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Bible Pathways 01/09/05



January 9

Read Genesis 25 - 27

In Today's Reading:

Abraham's death; birth of Jacob and Esau; Esau sells his birthright; Isaac blesses Jacob with the Abrahamic Covenant

Esau came from the field, and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me . . . that same red pottage (stew); for I am faint. Jacob, knowing the character of his brother, replied: Sell me this day your birthright (Genesis 25:29-31). Esau had no interest in spiritual things so he agreed, saying: I am at the point (about) to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? (25:32-34). Esau could not have been at the point to die by missing one meal.

Though much maligned by Esau and others, the fact is, Jacob purchased the birthright for what Esau thought it was worth. More importantly, God had told Rebekah that the elder shall serve the younger (25:23).

Esau and Jacob were twin brothers, but Esau was born first and became legal heir to the family birthright which included, among other things, being heir to the Covenant between God and Abraham. The birthright was a link in the line of descent through which the Messiah was to come (Numbers 24:17-19). In contrast with Esau, Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents (Genesis 25:27). The Hebrew word for plain is the same word translated in other Scripture as perfect, upright, undefiled; so the word plain refers to Jacob's character as a man of God. God records His highest praise and blessing for Jacob: The LORD has chosen Jacob to Himself (Psalm 135:4). It appears that Isaac's admiration for his worldly-minded son Esau caused him to ignore the prophecy that God had revealed to Rebekah before the twins' birth (Genesis 25:23), and he chose to disregard Esau's sale of his birthright to Jacob (25:33-34).

The moment Isaac realized that Rebekah had thwarted his evil scheme, he quickly and openly conferred the Abrahamic Covenant upon Jacob, an obvious admission of how terribly wrong he had been (28:3-4). There is no hint that Isaac thought that Rebekah did wrong. The Hebrew word Jacob is translated "supplanter." One of the definitions of supplant in Webster's Dictionary is "to take the place of and serve as a substitute for, especially by reason of superior excellence."

Lest there be any fornicator, or profane (godless) person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat (food) sold his birthright (Hebrews 12:16). The writer of Hebrews referred to Esau as a profane (godless) person . . . who . . . was rejected: for he found no place of repentance (12:16-17).

Christ Revealed:

As the spiritual Seed that would bless all the nations of the earth (Genesis 26:4). Now to Abraham and his Seed (Descendant) were the promises made. . . . as of one . . . who is Christ (Galatians 3:16). All true believers in Christ are the children of promise (Galatians 4:28). As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God (John 1:12-13; I John 3:9).

Word Studies:

26:8 sporting with = caressing, expressing love; 26:14 great store = a great number; 26:21 Sitnah = enmity, anger; 26:31 betimes = early; 27:36 supplanted = taken my place; 27:42 as touching thee = concerning you.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Michael Capuano (MA) and Gov. Bill Graves (KS) · Country: Grenada (97,000) southernmost of the Windward Islands · Major language: English · Religious freedom · 61% Roman Catholic; 31% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice that He has promised to sustain us at all times (Psalm 55:22).

Optional Reading: Matthew 9

Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 5:22



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