Jacob and Esau

Jacob & Esau

Summary:

·         Promises of God made to Abraham were handed down to Isaac and then to Jacob, although Jacob was the younger of the two sons (you will be the father of many nations.  I will give you this land)

·         Jacob had a life-long reputation as a schemer and deceiver, yet he was the person chosen by God and was blessed

·         Even though Jacob was chosen by God, his family had jealousy, anger, deceit and other issues

·         Jacob’s name was changed to Israel, and his sons became the originators of the tribes of the nations of Israel

·         God will not give up on you despite your behavior as long as you keep on trying

·         God’s will is the force that shapes the actions and outcomes of the story.  Mideast custom would dictate that the older son would prevail, though God has chosen the younger to fulfill the promise.  Illustrates God’s intervention and control over the world/man/nature.

 

Abraham wanted to make sure Isaac does not marry a Canaanite (worship many Gods) and that he is married before his death.  He sent his servant back to his homeland to bring back a wife for Isaac (Genesis 24).  The servant decides that Rebekah, the kind one, is the one that God wants (Gen 24:12-21

Twenty years later, they still have no children so Isaac prays to God for a child.  Again, the ones chosen by God are unable to have children and need God’s intervention for help.  Reinforces God’s power over man.  She becomes pregnant with twins…Esau and Jacob.

Even while pregnant, the babies struggle within her.  God told Rebekah she was carrying two nations and that they would continue to struggle after they were born (Gen 25).  Esau was born first.  He is a man’s man and Daddy’s favorite.  Sportsman, but a bit of a dumb jock.  Jacob is born hanging on to the heel of Esau.  He grows up hanging around the tent and being a Momma’s boy.  He is a trickster.

 

Two Key Moments:

·         Jacob extorts Esau out of his birthright (which entitles him to 2x the inheritance) with soup   Genesis 25:29-34

·         Jacob follows his mom’s instructions to trick his Dad into giving the second born son the family blessing (which cannot be revoked)  Genesis 27:1-30

Esau is ready to kill his brother when Dad passes away. Rebekah hears this and arranges with Isaac for Jacob to make a quick exit to go find a wife in her homeland (not of Canaan-worship many Gods).  When Esau hears Mom and Dad have sent Jacob away with a blessing, he marries his 3rd Canaan woman.

 

Jacob’s Dream   Genesis 28:10-22

Jacob is alone.  His family is no longer with him; he is on the run from his blemished past. He has not lived up to his father’s expectations, his parents are divided on how to handle their children and his dad is angry and disappointed at being deceived.  His Mom must be worried about his safety.  His brother wants him dead.  Ever been there?  Embarrassed about your past?  Feel alone?

God speaks to him for the first time in his life (Genesis 28:12-15)

He says he will fulfill his covenant through Jacob:

·         I am going to follow through on my promises to give you a homeland and blessed offspring

Jacob is aware of God’s presence.  God fulfills his promises through mistake-prone people. God will not give up on you. 

God is always there for you.  Jacob makes a vow.  Genesis 28:18-22    Spiritual awakening takes place.