Guiding Questions: Genesis 25

This is part of the Tanakh Yomi Project.

  1. Genesis 25:1-6 confirm what inheritance line of descent for Abraham?
  2. The genealogy of Ishmael is set forth in Genesis 25:12–18 and then, in the next section, the genealogy of Isaac. Why this sequence?
  3. How many sons are ascribed to Ishmael (Genesis 25:13–15)? Is the number a coincidence?
  4. How does Isaac’s family life parallel Abraham’s?
  5. Does text indicate when or how Rivkah “consults God,” and is there a male accompaniment – Isaac or other?
  6. Genesis 25:23 predicts what as to Isaac’s prodigy – and how does this parallel Abraham’s children – or does it?
  7. If Genesis 25:23 has noted twins, why does Genesis 25:24 read as “a surprise”?
  8. What determines the names of the children – appearance and birth sequence or other?
  9. What is meant by “a dweller in tents”?
  10. Is a reason given why Rivkah loves Jacob?
  11. In Genesis 25:29, what is the meaning of “ayef” – in JPS translated as “famished”; elsewhere: “wounded and/or near death”?
  12. In the dialogue between Esau and Jacob (Genesis 25:31–33), why does Esau rank the birthright as inconsequential (“I am about to die”)?
  13. In Genesis 25:34, the text describes Esau as “spurning the birthright”; do you agree?
  14. Does text hint (let alone explicate) that either Rivkah or Isaac was aware of this “transaction”?
  15. How does this chapter (younger ranking the older) parallel in outcome the Ishmael – Isaac heritage story? How does it differ?

Author

  • Exploring Judaism

    Exploring Judaism is the digital home for Conservative/Masorti Judaism, embracing the beauty and complexity of Judaism, and our personal search for meaning, learning, and connecting. Our goal is to create content based on three core framing: Meaning-Making (Why?), Practical Living (How?), and Explainers (What?).

    View all posts

Perek Yomi materials originally produced by the USCJ and Dr. Morton K. Siegel.
We are grateful to be able to share this material.

Author

  • Exploring Judaism

    Exploring Judaism is the digital home for Conservative/Masorti Judaism, embracing the beauty and complexity of Judaism, and our personal search for meaning, learning, and connecting. Our goal is to create content based on three core framing: Meaning-Making (Why?), Practical Living (How?), and Explainers (What?).

Share This Post

Exploring Judaism Recent Posts

Find meaning in your inbox.

Subscribe to receive our latest content by email.

We won’t send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.
Got questions?