02.03. Isaac, Jacob, Esau

ISAAC, JACOB, AND ESAU. methods of study. Two methods of study should be followed by every student of the Bible: (1) He should read and study the Bible closely from beginning to end. The purpose and contents of each book should be carefully noted. Some good maps and histories of the times will be valuable. (2) He should study by subjects. This is necessary if he would be successful in presenting the teaching of the Bible on any topic and be able to defend himself along any line. But if he studies altogether by subjects some of the most precious truths of the Bible will escape his attention, and he is likely to become lopsided, for he is sure to study some subjects to the neglect of others. Nothing takes the place of a thorough knowledge of the Bible as a whole. It is the purpose of the authors of "Sound Doctrine" to aid the student along both lines. historic review. There are certain outstanding facts that we must keep well in mind. Frequent review is very helpful. In Vol. I. we had four historic lessons from the book of Genesis. (If you have not studied Vol. 1., you should secure a copy.) There are certain prominent facts in these lessons some of which help us to understand the New Testament. In the first chapter of Genesis we are told about the creation. Let us again note also: (1) God’s first command to man (Genesis 1:28). (2) The creation of woman (Genesis 2:21-22). The family instituted (Genesis 2:23-24).

InGenesis 3:1-25is the account of the sin of Adam and Eve and their expulsion from the garden of Eden. Let us note: (1) The different ways the forbidden fruit appealed to Eve. (2) That Eve was deceived, Adam was not (1 Timothy 2:14). That after sinning they might have lived on had they not been driven from the garden and away from the tree of life.

InGenesis 4:1-26we learn of Cain and Abel. "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he had witness borne to him that he was righteous, God bearing witness in respect of his gifts: and through it he being dead yet speaketh" (Hebrews 11:4).

InGenesis 6:1-22we have a record of the cause of the flood: "And Jehovah saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And Jehovah said, "I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the ground"" (Genesis 6:5; Genesis 6:7).

After Noah the next outstanding figure in the development of God’s plan is Abraham. The student should keep well in mind the promises made to Abraham when God called him out of Ur of the Chaldees (Genesis 12:1-3) and renewed at the offering of Isaac (Genesis 15:18), for all the rest of God’s dealing with man as recorded in both the Old and New Testaments is but an unfolding and development of these promises. The covenant of circumcision is recorded hi the seventeenth chapter of Genesis. The student will observe that in the first eleven chapters of Genesis the writer gives a general history of the human family down to Abraham. In Genesis 5:1-32; Genesis 11:10-26 a regular line of patriarchs is given. From the beginning of the twelfth chapter of Genesis to the close of the book the author deals mainly with individuals, and only with such individuals as have some relation to the development of the Hebrew nation.

ISAAC, JACOB, AND ESAU SOME FACTS IN THE LIFE OF ISAAC.

He was, therefore, in the line of patriarchs through whom Christ came.

comments. The true greatness of these old-time heroes will be better appreciated if we remember that they had no books, none of the modern conveniences of civilization, and only meager revelations from Jehovah, and were surrounded by heathen darkness. But let us not forget that they were human and had their weaknesses. Through fear Isaac, as did Abraham, denied his wife, claiming that she was his sister (Genesis 26:6-11). Through all the trials, successes, and failures of Isaac he did not forget Jehovah (Genesis 26:23-25).

JACOB AND ESAU.

Jacob and Esau were twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah, but Esau was born first (Genesis 25:21-26). Isaac loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob. character of Esau. Esau seems to have been a pleasure- loving sort of man, much given to fleshly indulgences and to acting on the impulse of the moment. Hence, when hungry, he sold his birthright to Jacob for a mess of pottage (Genesis 25:28-34). He was called a profane person (Hebrews 12:16}. character of Jacob. Jacob, stern and inflexible, was determined in his purpose, so much so that he frequently yielded to the temptation to resort to tricks to obtain what he wanted. This kind of character, though not so pleasant and agreeable, is, under proper training and discipline, capable of a higher polish and of greater usefulness than that of the easy-going, pleasure-seeking Esau.

