1. Discuss the concept of hermeneutics. Over 50% of hermeneutics is asking the right question. This is more important than answering questions. We should try to ask the questions that the author wants us to ask. In Genesis 32, the analyst can ask historical interpretation (historical and geographical) questions and questions of literary analysis. For this review, grammatical interpretation will not be done.

2. Discuss the historical questions that can be asked on Genesis 32. The historical questions are as follows. First, why is Jacob making this journey? He is returning home to his father and faimily about twenty years after his conflict with Esau. In Genesis 31:13, Jacob is told to return home from what today is modern-day Syria. Second, why is he afraid of Esau? Jacob is afraid because he had cheated his brother out of his birthright and blessing. The firstborn normally got more possessions than the others, and he also usually took the leadership of the family. The "blessing" confirmed or denied what was to actually be passed to the firstborn. It was oral, legally binding, and could not be revoked. Third, what preparation did Jacob make as he got nearer to Esau? Jacob divided his entourage into two separate groups and sent them along different paths. He also sent his servants out in layers, each bearing gifts. That way, if trouble erupted, he might have a better chance to escape.

3. Discuss the geographical questions that can be asked on Genesis 32. The geographical questions are as follows. First, where is Jacob coming from? He is coming from the north, down the Fertile Crescent (part Israel, part Iraq), from about 300 miles away. Second, where is he going? Jacob intended to return home to his father between Hebron and Mamre (both on the Way of the Patriarchs).

4. Discuss the literary analysis questions that can be asked on Genesis 32. Some of the literary questions (why the author wrote the way he did) are as follows. First, is there any particular emphasis in Genesis 32? The answer is yes. Outside the prayer in Psalm 32:7, Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed. The Bible, in Genesis 32:9 and 32:12, shows that Jacob quoted God twice in his prayer (a book ending, inclusive, or inclusio) and that he is trusting God to do what He had said He would do. Second, does the plot help in the characterization of Jacob? Yes, Jacob implied that he is doing God's Will and that God should help him. Basically, he is telling God that He owes him, and God did what Jacob wanted. Third, what does Jacob do after his prayer is answered? Jacob continues to lie to Esau about his traveling intentions. He let Esau go ahead, and then, he went south and settled in Sheckem where he also bought some land. He stayed in Sheckem instead of going directly to his father. In all, Jacob behaved very cowardly. In Genesis 35:2, there is evidence that his family (especially Rachel) even had idols.

5. Discuss the applications that can be made from Genesis 32. In making the application, remember to focus on only one question. For Genesis 32, the application might be: (1) biblical prayers can be models, even parts of Genesis 32, (2) motivation is a part of prayer, and right motives (maybe not seen entirely in Jacob because he put everything on God and little on himself) are important, and (3) to look at the validity of self-interest prayers. These are not altogether bad unless carried to an extreme.

6. Discuss intertextuality. Intertextuality means one Bible text that is dependent upon another. Psalm 60:6-8 can be better understood when the reader is familiar with Genesis 32. In Psalm 60:6-8, the verses mention three sets of three. The first set is Sheckem, Succoth, and Gilead, and these areas relate back to Jacob's return from Syria. The second set is Manasseh, Ephraim (both were northern tribes), and Judah (southern tribes). The third set is Moab, Edom, and Philistia, all pagan nations outside of Israel. In Psalm 60, God is basically saying that He had control over all of these areas.

6. State the case study for Lesson 16. Read Judges 17-21 and look for instances of sentence and clause repetition.

				Tom of Bethany

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