GOD WRESTLES WITH JACOB

Genesis 32:1-33:11                                                                                                     Key Verse 32:28

1. Skim through 32:1-23.  On his way, what did Jacob see (32:1)?  How did he respond to the sight (32:2)?  What problem did he have?  What measures did Jacob take to soothe his inner fear and distress (32:3-21)?  What shows that these measures did not solve his inner problem (32:22,23)?







2. Read verses 24 and 25.  Describe the wrestling match at night (24,25).  What does this show about Jacob's personality?  Why did God have to come in man's form and have a wrestling match with him? 






3. Read verses 26 through 28.  After match, what did he demand God to do (26b)?  How did God bless him (27,28)? 






4. What is the significance of his name change?  Why did Jacob ask God's name?  Why did Jacob call that place "Peniel"?  What happened to Jacob after he was changed into Israel (31)?






5. Skim through 33:1-11 and describe Israel's meeting with Esau.  Why did Jacob say that seeing Esau's face was like "seeing the face of God"?