Chapter 16—Jacob and Esau
This chapter is based on
Genesis 25:19-24
;
27
.
Jacob and Esau, the twin sons of Isaac, present a striking contrast,
both in character and in life. This unlikeness was foretold by the angel
of God before their birth. When 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 that the younger would
have the pre-eminence.
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. To Rebekah,
Jacob was the dearer son.
The promises made to Abraham and confirmed to his son were
held by Isaac and Rebekah as the great object of their desires and
hopes. With these promises Esau and Jacob were familiar. They 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.
On the other hand, there were obligations resting upon the possessor
of the birthright. He who should inherit its blessings must devote his
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