Isaac was blessed with a beautiful wife who loved the LORD. Isaac inherited Abraham’s belongings. What follows is a complex family relationship.
Isaac was 40 years old when he married Rebekah. Rebekah, just like Sarah was barren and Isaac prayed to God for a child. It would take another 20 years for Rebekah to conceive.
Rebekah felt a struggle inside of her womb and asked the LORD what is happening here? If you think of it in modern terms you would go see a doctor. A doctor would tell you, “Oh its just the babies kicking.” God didn’t stop with a simple explanation. He told her what was going on and how it would continue into the future.
Genesis 25:23 “And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.”
Rebekah knew that there were two babies who would be different from one another. One would be stronger. But which one? Rebekah may have assumed that since the elder would serve the younger, then the younger would be stronger. Was she right? Read on.
Isaac was 60 years old when the twins were born. The first came out Red and Hairy. Like a child in a coat. His name was Esau. The second child came out with his hand on the heel of his brother.
As the brothers grew Esau became a cunning hunter and man of the fields. Jacob was plain and stayed close to the tents. Twins but completely different.
Isaac loved Esau, not just because he was the first son, but also because he was the strongest son. Rebekah love Jacob. Was this because the LORD had told her that Jacob would lead Esau? Read on.
Esau came in from the fields, was tired, and starving. Jacob had made a delicious meal. Esau begged Jacob for some food. Jacob hatched a plan. Sell me your birthright and you can eat. Esau didn’t want a birthright, so he sold it to Jacob.
That is not how birthrights work. A birthright is given to the first born male. It is more than possessions, it is the right to lead the family. The lie is between Esau and Jacob. Rebekah will be involved in the lie.
Isaac and Rebekah were godly parents and had taught their children of the covenant between Abraham and God. Abraham’s seed would possess Canaan and bring a savior to the world. Esau did not believe this covenant. When he was done eating he left without a care about the birthright.
Jacob was not mister squeaky clean. He had swindled Esau out of his birthright, and now he had to swindle his father.
Esau married two women at the same time, they were Canaanites that were condemned to Noah’s curse. Esau did not ask his parents permission to marry in such a way, and cared only for his own pleasures. He was removed from God and full of the wicked world.
Stay tuned for Part II.
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