Lesson 9: Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25-28)

Introduction: Genesis 25 tells us of the birth of these two men.  From 
the beginning they were to become two nations; Esau's descendants be-
came the Edomites, and Jacob's descendants became the nation of Israel, 
as promised to Abraham.  Their birth was characterized by conflict and 
their lives were no different.  Even their descendants warred against 
each other (Num. 20:14-21; 2 Sam. 8:13-14; 2 Kgs. 8:20-22).  God 
eventually destroyed Edom as prophesied (Is. 34:5,6; 63:1; Obadiah 1-21; 
Mal. 1:3).  Edom stands as a symbol of the earthly, non-spiritual 
people of the world. 


I. The Birthright (Gen. 25:27-34)

	A.  Esau sold his birthright to Jacob.
		1. Esau was weary and hungry.
		2. Jacob had a pot of red stew.
		3. Jacob sold Esau the stew for the birthright.
	B. Jacob deceived his father and received the birthright and 
	   Isaac's blessing (Gen. 27:21-29).
		1. Prompted by his mother, Jacob deceived his father, 
		   masquerading as his brother Esau.
		2. Parental favoritism was at the root of this deception 
		   (Gen. 25:27, 28).
		3. The promise of God to Abraham made this birthright 
		   important.
		4. God knew from the beginning that the birthright would 
		   go to Jacob.
	C. Esau begged his father for a blessing, but it was too late 
	   (Gen. 25:39-4).
	D. The writer of Hebrews calls Esau a profane person, "who for 
	   one mess of meat sold his birthright" (Heb. 12:16,17). Esau 
	   despised his birthright.  He threw away a priceless treasure 
	   for the immediate gratification of a pot of stew.

	Principles:
		1. God will accomplish His purpose in spite of human 
		   frailty and deceit.
		2. We should value our inheritance (Heb. 2:1-4; 
		   Rom. 8:16-17).
		3. If we treat our inheritance with contempt, God will 
		   judge accordingly (Heb. 10:26-29).


II. Jacob Went To Haran (Gen. 27:41-28:5).

	A. Esau was outraged and planned to murder Jacob (27:41).
	B. Rebekah warned Jacob and sent him to live with his uncle 
	   Laban in Haran (27:42-45).
	C. She told Isaac that it was only so that Jacob could find a 
	   wife (27:46-28:5).

	Principles:
		1. Deceit breeds hatred, even among brothers 
		   (Prov. 29:22; 30:33; 1 Cor. 3:3; Phil. 2:3).
		2. Parental favoritism leads to strife (Eph. 6:4).


III. The Wives Of Jacob And Esau

	A. Esau took a wife from the surrounding immoral nations 
	   (Gen. 26:34).  His wives caused grief for Isaac and Rebekah 
	   (Gen. 26:34-35).
	B. Jacob worked seven years for Rachel.  When he was deceived into 
	   marrying Leah, he was willing to work another seven years 
	   for Rachel (Gen. 29:15-30).
	C. When Esau saw that a wife of Canaan did not please Isaac, 
	   he married one of Abraham's son's daughters (Gen. 28:6-9).  
	   He saw what pleased his parents but did not understand the 
	   real issue.

	Principles;
		1. Your mate will influence your service to God, for 
		   better or for worse.
		2. It is foolish to marry someone simply because they 
		   are attractive, rich, or popular. It is foolish to 
		   marry one who is not a Christian.
		3. It is foolish to marry just to please your parents 
		   or friends. 


IV. Jacob's Vision (Gen. 28)

	A. On his journey to Padan Aram, Jacob slept and had a vision 
	   (28:10-15).
	B. The promise God made to Abraham and Isaac was repeated.
		1. The promise would be fulfilled through Jacob.
		2. God would bring Jacob back to this place.  It would 
		   be 20 years before he was brought back (28:16-22).
	C. Jacob called the place "Bethel" (House of God) and vowed to 
	   serve God.  


Questions:

 1. Why was Esau called a profane man?  What was it about his character 
    that prompted such a strong judgment from God?
 2. How are we heirs of the promise given to Abraham?
 3. How may we despise our inheritance?
 4. What can we expect in the day of judgment if we treat God's gifts 
    with contempt?
 5. How can we prevent strife between children and brethren?
 6. Parents are troubled by strife between children.  How does God 
    feel about strife between brethren?
 7. How do husbands and wives influence each other?
 8. Is it wrong to marry one who is not a Christian?
 9. What are the best reasons to marry a Christian?