FAITH ICONS: JACOB (Part 5 of 6)
Genesis 25:19-34
The Lord responded to Rebekah about her difficult pregnancy in v. 23: “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older one will serve the younger.”
Genesis 25:19-34
The Lord responded to Rebekah about her difficult pregnancy in v. 23: “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older one will serve the younger.”
Twin boys, born over 3,500 years ago, launched today’s current events. Faith icons Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are patriarchs of the Christian belief. The two nations in Rebekah’s womb fathered different peoples. Esau became the father of the Edomites (Genesis 36:43). His little brother, Jacob, became father of the Israelites (Genesis 32:28). Israelite kings ruled over the Edomites (Genesis 36:31). But let's start this story at the beginning.
The boys were total opposites. Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country. Jacob was a quiet man, staying among the tents. Since their Dad, Isaac, enjoyed eating wild game, he loved Esau. Their Mom, Rebekah, loved Jacob (Genesis 25:27-28).
One day, Esau, weary and hungry from hunting, said, “Give me some stew, Jacob.”
“First, sell me your birthright.” Jacob bribed. (The birthright was a very big deal. The oldest son inherited the bulk of his Father’s estate, and became leader of the family).They argued, and finally Esau swore an oath to sell Jacob his birthright. (Genesis 25:29-34).
Later, Rebekah overheard Isaac ask Esau to prepare him fresh game. He promised to give Esau his blessing afterwards. (Genesis 28:7). Rebekah commanded Jacob to beat Esau into receiving Isaac’s blessing. Jacob deceived his Dad by playing the role of Esau (even wearing his clothes). Afterwards, Isaac gave Jacob his blessing—that made Jacob master over Esau. (Genesis 27:27-29).
Esau returned with food for his Dad, and asked for his blessing. After learning about Jacob’s deception, Isaac wondered what to do.
Esau demanded, “Bless me, too!”
Isaac blessed Esau, but as Jacob’s servant. Esau became incensed. First Jacob took his birthright, then stole his blessing! Esau wanted to kill Jacob. (Genesis 27:32-41).
Isaac sent Jacob to Uncle Leban, (Rebekah’s brother), to find a wife. (Genesis 28:1-5). Esau went to Uncle Ishmael, (Isaac’s half-brother), and married Ishmael’s daughter. (Genesis 28:6-9). Jacob and Esau prospered in separate lands (Genesis 36:5-8), were reunited in peace (Genesis 33:1-4), and buried Isaac together (Genesis 35:29).Take Home Nugget
Jacob wrestled all night with “man” in Genesis 32:24-28. “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.” Israel is father of the Jewish nation.
Christianity owes its belief and faith to Jacob (Israel), and the Jewish nation. Jesus descended from King David, (Matthew 1:6, 16). Jewish men wrote the Bible. The only exception is the gentile physician, Luke. He wrote the books Luke, and Acts in the Bible's New Testament.Israel means ‘he struggles with God’.
J.D. Griffith
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