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Nonidentical Twins, February 23
Genesis 25:19-28
And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field;
and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.
Genesis 25:27
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Jacob and Esau, the twin sons of Isaac, present a striking contrast, both in
character and in life.... Esau grew up loving self-gratification and centering all
his interest in the present. Impatient of restraint, he delighted in the wild freedom
of the chase, and early chose the life of a hunter. Yet he was the father’s favorite.
The quiet, peace-loving shepherd was attracted by the daring and vigor of this
elder son, who fearlessly ranged over mountain and desert, returning home with
game for his father and with exciting accounts of his adventurous life.
Jacob, thoughtful, diligent, and care-taking, ever thinking more of the future
than the present, was content to dwell at home, occupied in the care of the
flocks and the tillage of the soil. His patient perseverance, thrift, and foresight
were valued by the mother. His affections were deep and strong, and his gentle,
unremitting attentions added far more to her happiness than did the boisterous
and occasional kindnesses of Esau....
Jacob had learned from his mother of the divine intimation that the birthright
should fall to him, and he was filled with an unspeakable desire for the privileges
which it would confer. It was not the possession of his father’s wealth that he
craved; the spiritual birthright was the object of his longing. To commune with
God as did righteous Abraham, to offer the sacrifice of atonement for his family,
to be the progenitor of the chosen people and of the promised Messiah, and to
inherit the immortal possessions embraced in the blessings of the covenant—here
were the privileges and honors that kindled his most ardent desires....
But while he thus esteemed eternal above temporal blessings, Jacob had not
an experimental knowledge of the God whom he revered. His heart had not
been renewed by divine grace. He believed that the promise concerning himself
could not be fulfilled so long as Esau retained the rights of the first-born, and
he constantly studied to devise some way whereby he might secure the blessing
which his brother held so lightly, but which was so precious to himself
[61]
46
Ibid., 177-179
.
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