Genesis 24 - 27

Twins
Esau and Jacob continue the theme of competing lineages started in Genesis 3 with Cain and Abel.  The similarities are notable:

1. Cain and Abel were twins with the same mother but different fathers.
2. Esau and Jacob are twins with the same mother and father.
3. Cain shows his disdain for the things of God by offering a sacrifice not pleasing to the Lord.
4. Esau shows his disdain for his birthright by bartering it for a bowl of beans.
5. Cain slays Abel - Esau swears that he will slay Jacob (27:41) after Jacob deceives Isaac and gets the blessing.

Esau was a man concerned only with worldly things.  He had no regard for what was rightfully his by birth.  He was an impatient man, prone to histrionics and exaggeration.  In 25:29 Esau returns from hunting and is hungry and exhausted.  Sensing his opportunity, Jacob has lentil stew cooking.  Esau demands some even though it is not ready.  In verse 30 he states "I'm starved! Give me some of that red stew!"  Red - because the lentils were not fully cooked yet - the beans turn brown when fully cooked.  When Jacob asks for "rights of the firstborn son" (vs 31), Esau rationalizes proclaiming "I am dying of starvation! What good is my birthright to me now?"

The pathetic state of Esau and his decision will haunt him to his death.  He does not weigh the actions of the now to the consequences of tomorrow.  Jacob realized the importance of the birthright from the womb, holding on to Esau at birth (25:26). He was willing to do whatever was necessary to receive the inheritance and blessings of God.

Chapter 25 also begins one of the more lengthy odysseys documented in the Bible - the life of Jacob.  In fact, Jacob remains with us to the end of the book of Genesis.  We will examine his life in subsequent portions.

-- PERSONAL NOTE

Saturday's portion marks the completion of one week of reading.  I have found this process refreshing.  Typically, when reading the  Bible I will stay on one book for several weeks or even several months.  The urge to read ahead was tough (to ease my pain, I am reading a Harmony of the Gospels) but I have disciplined myself to stick to the plan.

I have also found that blogging has helped me to focus more intently on the content. Knowing that I have to write about the reading portion each day has caused me to think about the details and formulate my understanding so that I can express it in written format.

I am interested in hearing from those who follow this blog and contrast my experience with yours.

May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.