Jacob & Esau

Some interesting things to note as you read through this story:

Twin Boys

Rebekah is barren for 20 years. When she finally conceives, she has an issue with her pregnancy. There’s more activity in the womb than normal so she goes to the LORD to inquire about it. Ultrasounds were not a thing back then so to be told you have twins AND they are boys AND the older will serve the younger is quite a big deal. (Side note: Abraham is still alive during this time and doesn’t die until the twins are 15.)

Birthrights and Blessings were a big deal too. Here are the differences:

Birthright – double portion of the inheritance. Think land, crops, livestock, etc. Usually went to the firstborn son. He would also typically receive the status as Head of Household.

Blessing – this is like a last will and testament. It can go to the firstborn only or be divided up among children. These were typically spiritual blessings.

Usually the two go together for the firstborn but as we see in this story, Jacob ended up with both. One was sold to him by Esau and the other was taken by deception. Later in the narrative you will see Jacob divide these two things between his 12 sons before he dies in Egypt.

When Jacob walks into Isaac’s tent posing as Esau, Isaac asks “Who are you?” He replies, “I am Esau.” Even though Jacob sounds like himself, he feels like and smells like Esau so Isaac goes with his senses instead of the Spirit and makes the decision to bless Jacob. 20 years later when Jacob is wrestling for a blessing from God, God asks the same question of him. At that time Jacob gives an honest response and God gives him a blessing and new name…Israel.

A Dream, A Ladder and A Blessing

Before Jacob is sent away, Isaac prays the blessing of Abraham over him.

While Jacob is on his way he stops at “a place”, takes a stone from “the place” and then lies down in “the place”. This place, formerly known as Luz, is now called Bethel, the House of God. Abraham had been here before and set up an alter to the LORD. Now God meets Jacob in this same “place” and gives him the blessing of Abraham.

The angels of God were ascending and descending on the ladder in Jacob’s dream. Jesus makes reference to this when he tells Nathaniel in John 1:51 … “Very truly I tell you, you will see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

A Bride Switch

Back then the wedding ceremonies lasted for a week. Jacob had to “finish the week” of Leah before he could get married to Rachel as well. That’s two weddings back to back. Now the race is on for children.

The 12 sons of Jacob/Israel are brought to us by 4 women (2 sisters and their maids). It’s quite a soap opera!