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Bible Study Online ArticleLocated at the Bottom of Page In the previous article, we had taken a quick look at the developing foundation, that was being laid through The Twelve Arabian Tribal Rulers of Ishmael.
And it's from within that article, that I'd tried to point out, the significance of Ishmael -- by trying to show how he too, had a foundation of twelve tribes, just like his younger brother Isaac. For we will find, as we continue our journey through God's Sacred Record, that Isaac would eventually receive this honor, through his son Jacob (Israel). Nonetheless, we were also able to take a sneak peek, at the conflict beginnings... that had taken place between Ishmael, and his younger brother Issac. And it's during our exploration of their record, that we'd discovered the "seeds of strife" -- that had caused their relationship to eventually develop, into an ongoing feud, between the Arabs and Jews. For we find, that the Sacred Record had revealed -- that Ishmael and Issac, had to endure these confrontations between each other (but more so, between their moms) even while they were just kids. And it would be these same kids, these same siblings -- who would eventually become men, who ultimately became family dynasties, that would eventually turn into two great nations. And make no mistake, they're still at odds to this very day, just like the Sacred Record had foretold they would be, back during the days of Abraham. However that may have been... we now find, that when it comes to Israel -- that there would be an additional conflict that had taken place, well before the foundation of the twelve tribes would come into play. For we find that this would happen, right after Abraham had just been laid to rest? For it would be right at this time, that we now find -- that it's Isaac's turn to carry and perform the duties, and responsibilities, that had came with being a steward of the Abrahamic covenant. Be that as it may, we now find that the Sacred Record had revealed, that after Abraham had sent his chief servant "Eliezer of Damascus" to go out and find his son a wife. Isaac would soon marry Rebekah. For she was the woman, that Eliezer had found. Know that Isaac would be forty years of age, when he finally (as we say here in the west) "tied the knot." And just like his father before him -- Isaac would soon learn, that his wife was barren, just like his mother Sarah had been, long before Rebekah had come around. Nonetheless, Isaac would eventually turn to God for his concerns. And it's at this time, that he'd asked the Lord to bless his wife with a child. Now I must admit, that I find it very interesting, that Isaac would pray this same prayer for the next twenty years. But I'm getting way ahead of myself... But you know what? I truly believe that Isaac had done a much better job, when it came to his different "faith tests" -- than his father Abraham had done before him, back when he was faced with similar trials. However that may have been... we're also told, that Isaac would reach sixty years of age -- when he finally finds out, that Rebekah was found to be with child. But this pregnancy would prove to be different, for we would soon learn, that she wasn't just blessed with just carry a child -- but she was blessed, with the honor of carrying twins. Now honestly, with all the praying that Isaac had done (for all those years) you would think, that this should have been a happy and joyous time, for the first time parents... right? But unfortunately, we would soon find, that trouble was already brewing from within Rebekah's womb? For the Sacred Record would inform us, that the babies had struggled, and jostled with each other -- while they grew in their mother's womb: "But the children struggled together within her; and she said, 'If all is well, why am I like this?' So she went to inquire of the Lord." -- Genesis 25:22 Now understand, that the above passage reveals the commotion, that was taking place between the two unborn boys. Also notice, how this had caused uneasiness, for Rebekah? Know that this "uneasiness" was so great, that it had caused Rebekah to become very concerned with her situation. And this is why we find her asking God: "Why is this happening to me?" And after hearing her concerns, we find God answering her, by saying: "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger." -- Genesis 25:23 However in the meantime, a short time would pass by, and Rebekah had carried the boys to her full term. And needless-to-say, it was now time for Rebekah to give birth, to these two great nations that had been foretold to her. And make no mistake, even though they were twins -- the Sacred Record makes it clear, that there would be a great difference, when it came to the boys appearances and personalities: "When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb. The first to come out was red, and his whole body was like a hairy garment; so they named him Esau. After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau's heel; so he was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when Rebekah gave birth to them." -- Genesis 25:24-26 And perhaps, this could have been a strong indicator -- in regards to way the two boys were to live their lives, as they traveled down different paths, as they grew into men -- while unknowingly following the plan, that God had in store for them. First off, we're introduced to Esau, for he would be the one -- who would eventually be credited, with becoming the founder of the Edomites. For we find, that between the two boys, Esau would be born first. And it's at this point, that the Holy Scripture, describes him as being hairy all over. For his hair was red, and it covered most of his body: "The first to come out was red, and his whole body was like a hairy garment; so they named him Esau." And it's also at this point, that the Sacred Record reveals, that Esau was physically strong. Also know, that from Isaac and Rebekah's first impression of him, he seemed like he was already made a man. And because of this, you get his name "Esau" -- which means, "Already Made" Next we are introduced to Jacob, for we would soon learn, that he would eventually become the founder of the Israelites. For we're also told, that when he came out of his mother's womb, he was holding on to his brother's heel. And this is why he was named Jacob, for his name means: (A Supplanter - one who replaces). Know that Jacob had came out looking totally different from his brother, for he wasn't hairy all over -- but he was instead, smooth and tender, like most babies are when they are born: "And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, 'Look, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth- skinned man.'" -- Genesis 27:11 Understand that this would be just the beginning, when it came to these two brothers. For I want you to know, that both are highly favored by their parents? Jacob by his mom, and Esau by his dad. But often times I wondered: "Where could all of this lead?" Since the two were destined to be apart. The Sons of God - The Daughters of Men **YOUR CURRENT - BIBLE STUDY ONLINE SERIES - WOULD BE HERE** Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty 28) The Twelve Rulers of Ishmael 29) <-CURRENT - BIBLE STUDY ONLINE - PAGE-> 30) Esau & Jacob - The Birthright 33) Isaac & the Envious King Abimelech Added to Page: 34) Abimelech & Isaac Makes An Oath 39) Jacob - Loyalty or Deception 40) Deceitful Hearts 43) Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty 
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