Dominion – Jacob’s Triumph

Week 2: Content vs Intent – Leading through difficult times

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

Gen 32:13-23 13 So he lodged there that same night, and took what came to his hand as a present for Esau his brother: 14 two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, 15 thirty milk camels with their colts, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten foals. 16 Then he delivered them to the hand of his servants, every drove by itself, and said to his servants, “Pass over before me, and put some distance between successive droves.” 17 And he commanded the first one, saying, “When Esau my brother meets you and asks you, saying, ‘To whom do you belong, and where are you going? Whose are these in front of you?’ 18 then you shall say, ‘They are your servant Jacob’s. It is a present sent to my lord Esau; and behold, he also is behind us.’ ” 19 So he commanded the second, the third, and all who followed the droves, saying, “In this manner you shall speak to Esau when you find him; 20 and also say, ‘Behold, your servant Jacob is behind us.’ ” For he said, “I will appease him with the present that goes before me, and afterward I will see his face; perhaps he will accept me.” 21 So the present went on over before him, but he himself lodged that night in the camp. 22 And he arose that night and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven sons, and crossed over the ford of Jabbok. 23 He took them, sent them [f]over the brook, and sent over what he had.

Looking beyond just the content of the chapter, what can we infer about the intention behind this narration?

Discussion Points

• What is Jacob trying to achieve by sending presents ahead of him, to Esau? Where else in the Bible do we see the same principle taught or applied (see Proverbs 18:16)? Where have you seen this principle effectively applied, from your own experience?
• What does the pilot text tell us about Jacob’s approach to leadership? Consider the elements of preparation, planning and positioning. Also think about Jacob’s knowledge of Esau and his own experience as a shepherd and how/if they factor into his approach. What, if anything, would you do differently?

Closing Thoughts: Often, the pathway to dominion travels through tough times, during which a clear head and strong leadership are always critical to success. We know that Jacob was a man of prayer, having prayed specifically about his forthcoming encounter with Esau and dealt with his own fears, in secret with God. But we also see his courage in action. As has often been said, courage is not a lack of fear but the triumph over it – the ability to act despite fear. And it is often through courage that our seed of faith becomes overcoming faith. Jacob’s actions in these trying times show him taking full responsibility, not just for what led to the current situation, but also for getting his people to the place of promise under God’s overall leadership.

Application Questions

1.⁠ ⁠Sometimes the right thing to do is not prayer but action. Agree/disagree with scriptures.

2.⁠ ⁠Is there ever a time when a leader should put herself and her own needs first, ahead of those of their followers? Provide scriptural examples.

3.⁠ ⁠”Hardship is overrated – you don’t need to experience difficult times to become a good leader”. Agree or disagree with scriptures.