Genesis Challenge | Chapter 36: Esau’s Lack of Faith

Genesis Challenge | Chapter 36: Esau’s Lack of Faith

Genesis 36 provides a contrast between the descendants of Israel (Jacob) and the descendants of Esau. On the surface, Genesis seems to show Jacob’s faith and Esau’s lack of faith.  It would be easy to say that Jacob’s descendants were people of faith and Esau’s were ungodly, but this contrast is too simple. Jacob’s own sons were often far from being godly (remember chapter 34) and there may have been some God-fearers among Esau’s descendants, who were after all, of the line of Abraham and Isaac as well. For instance, among that list of Esau’s many descendants in this chapter, you will encounter names like Eliphaz and Jobab. It is not certain, but it is a possibility that these are the same men we meet in the book of Job later in scripture, although there is a different Jobab mentioned in Genesis 10:29. At the very least, we can see that these names were common in the times of the Patriarchs.

For your journal

As you work your way through this chapter, use these four questions as guides for discovery and personal growth:

• Find at least one new fact.
• Discover at least one cultural difference between times in Genesis and our own culture.
• Pinpoint any faith principles you see.
• Select one attitude, behavior, or action that you want to apply in your own life.

You will find it helpful to keep a journal or log to record your thoughts, questions, and findings. As you read, I hope you will join me in sharing some of what you are learning on the Aspect Ministries Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/aspectministries/.