Genesis 25:19-34
Q.1. What lengthy trial preceded the time when Rebekah conceived? Who was given a prophecy about the children to be born, and why? How did the twins get their names? (Gen.25:19-26)
Isaac was a godly man. He and Rebekah had married when he was forty years of age. However, no children were born to them until Isaac was sixty years old (Gen.25:20 c.f. Gen.25:26). Unlike Abraham who had a child with Sarah’s servant, – Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord answered him and Rebekah his wife conceived (Gen.25:21). It is noteworthy that Isaac’s prayer was not answered for almost twenty years. This reveals the importance of never giving up with our prayers. Rebekah also was a godly person. It is recorded – But the children struggled together within her; and she said, “If it is so, why then am I this way?” So she went to inquire of the Lord (Gen.25:22). The Lord gave her an astounding prophecy – she was to have twins who would become two nations, and the older would serve the younger (Gen.25:23). The first child born was covered with red hair, so they called him Esau (Gen.25:25). Jacob followed – … with his hand holding on to Esau’s heel, so his name was called Jacob … (Gen.25:26). His name means to take the place of, usurp or replace.
Q.2. How did the brothers relate to their parents? How did Jacob gain the birthright? What did this reveal about Jacob and Esau? (Gen.25:27-34 c.f. Heb.12:16-17)
Esau was a ‘man’s man’. He was rugged, hairy, and a skilful hunter, and – Isaac loved him (Gen.25:27-28). Jacob was Rebekah’s favourite. No doubt she was drawn to God’s anointed, because – it was said to her- ‘the older will serve the younger’ (Rom.9:10-12). Jacob would have known about the prophecy. He left no stone unturned, to ensure that it came true. He was always looking for an occasion to take the birthright. When the opportunity arose, he made Esau swear by solemn oath to sell his birthright for a bowl of red stew (Gen.25:29-33). The incident was well known, for Esau was known as Edom (meaning red) from that time on, because of the red stew (Gen.25:30; 27:36). Jacob had a lot to learn. However – Esau despised his birthright (Gen.25:33-34). God hated Esau’s indifference to His blessing and warned – 16 that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears (Heb.12:16-17 c.f. Rom.9:13).