Discussion Questions – Genesis 34-36

1. What was the nature of the world in which and his family lived? How is our world different? The same?

2. What was Jacob’s response when he discovered what had happened to his daughter ? (34:5) What was the response of Dinah’s brothers when they found out? What is God’s view of what happened to Dinah?

3. Who demonstrates the greater evil in this incident—the Shechemites or the children of the patriarch Jacob? What was Jacob’s concern after it was all over? How often is God mentioned in Chapter 34? What does this say to you? 4. What is the importance of Bethel and what is the significance of God sending Jacob there? Why did Jacob collect and bury the idols his household brought along from their old life in Paddan ? What does the setting up of the pillar signify? How are these things significant to you and me today?

5. What is the implication of God changing Jacob’s name to Israel? What did God promise him and his offspring? Does the reason for Jacob’s name change have any significance for you?

6. This section ends with death and sin among those God has sovereignly chosen to receive his promise, as well as the listing of the Generations of , who spurned his birthright and tried to live without reference to God. Given the similarities, what is the difference between the two people groups and what is God revealing to us in this portion of scripture?