Jacob and Esau: A Tale of Two Brothers

Introduction:

The Old Testament is filled with many accounts which allow us to see symbolism that will later be described or expounded upon in the New Testament.

Romans 15:4 “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”

Jacob and Esau are a cautionary tale of those who are worldly in their thinking and do not think about that which is to come.

Let’s Take time to consider the account and then the application for us today.

Discussion:

The Account

There are several factors to this account

Isaac was old and it was time to ensure that his home was secure (Genesis 27:1).

The first born would take the double portion of the inheritance.

The younger would be, as in the line of kings, a lower rank.

Isaac did not either know or listen to the prophesy of the Lord (Genesis 25:22-23).

Rebekah jumped into action to ensure the Lord’s prophesy came to pass (Genesis 27:5).

Rebekah planned this meticulously (Genesis 27:6-17).

Jacob fools Isaac (Genesis 27:18-29)

Esau’s rejection and reaction (Genesis 27:30-40)

Esau identifies himself, in a way, incorrectly (Genesis 27:32).

Esau was wrong to suggest that Jacob took the birthright from him (Genesis 27:36)

Esau is established as servant to his brother (Genesis 27:39-40).

Esau followed in the line of Cain (Genesis 27:41). The account of Jacob and Esau really begins with a look at their parents

These people built this situation by their character traits:

Isaac was a very passive character by storytelling means.

He was passive with his father’s offering him as a sacrifice (he was likely 18-40 years old in this account; Genesis 22:6-10).

He was passive in finding his wife (a servant was sent to find one for him; Genesis 24:6).

He was passive in the reaction to King Abimelech (Genesis 26:6-9).

He was passive in the end with Esau and Jacob (Genesis 27:37).

Rebekah was a very active character taking charge and leading changes when need be.

She was active when watering the camels (Genesis 24:43-46).

She was active when she left home to meet her new husband (Genesis 24:57-61).

She was active in securing Jacob’s future (Genesis 27:5).

These character traits are seen also in each parent’s favorite child

Esau was a man who was focused on the here and now and not in relation to the future and Jacob’s favorite son (Genesis 25:28).

This is seen in Esau’s selling his birthright (Genesis 25:29-30; 32-33).

This is seen in Esau’s choices in wives (Genesis 26:34-35).

This is seen in Esau’s reaction to the loss of the blessing (Genesis 27:36).

Jacob, while a softer man, was a man that was cunning and quick thinking especially with his future.

He was quick thinking regarding the birthright (Genesis 26:31).

He was quick thinking regarding the plot from Rebekah (Genesis 27:11-12).

The Application

Lessons from the parents

Deception leads to many dangers and damages relationships that we have:

Proverbs 12:22 “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.”

Genesis 27:41 “So Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him, and Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”

God uses flawed individuals to accomplish His will

Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

2 Chronicles 36:22–23 “Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth the Lord God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah. Who is among you of all His people? May the Lord his God be with him, and let him go up!” (Cyrus)

2 Samuel 11-12 (David)

Lessons from the sons

A mind that is focused only on our urges, will lead to ruin

1 Corinthians 6:12–13 “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.”

Galatians 6:8 “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”

Manipulation may seem to yield desired outcomes, but it often leads to negative repercussions and fractured relationships (Hosea 10:12–13 “Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the Lord, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you. You have plowed wickedness; You have reaped iniquity. You have eaten the fruit of lies, Because you trusted in your own way, In the multitude of your mighty men.”)

A lack of gratitude and value of our blessings often leads to their loss:

Hebrews 12:16–17 “lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.”

Matthew 25:28–29 “So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.”