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Genesis 25:23
Verse
Context
Jacob and Esau
22But the children inside her struggled with each other, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So Rebekah went to inquire of the LORD, 23and He declared to her: “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.”
Sermons
Chuck Missler
J. Vernon McGee
Dave Hunt
Otto Koning
Chuck Smith
Don McClure
George FoxSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Two nations are in thy womb - "We have," says Bishop Newton, "in the prophecies delivered respecting the sons of Isaac, ample proof that these prophecies were not meant so much of single persons as of whole nations descended from them; for what was predicted concerning Esau and Jacob was not verified in themselves, but in their posterity. The Edomites were the offspring of Esau, the Israelites were of Jacob; and who but the Author and Giver of life could foresee that two children in the womb would multiply into two nations? Jacob had twelve sons, and their descendants were all united and incorporated into one nation; and what an overruling providence was it that two nations should arise from the two sons only of Isaac! and that they should be two such different nations! The Edomites and Israelites have been from the beginning two such different people in their manners, customs, and religion, as to be at perpetual variance among themselves. The children struggled together in the womb, which was an omen of their future disagreement; and when they grew up to manhood, they manifested very different inclinations. Esau was a cunning hunter, and delighted in the sports of the field; Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents - minding his sheep and his cattle. The religion of the Jews is well known; but whatever the Edomites were at first, in process of time they became idolaters. When Amaziah king of Judah overthrew them, he brought their gods, and set them up to be his gods. The king of Edom having refused a passage to the Israelites through his territories on their return from Egypt, the history of the Edomites afterwards is little more than the history of their wars with the Jews." The one people shall be stronger than the other people - The same author continues to observe, that "for some time the family of Esau was the more powerful of the two, there having been dukes and kings in Edom before there was any king in Israel; but David and his captains made an entire conquest of the Edomites, slew several thousands of them, and compelled the rest to become tributaries, and planted garrisons among them to secure their obedience. In this state of servitude they continued about one hundred and fifty years, without a king of their own, being governed by deputies or viceroys appointed by the kings of Judah; but in the days of Jehoram they revolted, recovered their liberties, and set up a king of their own. Afterwards Amaziah, king of Judah, gave them a total overthrow in the valley of Salt; and Azariah took Elath, a commodious harbor on the Red Sea, from them. Judas Maccabeus also attacked and defeated them with a loss of more than twenty thousand at two different times, and took their chief city Hebron. At last Hyrcanus his nephew took other cities from them, and reduced them to the necessity of leaving their country or embracing the Jewish religion; on which they submitted to be circumcised, and become proselytes to the Jewish religion, and were ever afterwards incorporated into the Jewish Church and nation." The elder shall serve the younger - "This passage," says Dr. Dodd, "serves for a key to explain the ninth chapter of the Epistle to the Romans, where the words are quoted; for it proves to a demonstration that this cannot be meant of God's arbitrary predestination of particular persons to eternal happiness or misery, without any regard to their merit or demerit - a doctrine which some have most impiously fathered on God, who is the best of beings, and who cannot possibly hate, far less absolutely doom to misery, any creature that he has made: but that it means only his bestowing greater external favors, or, if you please, higher opportunities for knowing and doing their duty, upon some men, than he does upon others; and that merely according to his own wise purpose, without any regard to their merits or demerits, as having a right to confer greater or smaller degrees or perfection on whom he pleases." The doctrine of unconditional predestination to eternal life and eternal death cannot be supported by the example of God's dealings with Esau and Jacob, or with the Edomites and Israelites. After long reprobation the Edomites were incorporated among the Jews, and have ever since been undistinguishable members in the Jewish Church. The Jews, on the contrary, the elect of God, have been cut off and reprobated, and continue so to this day. If a time should ever come when the Jews shall all believe in Christ Jesus, which is a general opinion, then the Edomites, which are now absorbed among them, shall also become the elect. And even now Isaac finds both his children within the pale of the Jewish Church, equally entitled to the promises of salvation by Christ Jesus, of whom he was the most expressive and the most illustrious type. See the account of Abraham's offering, Genesis 22 (note).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the Lord said unto her,.... Either by one or other of the above persons she acquainted with this affair, and entreated to seek the Lord for her; or by an impulse upon her own mind: two nations are in thy womb; or two persons, from whom two nations will spring, the Edomites and Israelites, the one from Esau, the other from Jacob: and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; different in their bodies, complexions, manner of life, religion, as well as place of abode: and the one people shall be stronger than the other people: the Edomites, the posterity of Esau, were a very potent people, and had a succession of dukes and kings, before the Israelites, the posterity of Jacob, made any figure in the world, and while they were slaves in Egypt, see Gen 36:1; though in later times the Israelites became the stronger: and the elder, or "greater": shall serve the younger, or "lesser": the offspring of Esau, the eldest, should become tributary to the posterity of Jacob, the younger; which was verified in the times of David, when the Edomites were subdued by him, Sa2 8:14; and still more in the times of Hyrcanus, when the Edomites or Idumeans became one people with the Jews, and embraced their religion (e), rather than to be dispossessed of their country; and will have a further accomplishment in the latter day, when the prophecies in Oba 1:18 shall be fulfilled. Of the use which the Apostle Paul makes of this passage; see Gill on Rom 9:11, Rom 9:12. (e) Joseph. Antiqu. l. 13. c. 9. sect. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
25:23 rivals: Jacob and Esau fought in the womb, and their descendants (Israel and Edom) fought continuously throughout their history. In their many conflicts, Israel achieved supremacy over Edom. • your older son will serve your younger son: God’s choice of the younger son over the elder ran against natural order (cp. 48:12-14; see Mal 1:1-3; Rom 9:11-16).
