Genesis 32 · For teachers and parents

Answer Key: Jacob Wrestles with God

Answers here are a guide. Welcome any answer that shows a child is thinking about the story, and celebrate their effort. Talk About It questions are open, so they have no set answers.

PreschoolJacob Holds On

angelsunramcamel

Coloring and finding page: any careful coloring is a win. Help your child point to and name each picture above.

KindergartenHold On

ANGEL → picture 3SUNRISE → picture 1RAM → picture 4CAMEL → picture 2

Grade 1A New Name

Jacob prayed → picture 2Gifts for Esau → picture 4Jacob wrestled → picture 1The sun rose → picture 3

Order:

1. Jacob went on his way2. Then Jacob was greatly afraid and was distressed3. Jacob was left alone4. Jacob called the name of the place Peniel

Grade 2Jacob's New Name

Who was coming to meet Jacob? Esau, with 400 men (circle)
What did Jacob do when he was afraid? He prayed (and sent presents to Esau).
How long did Jacob wrestle? All night long (circle)
What did Jacob say he wanted? A blessing (circle)
What was Jacob's new name? Israel (circle)

Grade 3Israel

What does Mahanaim mean? Two camps
Why was Jacob afraid? Esau was coming with four hundred men.
What did Jacob say about himself in his prayer? He was not worthy of all God's kindness and faithfulness.
What did the man do to Jacob's hip? He touched it (and put it out of joint), so Jacob limped.
What did Jacob name the place, and why? Peniel, because he had seen God face to face and lived

1: Jacob went on his way2: Then Jacob was greatly afraid and was distressed3: Jacob was left alone4: Jacob called the name of the place Peniel

Grade 4Wrestling and Blessing

What four parts are in Jacob's prayer? He addressed God, remembered God's promises, confessed his unworthiness, and asked for help.
What did Jacob do differently this time to get a blessing? He clung to God and asked for it instead of grabbing it by trickery.
What does the name Israel mean? He struggles with God
Why might God have left Jacob with a limp? To make him weak so he would depend on God.

Word bank: 1. pray; 2. angel; 3. God; 4. Israel

Think About It: answers will vary. Look for answers that connect to the passage.

Grade 5Prevailing by Clinging

How did God encourage Jacob before Esau arrived? He sent angels to meet him at Mahanaim.
What elements make Jacob's prayer a model for us? Appealing to God's promises, humble confession of unworthiness, and bold request for help
How does the hip injury show who was really in control? The man could end the struggle with a touch; God was in control.
Why was it significant that Jacob had to say his name? He had to confess Jacob (heel-grabber), the name he once denied to Isaac, before receiving a new name.
How does 2 Corinthians 12:10 connect to Jacob's limp? God's strength is shown in our weakness; when we are weak, we are strong in Him.

Think About It: answers will vary. Look for answers that connect to the passage.