Introduction to Library EditionJacob came from a famous flawed family of faith: five generations with the hero Jacob in the middle.This book presents Jacob's story in 42 daily parts. You can read it all at once or study it one day at a time. The content comes from the book of Genesis.Jacob shows how an imperfect man of faith may be loved by God. Discover your possibilities in this six week small group Bible study guide. This guide follows the choices of Jacob's family. How might you handle similar situations in your life?Each day has a setting summary from Jacob's life with the Scripture reference and an approximate date. The key verse leads to a discussion question. If short on time, read the key verse and question.Genesis describes in broad terms how God created the earth with a special emphasis on human race.In the early years, people enjoyed long lifespans. Before the Flood, they lived for centuries. You can read about that in Genesis 1-11. After God sent the Flood in the days of Noah, lifespans changed.Genesis 12-50 is a transition period during the five generations of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and his sons. Lifespans declined but not immediately.By the time of Moses (Exodus) and later David, typical lifespans were about 70 years with an upper end being about 120 years – much like it is today.The story of Jacob is found in Genesis 25-50. He lived in that ancient historical transition period of the patriarchs. Back then, men in their 60s and 70s appear to have had the strength and energy of today's middle aged men in their 40s and 50s.Men in the ancient Middle East searched for food, built shelters, and protected their families. Women had few choices. Loving fathers married off their daughters when they reached child bearing age. Otherwise girls became servants or concubines.Jacob, also called Israel, may refer to the nation in the Bible. This study guide looks at Jacob the man.In this study, you can discuss how you've handled the life choices that Jacob and his family faced.The advantage of doing an individual Bible study is that you can concentrate on private issues.The advantage of doing a group Bible study is that you progress more quickly in your walk of faith.God uses those around you to encourage you and to help you with changes you may wish to make. You may be the person God uses to help others.