Genesis 25:23
Jacob and Esau
22But the children inside her struggled with each other, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So Rebekah went to inquire of the LORD, 23and He declared to her: “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Esther #2 Ch. 3-4
By Chuck Missler6.6K56:26EstherGEN 25:21GEN 25:23EXO 17:61CO 10:10In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concern for the commitment and agenda of those who seek to wipe out Israel, specifically comparing the PLO to Haman's plan. The speaker then focuses on the crisis faced by Mordecai, a Jew, and his expression of deep grief through mourning. The role of money is highlighted, with its significance mentioned multiple times in the text. Additionally, the speaker suggests that the book of Esther has underlying themes that relate to the readers, drawing parallels to the book of Romans. The sermon also references the story of Moses delivering water from the rock and connects it to lessons from Israel's time in the wilderness as discussed in 1 Corinthians 10.
(Genesis) Genesis 27:1-4
By J. Vernon McGee2.6K04:41GenesisGEN 25:23GEN 27:1GEN 27:15GEN 27:41MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the 27th chapter of the book of Genesis. The main theme of the chapter is Jacob and Rebecca's plan to deceive Isaac in order to obtain the blessing intended for Esau. The preacher emphasizes that Jacob's actions were not supported by God and were based on fraud and deceit. The sermon also highlights the strife within the family, similar to the previous conflicts in the family of Abraham. The preacher concludes by mentioning that God will deal with Jacob's sin in a just manner.
What Love Is This? - Part 9
By Dave Hunt2.3K02:29GEN 25:23MAT 18:14JHN 3:16ACT 17:11ROM 5:8EPH 2:41TI 2:32PE 3:91JN 4:8
This sermon addresses the prophecy of 'The elder shall serve the younger,' focusing on Jacob and Esau and the nations descended from them. It delves into arguments against the Calvinist perspective, emphasizing the goal to prove God's love for all and the misrepresentation of God's character. The core message is about understanding God's love, kindness, and desire for all to be saved, urging believers to seek the truth and stand up for the true nature of God.
The Surprising Ways of God
By Otto Koning1.9K1:24:22Work Of GodGEN 25:23MAT 24:141PE 3:92PE 3:12REV 14:6In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares his personal testimony of searching for God and finding hope in Jesus Christ. He reflects on his experiences during World War II and the fear and uncertainty that people face without knowing God. The speaker emphasizes the importance of sharing the message of Jesus with others, so they can have a better way to die and experience the joy of the Lord. He also mentions his decision to become a missionary and the miraculous way God led him on his path.
(Through the Bible) Exodus 1-5
By Chuck Smith1.8K1:23:21ExpositionalGEN 50:26EXO 2:15EXO 4:1EXO 4:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is not just a passive observer of our struggles and suffering. He takes action to deliver His people from their hardships. The preacher also highlights the importance of not getting too attached to material possessions, as they can easily be taken away. Instead, our focus should be on the things of the Spirit and God's eternal kingdom. The sermon references the story of Moses and the Israelites in Egypt, where they faced oppression and hardship, but ultimately God delivered them.
