Dominion – Jacob’s Triumph

Week 1: Textual context – Facing our Fears

During this study, we will be doing a ‘deep dive’ into a scriptural passage. It is strongly encouraged that you study the passage and entire chapter ahead of the study. Also be prepared with your research tools, for example Google or your study Bible, as you will need to reference it during the study. Spend time answering and discussing each question with the intention to gain sufficient understanding to help your own private Bible study as you further explore these topics.

Study Chapters: Genesis 29-32

Pilot text

Genesis 32:6-12 6 Then the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he also is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” 7 So Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; and he divided the people that were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two companies. 8 And he said, “If Esau comes to the one company and [c]attacks it, then the other company which is left will escape.” 9 Then Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, the Lord who said to me, ‘Return to your country and to your family, and I will deal well with you’: 10 I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servant; for I crossed over this Jordan with my staff, and now I have become two companies. 11 Deliver me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, lest he come and [d]attack me and the mother with the children. 12 For You said, ‘I will surely treat you well, and make your descendants as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.’ ”

Discussion Points

• Jacob said that he crossed the Jordan with only his staff, but was returning as two companies. How did he become wealthy? See Genesis 30:25-43.
• Why was Jacob returning to the land of his fathers and his family? What would you say were the main reasons? See Genesis 30:26, 31:1-3.
• Why was Jacob afraid of Esau? Consider the message that Jacob received regarding Esau in 32:6, and how this influenced Jacob’s state of mind.
• How long ago did the events behind Jacob’s fear of Esau happen? [31:41]. How do you think Jacob’s character has changed over this time, if at all?

Closing Thoughts: Many times in life, we come face to face with something that we are afraid of (real or imagined). Jacob’s prayer shows us a template for finding succour in a vulnerable place. First, Jacob reminds himself of who God is, and who he is in that context. Through his journey, Jacob now knows God not only as the God of his fathers Abraham and Isaac, but also as One with whom he himself has a relationship. Second, Jacob reminds himself as to why he took the step of faith to return home – God had told him to do so. Next, Jacob is honest and vulnerable before God, acknowledging his own fear and helplessness. The most important step towards finding help is to be honest about needing it. Finally, Jacob reminds himself (in God’s presence) of God’s enduring promise, which was a guarantee of his dominion.

Application Questions

1.⁠ ⁠Your Christian friend is about to face their childhood bully, who really tormented them at the time, again for the first time after 10 years. They’re not sure how they’re going to handle the meeting. What would you advise them to do?

2.⁠ ⁠”Sometimes our greatest enemy is not the thing we fear, but fear itself”. Agree/disagree with scriptures

3.⁠ ⁠Time heals all wounds. After a certain time has passed, there is no need to revisit past wrongs and everyone involved should automatically move on with their lives. Agree/disagree with scriptures.