IN PREVIOUS readings concerning I Isaac our thoughts were turned heavenward. But as the story of Jacob unfolds we realize that earthly principles are before us — not only introducing the history of Israel as a nation, but showing in Jacob’s manner of life many of the traits of stubbornness and willfulness that would mark that nation. At the same time, as the life of Jacob is examined, it will be found that much of the mercy that God would later show His earthly people, was experienced in this man’s personal life as well, in spite of his repeated failures.
A difference in the character of the two boys is set forth in a striking way in the verses about to be considered. Jacob’s name means “supplanter” and although simple in his manner of life, he was a great schemer all the days of his life’s energy — planning and purposing the course of his life according to his own wisdom. This type of life, of course, got him into repeated trouble and aroused the enmity of those against whom he schemed — at times nearly costing him his life. The more his course of selfish interest is examined, the more we are amazed that he was the object of God’s special purposes that through him the blessings promised Abram and Isaac would be carried on.
“And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: and Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint.” vv. 29, 30.
Jacob, busy preparing his meal, was confronted by Esau weary from his day’s activities. His hunger being very great, he asked: “Feed me I pray thee, with that same re pottage.” v. 30. Now it might be expected that brotherly kindness would call for Jacob to respond immediately to such a request; but it was at this point that his character as a schemer is first brought out. Here was a great opportunity from which he determined to take advantage. Seeing his brother’s great weariness he bargained with him before setting on the food: “Sell me this day thy birthright,” he demanded. How far short of God’s ways this was! True, God had already promised that Jacob, the younger, would have the elder’s place, but He did not require Jacob’s scheming to bring it about. This unbrotherly act remains a blight on the history of the one to whom God’s special proses had already been assured.
Yet, if this is an unfavorable account of Jacob, it is an even greater blot in the history of Esau. “Behold, I am at the point to die,” said he, “and what profit shall this birthright do to me?” v. 32. In the normal order of inheritance, the older son of each family deeply cherished and valued his birthright above all other possessions. He might know trials and testings while waiting to receive it, but he would never think of giving it up. Yet Esau, for the sake of the immediate moment’s gratification, counted his birthright of so little value that he gave it up for a bowl of lentils.
ML-05/22/1966