Hebrews 11:20-21
By Don McClure1.2K48:59GEN 25:23GEN 27:36MAT 6:33HEB 11:20In this sermon, the speaker discusses the lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph and their relationship with God. Despite not seeing the fulfillment of God's promises in their lifetime, they all came to the conviction that these promises were true and the greatest truths in the world. The speaker emphasizes the importance of living out these truths in our daily lives and being a witness to those around us. The sermon also acknowledges that these biblical figures were flawed and their spiritual lives were not always consistent, but they ultimately recognized the significance of their faith.
Epistle 101
By George Fox0Victory in ChristSpiritual BirthGEN 1:27GEN 25:23JER 9:3GAL 4:29EPH 4:30JAS 3:17REV 17:14George Fox emphasizes the importance of living in the everlasting seed of God, which embodies wisdom, life, and dominion over the fallen nature. He encourages believers to offer themselves to God through the suffering seed, aligning with the nature of the Lamb who must achieve victory over the rough nature that arose from the fall. Fox highlights the distinction between the two births: the flesh and the spirit, urging the faithful to embrace the spiritual birth that leads to eternal life. He calls for vigilance against grieving the Spirit and encourages believers to be a blessing and a good savor in the world by standing firm in truth.
How He Does It
By K.P. Yohannan0BrokennessHumilityGEN 25:23GEN 28:20PSA 34:18PSA 51:17K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the necessity of brokenness in our spiritual lives, explaining that God is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. He illustrates how pride and stubbornness can keep us distant from God, while a contrite heart invites His presence and blessings. Through personal experiences and biblical examples, he highlights that God uses various methods, including trials and difficult circumstances, to bring us to a place of humility and surrender. Yohannan warns against resisting this process, as it can prolong our journey towards spiritual maturity and fulfillment of God's promises. Ultimately, he encourages believers to embrace brokenness as a pathway to deeper intimacy with God and transformation into His likeness.
Now We Have Received
By C.H. Spurgeon0GEN 25:23JDG 5:251KI 8:8DAN 5:11ROM 13:1PHP 2:3PHP 3:8PHP 4:72TI 3:11PE 2:13The preacher delves into the Greek word 'huperecho,' which means to excel, be superior, and hold others in higher regard. Paul emphasizes the importance of esteeming others as more important than ourselves, a concept contrary to human nature but achievable through the power of the Holy Spirit. This selfless attitude is exemplified by Jesus, Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus. The sermon highlights the need to prioritize the interests of others over our own, promoting unity and humility within the body of Christ.
Exposition on Psalm 53
By St. Augustine0GEN 25:23MAT 10:39ACT 9:41CO 2:10GAL 4:19COL 1:24St. Augustine delves into Psalm 52, exploring the themes of acknowledging God's presence in times of pain and travail, the folly of denying God's existence, and the consequences of living in wickedness. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God and understanding His justice, especially in the face of corruption and evil beliefs. Augustine also reflects on Christ's crucifixion and the fear-driven actions of those who denied His divinity, highlighting the contrast between pleasing men and pleasing God.
How to Get the Blessing
By Michael Durham0GEN 25:23GEN 27:18GEN 32:24PSA 34:8MAT 25:21Michael Durham preaches on the pursuit of blessings and the importance of seeking God's goodness in our lives. He emphasizes the need to trust in God's will and acknowledge our true selves before Him to receive His blessings. Using the story of Jacob deceiving his father for a blessing, Durham highlights the consequences of seeking blessings our own way or through pretense, and instead encourages trusting in God's plan for our lives.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Two nations are in thy womb - "We have," says Bishop Newton, "in the prophecies delivered respecting the sons of Isaac, ample proof that these prophecies were not meant so much of single persons as of whole nations descended from them; for what was predicted concerning Esau and Jacob was not verified in themselves, but in their posterity. The Edomites were the offspring of Esau, the Israelites were of Jacob; and who but the Author and Giver of life could foresee that two children in the womb would multiply into two nations? Jacob had twelve sons, and their descendants were all united and incorporated into one nation; and what an overruling providence was it that two nations should arise from the two sons only of Isaac! and that they should be two such different nations! The Edomites and Israelites have been from the beginning two such different people in their manners, customs, and religion, as to be at perpetual variance among themselves. The children struggled together in the womb, which was an omen of their future disagreement; and when they grew up to manhood, they manifested very different inclinations. Esau was a cunning hunter, and delighted in the sports of the field; Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents - minding his sheep and his cattle. The religion of the Jews is well known; but whatever the Edomites