Jacob obtains the blessing. At Rebekah’s suggestion and by her help, Jacob, by deception, obtained from Isaac the blessing meant for Esau (Genesis 27:1-46). When Esau learned this, "he cried with an exceeding great and bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father." He could not prevail on Isaac to change the blessing to him. Reference is made to this in Hebrews 12:17. This verse as it appears in the King James Version has been the subject of much dispute, but the American Standard Version clears up the difficulty: "For ye know that even when he afterwards desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected; for he found no place for a change of mind in his father, though he sought it diligently with tears."

Esau’s anger. Esau became very angry, and vowed to kill Jacob after his father’s death (Genesis 27:41). Rebekah advised Jacob to flee to her brother Laban, and tarry with him a few days, "until thy brother’s anger turn away from thee, and he forget that which thou hast done to him" (Genesis 27:43-45). Rebekah knew Esau’s impulsive nature and that he would likely soon get over his anger.

Jacob sent away. Esau had married two Hittite women, "and they were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah" (Genesis 26:34-35). To gain Isaac’s consent for Jacob to go away, she said to him: "I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Heth: if Jacob take a wife of the daughters of Heth, such as these, of the daughters of the land, what good shall my life do me? And Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him, and said unto him, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan. Arise and go to Paddan-aram, to the house of Bethuel thy mother’s father, and take thee a wife from thence of the daughters of Laban thy mother’s brother. And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a company of peoples; and give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayest inherit the land of thy sojournings, which God gave unto Abraham" (Genesis 27:46; Genesis 28:1-4).

Jacob’s dream. While on his way to Paddan-aram Jacob had a wonderful dream, in which Jehovah appeared to him and renewed to him the promise made to Abraham and Isaac. This made a profound impression on Jacob, and he called the place Bethel ("House of God"), and vowed that if Jehovah would be with him and bless him, he would give the Lord a tenth of all that came into his hands (Genesis 28:6-22).

Jacob serves for leah and rachel. When Jacob reached "the land of the children of the east," he found shepherds watering their flocks from a well. "And Jacob said unto them, My brethren, whence are ye? And they said, Of Haran are we. And he said unto them, Know ye Laban the son of Nahor? And they said, We know him. And he said unto them, Is it well with him? And they said, It is well; and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep while he was yet speaking with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep; for she kept them. And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother’s brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother’s brother. And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept. And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father’s brother, and that he was Rebekah’s son; and she ran and told her father" (Genesis 29:4-12).

"And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for naught? tell me, what shall thy wages be? And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. And Leah’s eyes were tender; but Rachel was beautiful and well-favored. And Jacob loved Rachel, and he said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter. And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me. And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her" (Genesis 29:15-20). But Laban deceived Jacob and gave him Leah. Then Jacob served another seven years for Rachel (Genesis 29:21-30).

Jacob’s children. In this land eleven sons—Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issa-char, Zebulun, and Joseph—and one daughter were born to Jacob (Genesis 29:31-35; Genesis 30:1­24). jacob brings prosperity to laban. "And it came to pass, when Rachel had borne Joseph, that Jacob said unto Laban, Send me away, that I may go unto mine own place, and to my country. Give me my wives and my children for whom I have served thee, and let me go: for thou knowest my service wherewith I have served thee. And Laban said unto him, If now I have found favor in thine eyes, tarry: for I have divined that Jehovah hath blessed me for thy sake. And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and I will give it. And he said unto him, Thou knowest how I have served thee, and how thy cattle have fared with me. For it was little which thou hadst before I came, and it hath increased unto a multitude; and Jehovah hath blessed thee whithersoever I turned: and now when shall I provide for mine own house also?" (Genesis 30:25-30).

Jacob works for a share of the cattle. Laban and Jacob entered into a contract which provided that for his services to Laban Jacob was to receive all the off colors amongst the flocks and herds. This gave Jacob an opportunity to practice some more of his trickery, by which he became very prosperous. "And the man increased exceedingly, and had large flocks, and maidservants and men- servants, and camels and asses" (Genesis 30:43).

Jacob’s departure. "And he heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father’s; and of that which was our father’s hath he gotten all this glory. And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as beforetime. And Jehovah said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee" (Genesis 31:1-3). Jacob then took his family and his possessions, and departed "to go to Isaac his father unto the land of Canaan."

