Brothers
We continue our study of Genesis, this week considering the account of Isaac and Rebekah’s sons: Jacob and Esau. In biblical times birth order was very important, especially in regards to the wealth and blessing of generations. Traditionally, these gifts were inherited by the older brother but, Rebekah hears from the Lord while still carrying these twins that, “the older shall serve the younger.” In addition the scripture tells us that Esau, while born first he “despised his birthright” and trades it for a meal. Then Rebekah and Jacob make a plan that upsets tradition and grants her younger son the blessing of his father. We are faced again with messy human relationships and broken families. But our bible is a story of God’s redemption, of God’s faithfulness, and of God’s provision, in the face of shortcomings and here …trickery.
