Jacob and Esau Genesis 25:19-34; 27:1-47
Isaac and Rebekah were married, and for a while, they weren't able to have any children. But one day, Rebekah got pregnant and this time there were two baby boys inside of her. The Lord told Rebekah that there were two nations inside her. He also told her that the older one would serve the younger one.
As the boys were being born, the first one was red, and he was named Esau. The second one to be born was Jacob. As Jacob was being born, he was grabbing onto Esau's heel. His name was Jacob, which means 'grabber.'
Back in those days, the oldest son held the birthright. It entitled him to the largest share of his father's estate. Esau grew up to become a skilled hunter. One day, after hunting, Esau came in extremely hungry. He wanted Jacob to make him some soup. Jacob agreed, but he would do it in exchange for the birthright, that rightfully belonged to Esau. So Esau was able to eat a meal, but now his birthright was no longer his. He sold his birthright for a pot of soup! That was not a wise thing to do!
Even though Esau lost his birthright, Isaac still wanted him to have it. He wanted to give Esau his blessing before he died. While Esau was out hunting, Jacob decided to cover his hands and feet with goat hair, so that Isaac would think that Jacob was Esau! At this time, Isaac was old and blind. When it was time to go in for the blessing, Jacob tricked Isaac and told him that he was Esau! Isaac wanted him to come closer and he felt the hairy arms and assumed it really was Esau. Isaac, after being convinced that Jacob really was Esau, gave him the blessing that was intended for Esau. Not only did Jacob steal Esau's birthright, but now he also stole his blessing! How do you think Esau felt by now?
No comments:
Post a Comment