Chapter 16—Jacob and Esau
This chapter is based on
Genesis 25:19-34
;
27
.
Jacob and Esau, the twin sons of Isaac, present a striking contrast
in character and in life. This unlikeness was foretold by the angel of
God before their birth. 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 the pre-eminence.
Esau grew up loving self-gratification, centering all his interest
in the present. Impatient of restraint, he delighted in the chase and
the life of a hunter. Yet he was the father’s favorite. This elder son
fearlessly ranged over mountain and desert, returning home with game
and exciting accounts of his adventurous life.
Jacob, thoughtful, diligent, ever thinking more of the future than
the present, was content to dwell at home, occupied in the care of
the flocks and tillage of the soil. His patient perseverance, thrift, and
foresight were valued by the mother. 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. He who received it was to be the
priest of his family, and in the line of his posterity the Redeemer of
the world would come.
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On the other hand, there were obligations resting upon the posses-
sor of the birthright. He who should inherit 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 a reli-
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