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Genesis 25:20-34
20And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram, the sister to Laban the Syrian. 21And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. 22And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD. 23And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger. 24And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. 25And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau. 26And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob: and
Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them. 27And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents. 28And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob. 29And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: 30And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. 31And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. 32And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? 33And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. 34Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright. - KJV
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This video and commentary is brought to you by The Callividgraphy Musical Bible - Your source for New Christian Music Videos...
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Papa JoeMac's Corner Commentary - #14
Jacob and Esau (The Selling of a Birthright)
Genesis 25-33
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When I was growing up, my parents would tell me "you can make this easy or you can learn the hard way." Well, I must admit that too many times, I learned the hard way. Much like Esau did. There is some Esau in many of us today. Think not? Just look at the average credit card debit of the average family today. We have to have it now! We're pretty much willing to do whatever it takes to get it NOW! We'll make decisions on the spot to get what we want only to regret it later. Sound familiar? Sound like Esau? Yes, Esau is 'famous' for trading his birthright for a bowl of stew. A birthright was given to the firstborn son. As first born, the birthright gave the son a double portion of the family inheritance along with the honor of becoming the family's future leader. While the oldest son could sell his birthright or give it away, he also would give away both material goods and his leadership position. By trading his birthright, Esau showed complete disregard for the spiritual blessings that would have come his way if he had kept it.
The key to understanding Esau is to realize that although he was skilled and talented, he had several weaknesses that caused him much remorse. Esau looked at the short term; not the long term. He also failed to honor his mother and father's requests. Going against their request, Esau married pagan women, and this upset his parents greatly. Parents are a great source of insight because they can share their lifetime of experiences with their children. Additionally, parents have a special insight into their children's character. It is sometimes not easy to agree with our parents but we should always be willing to consider their inputs. I know as I grow older I find it interesting that my Dad was smarter than I once thought he was.
The Bible mentions Esau several times. I think Hebrews sums Esau's life up the best. "Try to live in peace with everyone, and seek to live a clean and holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you will miss out on the special favor of God. Watch out that no bitter root of unbelief rises up among you, for whenever it springs up many are corrupted by its poison. Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau. He traded his birthright as the oldest son for a single meal. And afterward, when he wanted his father's blessing, he was rejected. It was too late for repentance, even though he wept bitter tears" (Hebrews 12:14-17).
Esau's brother was Jacob. There are three very significant men in the God's plan: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. These godly men, as was ungodly Esau, are a lot like us. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were faithful and full of the desire to serve God, but they were also capable of deceit, lies, and selfishness. They all were trying to please God but often fell short - just as we do. God's plan included Jacob more in spite of some of the things Jacob did rather than because of what Jacob did. Jacob grew in the Lord as he matured. Do we mirror Jacob's progress? Jacob came out of the womb grasping the heel of Esau and after manipulating Esau with deceit and a bowl of stew he fled after gaining Esau's birthright.
How ironic that Jacob, who deceived Esau, was then deceived by Laban! For years Jacob worked for Laban so that he could marry Rachel. But Laban deceived Jacob and gave him Leah. Jacob then worked for another period of years for the hand of Rachel. We have to admire Jacob's perseverance! He was not afraid to work hard for what he desired and he stuck with it. Many of us could use those traits!
Jacob then had a tussle with God on the banks of the Jordan River. He struggled with God throughout the night and would not let go. Jacob had matured from grabbing the heel of Esau at birth to understanding that he had to grab onto God and could not let Him go. Jacob realized that he was dependent on God. Do we realize that or do we make decisions in our lives based on our own 'strength' without 'grabbing onto God' and praying about what God's will is for us?
The Scriptures give us great insight into the lives of Esau and Jacob. Both had weaknesses and both had strengths. Which of their traits does your life mirror? One who was impatient, went against his parent's wishes, and looked only at the short term while ignoring the long term impacts? Or one who grew in the Lord and matured from 'grabbing' to being 'grabbed'?
- - - Mr. Joseph Mcklemurry received his Masters in Biblical Studies with Trinity Seminary in Newburgh, Indiana and is an ordained minister serving as a praise and worship leader with Beautiful Feet Church in Fort Worth, Texas. |
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