special meaning in your walk with the Lord? 

RESPOND 

With your friend read Genesis 32:1-8. This section tells of the gifts Jacob sent to Esau and what his messengers learned when they took those gifts to him. Jacob was terrified when he learned Esau was on his way to him with 400 men.  

Day 2 

READ 

Genesis 32:9-10 

⁹ Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my grandfather Abraham, and God of my father, Isaac—O LORD, you told me, ‘Return to your own land and to your relatives.’ And you promised me, ‘I will treat you kindly.’ ¹⁰ I am not worthy of all the unfailing love and faithfulness you have shown to me, your servant. When I left home and crossed the Jordan River, I owned nothing except a walking stick. Now my household fills two large camps!” 

Because he was frightened of what might occur when Esau met him, Jacob prayed to the God of his grandfather and father. Jacob felt totally inadequate and unworthy of all that God had done for him. As is true of every follower of Christ today; they are also unworthy of what has been done for them. Jacob had material riches; believers have spiritual riches.  

REFLECT 

As you see others around you who are materially wealthy, do you thank God for the spiritual riches you have because of all He has done for you? 

RESPOND 

With your friend read Genesis 32:9-12. In this passage Jacob pleads for God’s help in protecting him and his group from Esau. Jacob also reminds God of His promises in the past. With your friend, remind yourselves of God’s promises to you because you have trusted in Jesus.  

Day 3 

READ 

Genesis 32:13-15 

¹³ Jacob stayed where he was for the night. Then he selected these gifts from his possessions to present to his brother, Esau: ¹⁴ 200 female goats, 20 male goats, 200 ewes, 20 rams, ¹⁵ 30 female camels with their young, 40 cows, 10 bulls, 20 female donkeys, and 10 male donkeys. 

Jacob devises a plan as to how he will appease Esau and win his favor. He sent his gifts on to Esau while he stayed where he was for the night. He gave detailed instructions to the servants about how they should approach his brother and how they should care for the livestock.  

REFLECT 

Have you ever tried to win the favor of someone with material gifts? On occasion that might work but often it does not. 

RESPOND 

With your friend read Genesis 32:13-21. Notice how desperate Jacob was as he thought about meeting Esau. Jacob fears for his life and all his possessions. He was willing to give many of his possessions away so his own life would be spared. 

Day 4 

READ 

Genesis 32:22-24 

²² During the night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two servant wives, and his eleven sons and crossed the Jabbok River with them. ²³ After taking them to the other side, he sent over all his possessions. ²⁴ This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until the dawn began to break. 

This presents the setting for what some consider the most pivotal time in Jacob’s life. It seems when a person is alone is a time when God deals with him or her. The passage says it was “a man” who wrestled with him. Later his description will be found. Notice the wrestling lasted until dawn.  

REFLECT 

What kind of struggle have you ever had with God? How did it end? 

RESPOND 

With your friend read Genesis 32:22-32. This passage tells of the name “Jacob” being changed to “Israel” because he had “fought with God.” This describes the one with whom Jacob was wrestling. This seems to have been a preincarnation appearance of the Lord Jesus. From this time forward only the context will tell if it is referring to the person or the nation of Israel. The expression “Children of Israel” is the same as saying “the descendants of Jacob.” 

Day 5 

READ 

Genesis 33:1-4 

¹ Then Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming with his 400 men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and his two servant wives. ² He put the servant wives and their children at the front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph last. ³ Then Jacob went on ahead. As he approached his brother, he bowed to the ground seven times before him. ⁴ Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept. 

Jacob's fear of meeting Esau came to a great dramatic end. It seems that Esau was the most forward in running to meet Jacob and embracing him. Jacob was likely too intimidated to approach Esau first. Imagine what it must have looked like to their friends to see these two who had been enemies kissing and weeping together. 

REFLECT 

Does this remind you of any reunion you have had with a person you thought was unfriendly to you? 

RESPOND 

With your friend read Genesis 33:1-11. This passage explains how Jacob tried to give Esau a gift of his flocks and herds, but Esau refused his gift. After Jacob kept insisting, Esau accepted the gift.