1. Copy down the list of Jacob’s sons found in Genesis 35:23-26. Now compare this list to the names on the map. (Check you Bible for a map of the tribes of Israel.) Then compare both lists to the list found in Revelation 7:5-8.
2. Read Genesis 34:1-26. How do you think Dinah felt about Simeon and Levi’s actions? Read verses 27-29. How did the other brothers feel about Simeon and Levi’s plan? Read verses 30-31. What was Jacob’s take on the situation? How did Simeon and Levi feel about their own actions? Whose opinion really matters the most?
3. Contrast the brothers regard for Dinah with their regard for Joseph. What might cause this difference? Do you find such contrast in your relationships with your siblings?
4. For their wickedness, Judah’s first two sons were killed by God. Read Genesis 38:11-26. What do you think Judah meant by “She is more righteous than I”? How might Judah be contrasted with Joseph (see Genesis 39)?
5. Why do you think the story of Tamar was included in the Bible? (Here's a hint: look at Matthew 1:1-3)
6. Read Genesis 48:5-6, 22. Joseph received the double blessing usually reserved for the oldest son. Was this another display of Jacob’s favoritism? Why or why not?
7. Read Genesis 49:1-7.
Find Reuben, Simeon, and Levi on the map. Where is Levi?! Levi and Simeon did not have territory of their own (Simeon shared some of Judah’s land). Reuben’s tribe chose not to claim territory within the Promised Land. How do these things reflect Jacob’s words?
8. Read Genesis 49:8-12.
Judah received a great blessing while his 3 older brothers were passed over because of their deeds; yet Judah was also imperfect. Judah suggested selling Joseph and he slept with Tamar. Do you think Judah’s mis-doings were overlooked by Jacob?
9. Read Genesis 35:22. Reuben’s secret was found out, and it affected the future of his descendents. What other single acts can adversely affect someone’s future?
10. Reuben tried to protect his younger brother Joseph; Joseph was picked on by all his older brothers; Benjamin was protected as the baby; Judah spoke up for his brothers before Jacob and Pharaoh; Simeon and Levi got into trouble. Which brother do you best relate to? Have you seen these brothers in people you know today?
Famous Descenedants:
Of Dan - Samson
Of Levi - Moses, Aaron
Of Judah - Caleb, David, Jesus
Of Joseph - Joshua, Samuel
Of Benjamin - King Saul, Esther, Paul
