THE GOD OF PADDAN ARAM (II)

(JACOB BUILDS HIS WEALTH)

GENESIS 30:25-31:55

KEY VERSE 31:13

** WHEN MAY I DO SOMETHING FOR MY OWN HOUSEHOLD? (30:25-43)

Why did Jacob want to leave Paddan Aram? Why did Leah want him to remain? What was Jacob's new direction (25-30)?

 

What were the terms of the new contract? How did Laban try to take advantage of Jacob (31-36)? 

What did Jacob do to improve the quality of his stock and increase the number of flocks and herds (37-43)? 

Look at 31:1-12.  What do Jacob's words to Rachel and Leah tell us about Laban's continued treachery and about how Jacob became wealthy in spite of this? What can we learn here about Jacob?

 

Look at 31:38-42.  What do Jacob's words to Laban tell us about his life as a servant in Laban's house? What does this life tell us about the man Jacob?

 

** JACOB FLEES FROM PADDAN ARAM (31:1-3; 13-17; 43:-55)

Why did Jacob decide to leave Paddan Aram? (31:1-3; 13-16) What was the importance of his vow at Bethel in his life? Why was it necessary that he return?

 

How did Jacob attempt to deceive Laban? Why did he flee in this way? Why did Rachel steal her father's gods? What does this show about that household?  About Rachel? 

When Laban caught up with Jacob, why did he not harm himi? How did he rebuke him? Of what did he accuse Jacob? How did Jacob explain his sudden departure? What can you learn here about God's faithfulness?

When Laban's search for the gods proved fruitless, how did Jacob rebuke him? (36-37, (38-42)) 

Describe the treaty in which they made at their parting.  Why would it be difficult for Jacob ever to return to Paddan Aram? What do these events reveal about Jacob's character?  Think about his strengths and weaknesses? What do these events teach us about God?