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Jacob and Esau
This chapter is based on Genesis 25:19-34; 27.
Jacob and Esau, the twin sons of Isaac, present a sharp contrast
in character and in life. Before their birth, the angel of God foretold
how different from each other they would be. In answer to Rebekah’s
troubled prayer, he declared that two sons would be given her. He
opened to her their future history, that each would become the head
of a mighty nation but that one would be greater than the other, and
the younger would have prominence.
Esau grew up loving to please himself, centering all his interest
in living for today. Unhappy with restraint, he delighted in the chase
and the life of a hunter, yet he was his father’s favorite. This elder
son fearlessly ranged over mountain and desert, returning home with
game and exciting accounts of his adventurous life.
Jacob, who was thoughtful, diligent, and always thinking more of
the future than the present, was content to live at home, occupied in
caring for the flocks and working the soil. His mother valued his pa-
tient perseverance, thrift, and foresight. His gentle attentions added
more to her happiness than the boisterous, occasional kindnesses of
Esau. To Rebekah, Jacob was the dearer son.
Esau and Jacob were taught to regard the birthright as a matter of
great importance, for it included not only an inheritance of worldly
wealth, but spiritual pre-eminence. The one who received it was
to be the priest of his family, and in the line of his descendants the
Redeemer of the world would come.
On the other hand, certain obligations rested on the possessor
of the birthright. The one who inherited its blessings must devote
his life to the service of God. In marriage, in his family relations, in
public life, he must consult the will of God.
Isaac made known to his sons these privileges and conditions
and plainly stated that Esau as the eldest was the one entitled to
the birthright. But Esau had no love for devotion, no inclination to
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