“Genesis 32: Jacob Travels toward Home,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide (2002), 33
“Genesis 32,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide, 33
Jacob Travels toward Home
What was the relationship between Jacob and Esau when Jacob left to find a wife? (see Genesis 27:41–45). If you were Jacob, how would you feel about going home? What would you do about your situation?
Genesis 32–33 tells the story of Jacob’s return and what he did to prepare to meet Esau. As you read, consider what you can learn from this story about how to repair a relationship that has gone bad.
Studying the Scriptures
Do activities A and B as you study Genesis 32.
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Apply the Words of Modern Prophets
Consider the following statement from President Spencer W. Kimball, and then write about how it might apply to some of the things that Jacob did in Genesis 32:1–23.
“If we will sue for peace, taking the initiative in settling differences—if we can forgive and forget with all our hearts—if we can cleanse our own souls of sin, accusations, bitterness, and guilt before we cast a stone at others—if we forgive all real or fancied offenses before we ask forgiveness for our own sins—if we pay our own debts, large or small, before we press our debtors—if we manage to clear our own eyes of the blinding beams before we magnify the motes in the eyes of others—what a glorious world this would be!” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1949, 133).
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What Does It Mean?
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Read Enos 1:1–5 in the Book of Mormon and tell what you think it means to “wrestle” before the Lord.
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Why do you think Jacob was wrestling before the Lord? (You can find help in verses 9–12.)
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What does Jacob’s name tell you about his wrestle before God? (Make sure you read footnote 36a of Genesis 27 for the meaning of his name.)
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