Genesis 31: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Genesis 31 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

In Genesis 31, Jacob receives a divine command to return to his homeland after years of serving his father-in-law, Laban. The chapter opens with Jacob noticing Laban’s growing hostility towards him and sensing that Laban’s demeanor has shifted since God had blessed him through Jacob's labor. After discussing this with his wives, Rachel and Leah, they agree to leave Laban's household.

Key verse

“and said to them, “I see the expression on your father’s face, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father has been with me.”
Genesis 31:5 (WEB)

Outline

Genesis 31:1–5 Jacob Feels Hostility from Laban
Genesis 31:6–13 Divine Instruction to Return
Genesis 31:14–21 Rachel and Leah Agree to Leave
Genesis 31:22–30 Laban Pursues Jacob
Genesis 31:31–36 The Confrontation
Genesis 31:37–42 Jacob's Justification
Genesis 31:43–55 Covenant Between Jacob and Laban

Discussion questions

In v2, what expression does Jacob notice on Laban's face?
What does God say to Jacob in v3 about his future?
Rachel's action in v19: why does she steal the teraphim from Laban?
In v30, what might Laban's question about the stolen gods indicate about his beliefs?
When have you sensed someone was unhappy with you like Jacob did in v2?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Genesis 31: Genesis 30, Genesis 28, Genesis 32.

Before next time: read Genesis 32.