The hope of Hagar, the joy of Sarah, and the audacity of Rebekah--the matriarchs of Genesis offer their lives as testimonies of faith, perseverance, and audacity. But they also teach us what not to do. The stories of Esau's and Jacob’s wives, for instance, challenge us to examine our prejudices and insecurities. And nearly all of the matriarchs have something to teach us about suffering.

Over five sessions, this study examines the matriarchs--their struggles, their triumphs, their lessons. From Hagar's encounter with God in the wilderness to Sarah's laughter when confronted by the prospect of a miracle to Rebekah's willingness to leave her homeland and start a new life, this study reexamines old and familiar stories. In the process, we will uncover some of the unsung accomplishments of these faith heroines.

A part of the NextSunday Resources line of adult Bible studies, The Matriarchs contains five lessons for use as individual study or group discussion. Each study contains lessons on the biblical material, combined with an additional commentary from an alternate, but complementary, viewpoint.

Materials Included

• 5 Sessions of Learner’s Materials

• 5 Sessions of Teaching Materials

• 5 Handouts

Materials Included

1. Hagar: Found by God

2. Sarah: Blessed with Laughter

3. Rebekah: A Servant Leader

4. Esau's Wives: Foriegners in God's Family

5. Leah and Rachel: Sisters and Rivals

Scriptures

1. Genesis 16:1-16

2. Genesis 18:9-15; 21:1-7

3. Genesis 24:1-4; 10-21; 50-61

4. Genesis 26:34-35; 27:46-28:3; 36:1-8

5. Genesis 29:15-30