were at first, in process of time they became idolaters. When Amaziah king of Judah overthrew them, he brought their gods, and set them up to be his gods. The king of Edom having refused a passage to the Israelites through his territories on their return from Egypt, the history of the Edomites afterwards is little more than the history of their wars with the Jews." The one people shall be stronger than the other people - The same author continues to observe, that "for some time the family of Esau was the more powerful of the two, there having been dukes and kings in Edom before there was any king in Israel; but David and his captains made an entire conquest of the Edomites, slew several thousands of them, and compelled the rest to become tributaries, and planted garrisons among them to secure their obedience. In this state of servitude they continued about one hundred and fifty years, without a king of their own, being governed by deputies or viceroys appointed by the kings of Judah; but in the days of Jehoram they revolted, recovered their liberties, and set up a king of their own. Afterwards Amaziah, king of Judah, gave them a total overthrow in the valley of Salt; and Azariah took Elath, a commodious harbor on the Red Sea, from them. Judas Maccabeus also attacked and defeated them with a loss of more than twenty thousand at two different times, and took their chief city Hebron. At last Hyrcanus his nephew took other cities from them, and reduced them to the necessity of leaving their country or embracing the Jewish religion; on which they submitted to be circumcised, and become proselytes to the Jewish religion, and were ever afterwards incorporated into the Jewish Church and nation." The elder shall serve the younger - "This passage," says Dr. Dodd, "serves for a key to explain the ninth chapter of the Epistle to the Romans, where the words are quoted; for it proves to a demonstration that this cannot be meant of God's arbitrary predestination of particular persons to eternal happiness or misery, without any regard to their merit or demerit - a doctrine which some have most impiously fathered on God, who is the best of beings, and who cannot possibly hate, far less absolutely doom to misery, any creature that he has made: but that it means only his bestowing greater external favors, or, if you please, higher opportunities for knowing and doing their duty, upon some men, than he does upon others; and that merely according to his own wise purpose, without any regard to their merits or demerits, as having a right to confer greater or smaller degrees or perfection on whom he pleases." The doctrine of unconditional predestination to eternal life and eternal death cannot be supported by the example of God's dealings with Esau and Jacob, or with the Edomites and Israelites. After long reprobation the Edomites were incorporated among the Jews, and have ever since been undistinguishable members in the Jewish Church. The Jews, on the contrary, the elect of God, have been cut off and reprobated, and continue so to this day. If a time should ever come when the Jews shall all believe in Christ Jesus, which is a general opinion, then the Edomites, which are now absorbed among them, shall also become the elect. And even now Isaac finds both his children within the pale of the Jewish Church, equally entitled to the promises of salvation by Christ Jesus, of whom he was the most expressive and the most illustrious type. See the account of Abraham's offering, Genesis 22 (note).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the Lord said unto her,.... Either by one or other of the above persons she acquainted with this affair, and entreated to seek the Lord for her; or by an impulse upon her own mind: two nations are in thy womb; or two persons, from whom two nations will spring, the Edomites and Israelites, the one from Esau, the other from Jacob: and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; different in their bodies, complexions, manner of life, religion, as well as place of abode: and the one people shall be stronger than the other people: the Edomites, the posterity of Esau, were a very potent people, and had a succession of dukes and kings, before the Israelites, the posterity of Jacob, made any figure in the world, and while they were slaves in Egypt, see Gen 36:1; though in later times the Israelites became the stronger: and the elder, or "greater": shall serve the younger, or "lesser": the offspring of Esau, the eldest, should become tributary to the posterity of Jacob, the younger; which was verified in the times of David, when the Edomites were subdued by him, Sa2 8:14; and still more in the times of Hyrcanus, when the Edomites or Idumeans became one people with the Jews, and embraced their religion (e), rather than to be dispossessed of their country; and will have a further accomplishment in the latter day, when the prophecies in Oba 1:18 shall be fulfilled. Of the use which the Apostle Paul makes of this passage; see Gill on Rom 9:11, Rom 9:12. (e) Joseph. Antiqu. l. 13. c. 9. sect. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
25:23 rivals: Jacob and Esau fought in the womb, and their descendants (Israel and Edom) fought continuously throughout their history. In their many conflicts, Israel achieved supremacy over Edom. • your older son will serve your younger son: God’s choice of the younger son over the elder ran against natural order (cp. 48:12-14; see Mal 1:1-3; Rom 9:11-16).