Nearly half the book of Genesis is devoted to the lives of Jacob and his twelve sons, who were important figures in the history of Israel and in the history of the Christian church. The account of their lives takes the term “dysfunctional family” to a new level, but God used this flawed clan as a beautiful canvas to portray His providence, judgment, and mercy.

In this study, John MacArthur guides readers through an in-depth look at the historical period beginning with Jacob’s first encounter with Rachel, continuing through their son Joseph’s captivity as an Egyptian slave, and concluding with the dramatic rescue of Jacob’s family. This study includes close-up examinations of Dinah (Jacob’s daughter), Judah, Tamar, and Pharaoh’s chief butler, as well as careful considerations of doctrinal themes such as “The Sovereignty of God” and “Finishing in Faith.”

The MacArthur Bible Studies provide intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture. Each guide incorporates extensive commentary, detailed observations on overriding themes, and probing questions to help you study the Word of God with guidance from John MacArthur.

This volume is available for purchase individually, or as part of the MacArthur Bible Studies Collection.

John MacArthur is the pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, as well as an author and conference speaker. John graduated from Talbot Theological Seminar and came to Grace Community Church in 1969. In 1985, John became president of The Master’s University. In 1986, John founded The Master’s Seminary, a graduate school dedicated to training men for full-time pastoral and missionary work. John has written hundreds of study guides and books, including the MacArthur Study Bible and MacArthur New Testament Commentary. John and his wife, Patricia, live in Southern California and have four married children and fifteen grandchildren.