Genesis 32: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Genesis 32 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

In Genesis 32, Jacob prepares to meet his brother Esau after years of separation and conflict. Fearing Esau's wrath due to his past deception regarding the birthright and blessing, Jacob sends ahead gifts to appease him. The night before the meeting, Jacob wrestles with a mysterious figure, often interpreted as an angel or God Himself.

Key verse

“The man said, “Let me go, for the day breaks.” Jacob said, “I won’t let you go, unless you bless me.”
Genesis 32:26 (WEB)

Outline

Genesis 32:1–2 Jacob Encounters Angels
Genesis 32:3–5 Message to Esau
Genesis 32:6–8 Fear of Esau's Approach
Genesis 32:9–12 Jacob's Prayer for Deliverance
Genesis 32:13–21 Preparations and Gifts
Genesis 32:22–24 Wrestling with God
Genesis 32:25–32 Blessing and New Identity

Discussion questions

In v4, what does Jacob say he has lived as with Laban?
In v30, why does Jacob name the place Peniel?
Jacob's struggle with the man in vv. 24-25: what does this wrestling signify about his character?
In vv. 28-29, why does the man change Jacob's name to Israel and not explain his own?
When have you felt a need to wrestle with a significant decision or relationship, like Jacob did?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Genesis 32: Genesis 33, Genesis 28, Genesis 31.

Before next time: read Genesis 33.