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Genesis 25

Good Morning “Hearts in the Right Place.”  Today we are in Genesis 25.  

This chapter opens with a description of another wife and the children she bore Abraham.  Ketutah was a slave, turned concubine - a wife with no inheritance rights.  Much like Hagar and Ishmael, she and her sons (and daughters if she had) were sent away with gifts.  Likely so there was no dispute over the inheritance that would all be left to Isaac.  

In the next movement we see the descendants of Ishmael - all who father Arab nations who live in hostility toward the Jewish nations.  Moses makes clear that this pattern continues.

Rebekah like Sarah is barren - with purpose.  She takes a different tact however and prays to the Lord.  God in keeping with His unique way of making sure He gets the glory, answers her prayer and brings her twins.  Furthermore He breaks cultural tradition by telling her the older would serve the younger.  He’s making it clear that the younger is to be The Blessing - The Son of Promise.  God is still intimately directing the line of the Savior.

Later we see the true hearts of both young men.  Esau is hunter - able to provide for himself.  Remember Nimrod, the mighty hunter who stood opposed to the Lord.  Hunting has become a symbol here, of ones unwillingness to rely on the Lord - but to rely on one’s own abilities.  Jacob on the other hand has followed in his father and grandfathers footsteps living among the tents.  This is merely reference to his wandering - relying on and trusting in The Lord.  It appears Rebekah has never shared Gods revelation with Isaac, but likely is at least in part, why she is partial to Jacob.  Esau no doubt wanted land - of which Issac had none.  Land meant wealth and self sufficiency.  Although Isaac had great wealth, his inheritance didn’t include that which Esau valued.  Both no doubt understood the birthright, in their case, also included the promise.  Why would Esau value the promise of God if it lacked what he valued and he was content to make his own way?  Perhaps this is why Esau “despised his birthright”.  It meant nothing to him.

So… we see his heart on full display when he agrees to trade his birthright, and the promise included, for a bowl of stew.

What is it you value most?  Dig in guys!  Love you all!