Family Feud (Jacob vs Esau)

 October 15, 2020 (Thursday)

  

The conflict between Esau and Jacob is a theological one. Esau established a pattern of unwise character and behavior choices. In Genesis 25:27 we read, “When the young men grew up, Esau became an outdoorsman who knew how to hunt, and Jacob became a quiet man who stayed at home.” [CEB] The way the story is told, Esau used this to divide his parents. We read in Genesis 26:28, “Isaac loved Esau because he enjoyed eating game, but Rebekah loved Jacob.” [CEB]

 

 Jacob’s name means “grabber” and is associated with deceiving as a means to supplant. Jacob plays on Esau’s impulsive lack of control. “Once when Jacob was boiling stew, Esau came in from the field hungry and said to Jacob, “I’m starving! Let me devour some of this red stuff.” That’s why his name is Edom.” [Genesis 25:29 – 30 CEB]

 

 Jacob takes advantage of his brother, “Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright today.” Esau said, “Since I’m going to die anyway, what good is my birthright to me?” [Genesis 25:31 – 32 CEB] The “birthright” was Esau’s rights as the firstborn son. For a bowl of food unworthy to name, the hunter sold his inheritance, his right to conduct business for the family, and his standing in the family.

 

 When Esau was 40 years old, he married Judith and Basemath. Both were Hittites (see Genesis 26:34). And “the rest of the story” with them is, “But Esau’s wives made life miserable for Isaac and Rebekah.” [Genesis 26:35 NLT] Esau had a pattern of making unwise choices. The choice of wives also demonstrates his selfishness. He is unable or unwilling to consider family consequences.

 

In Genesis 27, we watch a family tragedy unfold in the form of what looks like a “con.” Isaac has grown old, his eyesight is failing. He summons Esau and asks for a game meal. He promises this is the moment of blessing. Blessing is a big deal. It’s the father’s final wish for his children. In this case passing the Abrahamic covenant.

  

“Rebekah was listening when Isaac spoke to his son Esau.” [Genesis 27:5a CEB] She cooks some food and dresses Jacob as Esau. The plan is for Isaac to acquire the blessing. Isaac fears he will be cursed if the trick is discovered (see Genesis 27:12), but he plays along. The trick works and Isaac has the family blessing.

  

Paul stated, “As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” [Romans 9:13 ESV] I have been highlighting Esau’s character flaws, which made him undependable as far as passing on the Abrahamic covenant. However, Paul makes it clear, “When they hadn’t been born yet and when they hadn’t yet done anything good or bad, it was shown that God’s purpose would continue because it was based on his choice.” [Romans 9:11 CEB]

 

 This all comes from Paul’s argument that, “Not all of Abraham’s children are called Abraham’s descendants…” [Romans 9:7a CEB] The point, “That means it isn’t the natural children who are God’s children, but it is the children from the promise who are counted as descendants.” [Romans 9:8 CEB]

 

 What God is doing is narrowing the line of Jesus through His choice. God does this by a promise unconnected to behavior or character. (In the next generation we will see Judah inheriting the mantel.) The promise, unearned and undeserved, is what Paul shapes into his theology as “grace.” Yet, I wonder about Esau’s character and behavior proving himself disqualified to carry the promise.

 

Disqualified. There’s a bitter word. Let me tackle that one next time.