REVIVAL – JACOB’S JOURNEY

Week 1: Textual Context

Introduction

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 25-27

Pilot text

Genesis 27:19-24 19 Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn; I have done just as you told me; please arise, sit and eat of my game, that your soul may bless me.” 20 But Isaac said to his son, “How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son?” And he said, “Because the Lord your God brought it to me.” 21 Isaac said to Jacob, “Please come near, that I may feel you, my son, whether you are really my son Esau or not.” 22 So Jacob went near to Isaac his father, and he felt him and said, “The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” 23 And he did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau’s hands; so he blessed him. 24 Then he said, “Are you really my son Esau?” He said, “I am.”

Discussion Points

What was the meaning of Jacob’s name? See Genesis 25:24-26.

• Why was Jacob claiming to be Esau in this passage of scripture? We see a situation in which Jacob is actively denying his own identity and claiming Esau’s. To understand why, read the preceding verses, and also consider the discussion from last month’s study. It is important to appreciate what was at stake and why it mattered so much.
• Does the Bible give us any forewarning that this could happen? Consider the events of Genesis 25:23-33, Gen 26:7-9 and how the events we see playing out in chapter 27 fit into this narrative. Who were the key players in this scenario, and what do we know about them prior to the events of this passage?
• What does this passage tell us about (a) Jacob’s character, and (b) the situation in Isaac’s family? Consider Rebecca’s role in what happened. From your perspective, how do you think she interpreted what she heard in Genesis 25:23?

Closing thoughts: In this passage we see a young Jacob being steered by his mother to actively deceive Isaac in order to claim the blessing meant for his brother Esau. This is very much a double act, because not only was Jacob willing to go along with Rebecca’s plot, we know that he is capable of deviousness all on his own from the events of Genesis 25. One thing is clear from this passage. Whenever we try to help God, we must assume His place in order to orchestrate things in our own favour. And since we’re not God, we then have to resort to lying, manipulation and other un-godlike behaviour. There is no room for another God; it’s either we submit and let God do His thing, or we step into His place and take over.