Jacob and Esau reconciled. While enroute Jacob sent messengers to Esau seeking his favor. Their report that Esau was coming to meet him with four hundred armed men aroused in Jacob great fear and distress, and he prayed earnestly to Jehovah for protection (Genesis 32:1-12). Knowing Esau’s nature, Jacob sent rich gifts on before to Esau, that he might turn his anger away (Genesis 32:13-21). That night he remained behind, and wrestled with an angel, who gave him the name "Israel." When he met Esau next day, a complete reconciliation resulted (Genesis 33:1-15). Esau returned to Seir, and Jacob went on to Succoth, then to Shechem (Genesis 33:16-20).

Jacob builds altar at bethel. "And God said unto Jacob, Arize, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, who appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother." Having put away their idols, Jacob and his family went up to Bethel, where he builded an altar (Genesis 35:1-8). On their way from Bethel to Ephrath, Benjamin was born and Rachel died (Genesis 35:18­20). After the death of Isaac, Esau graciously left the rich grazing lands to Jacob and withdrew to Mount Seir, where his descendants developed into a kingdom.

Jacob’s last days. The last days of Jacob’s life are so closely connected with Joseph that it is easier to present the leading incidents of that part of his life in the lesson of Joseph. This will be found in the next lesson.

SOME REFLECTIONS AND COMMENTS. sowing and reaping. "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6:7). This universal law of nature Paul applies to the spiritual and moral life. Jacob’s history is a striking illustration of this law. He deceived his father in the blindness of his old age, and was deceived by Laban, who gave him Leah instead of Rachel whom he loved and for whom he labored seven years. Later, by deception, his own sons led him to believe Joseph had been destroyed by a wild beast. Was not Jacob reaping as he had sown? We do not intend to convey the idea that a man receives the judgment for his sins in this life, but is it not true that man often reaps in this life from seeds of his own sowing? Can you recall such experiences in your own life or the lives of others? loved Jacob, hated Esau. "Rebekah also having conceived by one, even by our father Isaac—for the children being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth, it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. Even as it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau I hated" (Romans 9:10-13). This election had nothing to do with the salvation of either Jacob or Esau, but was only God’s choice that upon Jacob should descend the promise made to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3), and renewed to Isaac (Genesis 26:2-5). It put Jacob in the line of the patriarchs through whom the promise should be fulfilled. the elder shall serve the younger. Before they were born it was said: "The elder shall serve the younger." But this could not have been spoken of Jacob and Esau as individuals, for the reverse came nearer being true of them as individuals. Jacob, the younger, feared Esau, calling him lord, and referred to himself as Esau’s servant (Genesis 33:1-15). The statement, "The elder shall serve the younger," is quoted from Jehovah’s speech to Rebekah: "Two nations are in thy womb, and two peoples shall be separated from thy bowels: and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23). "Two nations"—"two peoples." The language shows clearly that the elder people, or nation, were to serve the younger people, or nation; and it is a fact that the elder people, or nation, did serve the younger, as Jehovah had said (2 Samuel 8:14).

Jacob I loved, but esau I hated. In the passage under consideration Paul quotes from widely different passages of scripture. "The elder shall serve the younger" was spoken by Jehovah to Rebekah before the children were born (Genesis 25:23); but, long years after Jacob and Esau were dead, God said: "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated" (Malachi 1:1-3). Even here the verses which follow show that God spoke of the two nations, rather than of Jacob and Esau as individuals, for he said: "Whereas Edom saith, We are beaten down, but we will return and build the waste places; thus saith Jehovah of hosts, they shall build, but I will throw down; and men shall call them The border of wickedness, and The people against whom Jehovah hath indignation forever" (Malachi 1:4). "We"—"they"—"them" —"the people." Such language shows that God was speaking of two nations instead of Jacob and Esau as individuals.

* * * TOPICS FOR INVESTIGATION AND DISCUSSION. The Life of Abraham.

Sacrificing Personal Right for Peace. The Character of Esau. The Character of Jacob.

Election and Reprobation.

QUESTIONS.