Genesis 32-33

Preparing for Confrontation (32:1-21)

What did Jacob do to prepare for his confrontation with Esau?
1. Jacob recognized that God was with Him (32:1-2)
2. Jacob surveyed the situation (32:3)
3. Jacob made sure that Esau knew his story (32:4-5)
4. Jacob assumed the worst (32:6)
5. Jacob prepared for the worst (32:7-8)
6. Jacob made it a matter of prayer (32:9-12)
--Adoration: Adored God for His great promises (9, 12)
--Confession: Admitted to God his unworthiness (10)
--Thanksgiving: Admired God for His previous blessing (10)
--Supplication: Asked God for help (11)
7. Jacob did what he could to soften the blow (32:13-21)

Do you think Jacob was relying on God or himself to survive this conflict?

Peniel (32:22-32)

Jacob before Peniel
1. He was a crafty man
2. He was a rich man
3. He was a strong man

What kind of encounter was this?
1. A vision?
2. A dream?
3. A theophany?

Who was this man that wrestled with Jacob?
1. Jacob wanted to be blessed by him (26)
2. He re-named Jacob (28)
3. Jacob called the place Peniel (30)

Do you think this story is Jacob’s conversion?
Hosea 12:4
2 Corinthians 1:8-10
2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Peace through forgiveness (33:1-20)

Questions to consider
1. Why did Esau come with 400 men? (1)
2. Why did Jacob divide his family the way he did? (1-2)
3. Why did Jacob approach Esau in this way? (3)
4. When do you think Esau forgave Jacob? (4)
5. What would Jews in Moses’ day have thought of this passage? (8)
6. How was seeing Esau’s face like seeing God’s face? (10)
7. Why didn’t Jacob stay in Succoth? (17)
8. What is the significance of Shechem? (18-19)
--Joshua 24:32, John 5:4
9. What is the significance of the name El Elohe Israel? (20)