Lesson 22-23 – Genesis 28–33

Ladders and In-Laws

Jacob’s Ladder (Gen 28:12)• What do we know about ladders?

– They have rungs– They help you move upwards– They get you over a wall– They need a sturdy foundation

• Angels of God ascending and descending– Must be a connection between heaven and

earth of some sort

• Gen 28:16-17. What does the ladder represent?– The Temple

• What are the rungs on the ladder?– Covenants (done in the temple)

Jacob’s Ladder (Gen 28:12)

“Paul ascended into the third heavens, and he could understand the three principal rounds of Jacob’s ladder—the telestial, the terrestrial, and the celestial glories or kingdoms” - Joseph Smith

Jacob’s Ladder

• Gen 28:15, 20-21– Covenant between God and

Jacob– Remember these promises…– Afterwards, Jacob builds an

altar. Seems to be a common practice after dealing with the Lord

• Jacob named the place Beth-el. What does it mean?– Beth = “House”– El = “God” (think Elohim)

Jacob’s trip to Haran

• Esau wants to kill his Brother (Gen 27:41)– Any case he had is now down the drain

• Meets Rachel at the well (Gen 29)• Marries her (and Leah) – we know that story,

but it’s kind of a sign of things to come• Gen 30-31 – Basically problems with the in-laws.

Jacob is blessed, Laban tries to take advantage of it.

• They decide to leave secretly (after 20 years)

The trip back

• Jacob heads back, Laban chases after them.

• Jacob is fed up (31:36-38)• They eventually reconcile

(Gen 31:43-44)– Another pile of rocks. It

seems to represent where covenants are made.

– How is this covenant different?

The trip back

• Jacob sends messengers ahead• Gen 32:6

– Esau is coming with 400 men, probably to kill him.

• What does Jacob do? (v7-20)– Split into 2 bands– Prayed, reminded God of

Abrahamic covenant– Sent groups ahead to bear gifts,

offer servitude• Esau finally meets up and

what happens?

Reconciliation

What do we learn from Jacob’s Journey?

• It seems a lot of growth happens during long travels. (symbolism? who else?)– Jacob sees God “face to face” (Gen 32:30)– Jacob’s name is changed to Israel (Gen 32:28)

• Time heals wounds– Jacob stayed away for 20 years. Esau probably thought his

return was forgiveness and was grateful.– What a shame that quick judgment caused the rift in the

first place. They were twin brothers; they did truly love each other

– Why wait for separation to give us perspective?

Jacob’s Preparation

• Jacob feared the worst. What can we learn from his preparation?– Trust in the Lord and His promises– Do everything we can anyway– Fervent prayer/connection with God

• It’s still a hard thing to face the unknown.

Notebook Ideas

• What “unknowns” are you afraid of? What can you do to prepare to meet them?

• How do the stories of Jacob and his family help you understand how to keep strong relationships with your own kin?

• What other symbols of the temple can you think of?