Genesis 25 tells us briefly of Abraham's days following Sarah's death. Abraham married again and fathered six more sons by this wife (Gen 25:1-2). Abraham gave his possessions to Isaac and blessed all of his other children with gifts (Gen 25:1-6). At the age of 175, Abraham died...and the Scripture testifies that he had lived "satisfied with life." What a great and telling testimony (Gen 25:7-8).
Abraham was buried with Sarah by his sons, Isaac and Ishmael (Gen 25:9-10). The next toledoth begins in Gen 25:12 with the generations of Ishmael. We have a record of Ishmael's descendents in Gen 25:12-18.
Gen 25:19 begins the toledoth of Isaac. His account is more lengthy that Ishmael's. Remember that the writer is not giving a historical record of all that occurred, but a selective record of the history that God wanted preserved. Isaac is not more special that Ishmael in the sight of God; however, he is the line through whom the promise will come...because God deemed it to be so.
Isaac was 40 at marriage and Rebekah was unable to conceive (Gen 25:21), so Isaac prayed and God gave her twins. (Be careful what you pray for). From the beginning, Esau and Jacob wrestled and competed (Gen 25:22-23). Esau was born first, and as such, was entitled to the birthright. All that Isaac had would be divided at his death and a double portion would go to him by birthright. He was even favored by his father because he was a hunter (Gen 25:28); however, Rebekah favored Jacob (a fact that will show its significance in a few verses).
One day, Jacob had prepared a lentil stew and Esau wanted it. Jacob agreed to give him some stew in exchange for his birthright. As crazy as it sounds, Esau sold his birthright for some lentil stew (Gen 25:30-34). Some may say that Jacob manipulated his brother and tricked him into selling his birthright. However, Esau valued so little his birthright (his ultimate blessing), that he sacrificed it for immediate gratification (a single meal).
Proverbs 16:32 is the takeaway. It is easier to win a military victory than to control oneself. The greatest battle we will every face is to discipline ourselves to be followers of God. May we seek to accomplish the greatest task daily.
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2 comments:
Do you know why in the scripture it calls Abraham's wife after Sarah, Keturah his concubine. I thought a concubine was a mistress but he married her.
The story of Jacob and Esau is so crazy to me. The separated love of parents and how it effect the kids. I see your take on Esau not valuing the birthright. But do you think maybe Esau did not think Jacob was serious. I can see him saying seriously... it did seem like a joke. Even while I am reading it I am thinking...Seriously for beef stew and lentils? I hope it was some everlasting eternal beef stew and lentils.
Amanda,
My text says that Keturah was Abraham's wife (Gen 25:1). The concubines...could be two or more other women we have never met (Gen 25:6). Or, it could be a vague reference to Hagar and Keturah. More likely, it is the previous.
I see your point on the "joke" angle. It is hard for us to say. The Scripture never hints at this being a joke. If we take the text at face value, it looks like Esau made a willful (however rash, naive, or ridiculous) choice to have his meal that day rather than value his eternal blessing.
Sometimes I read the Bible through my own experience. Perhaps you are seeing this more through your eyes/experience than through the text. (Just a perspective). Thanks for the post. Good job trying to get into the heads of the players. It gives new life to the story.
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