Bible Study Online Article

In the last article we'd learned, that eventually Isaac's conflict with the "herdsmen of Gerar" over the water-wells, had subsided. For the Sacred Record points out, that after Isaac had constructed another water-well (after the first two he'd already built) -- the "herdsmen of Gerar" didn't try to forcefully lay claim to it, like they had previously done twice before:

"He moved on from there and dug another well, and no-one quarrelled over it. He named it Rehoboth (which meant enlargements), saying, 'Now the Lord has given us room and we will flourish in the land.'" -- Genesis 26:22

Next we'd learned, that Isaac would end up moving back to Beer-sheba, which was the place that he'd resided, before the famine had struck the land of Canaan.

And while there, the Sacred Record informs us, that the Lord would pay Isaac a visit. And it would be during this visit, that the Lord would remind Isaac about the covenant that He had made with his father Abraham: "I am the God of your father Abraham, do not be afraid for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the number of your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham." -- Genesis 26:24

However, something else would happen as well? For we would also learn, that just like his forefathers had with Abraham, some 100 years before -- king Abimelech would make a special trip, so that he'd could pay Isaac a visit. And just like the Philistine king had done, the one who'd reigned, back during the days of Abraham -- we now find the current king, reaching out to the servant of God of his day.

And even though, Isaac wouldn't be too happy to be in the kings company: "Why have you come to me, since you were hostile to me and sent me away." Isaac demanded. And after hearing this, Abimelech responded by saying: "We saw clearly that the Lord was with you, so we said: 'There ought to be a sworn agreement between us' -- between us and you. Let us make a treaty with you, that you will do us no harm; just as we did not molest you, but always treated you well; and sent you away in peace. And now you are blessed by the Lord." -- Genesis 26:28,29

And just like their fathers had done before them, the two would end up making a peaceful oath between each other.

However that may have been, we now begin to move forward, when it comes to our journey... And it's at this point, that we find that the Sacred Record, begins to point us back towards Isaac's sons -- Esau and Jacob. Now remember, the last time we were reading about them, we'd learned -- that one day after a long hunting campaign, Esau was found to be famish. And it would also be at this time, that the Sacred Record would reveal -- that Esau had foolishly sold his birthright to Jacob, for a bowl of red lentil stew.

Now understand, even though Esau was Isaac's oldest son, and by tradition, held the birthright by default. Know that Esau couldn't see, nor did he respect, the immense value that the birthright held. For if Esau would have kept the rights to his birthright, he would have been given -- not only the title of the family name, but he would have been entitled, to a double portion of his father's overall inheritance as well.

Also keep in mind, that we're not told exactly why Esau didn't respect the birthright? But the Sacred Scriptures do reveal, a little bit more insight, when it comes to Esau's state of mind at the time. For we find, that it's possible, Esau could have been in a state of rebellion, when it came to his father's beliefs in the Almighty God:

"See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. Afterward as you know, when he wanted to inherit his blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears." -- (Hebrews 12:16-17)

However, what we do know -- is that a lot had changed for Esau's father's household, from the time Esau had given his birthright away to his brother Jacob? But remember, we'd just discovered through the Sacred Record, that at the time -- the land that God had promised Abraham and his seed, had been hindered by a serious famine. And because of this, Isaac was about to leave Canaan (the land that God had promised him.)

But remember, that Isaac would end up staying and obeying God, after he'd received a visitation from the Lord -- while he was visiting in the Philistine king, in the place that was known as "Gerar". And because of Isaac's obedience and faith, we'd also learned -- that God had allowed Isaac to prosper greatly, doing the time of this great famine. As a matter-of-fact, Isaac prospered so much, that the Philistine king (and his people) had become very envious of him, after Isaac's wealth had surpassed theirs.

However that may have been, we now find, that the Sacred Record points out -- that Esau had fallen out of good-standing with his parents. And this had happened, because Esau didn't consider their concerns, when it came to him marrying into the Canaanite family: "When Esau was forty years old, he married Judith daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and also Basemath daughter of Elon the Hittite. They were a source of grief to Isaac and Rebekah" -- (Genesis 26:34-35)

Now basically what we want to look at this time -- is the civilization, that the two women that Esau had married, descended from. For the passage reveals, that they had came from the tribe, that was known as the "Hittites." Also know, that the Hittites, were also known as "The Children of Heth". Now understand -- that the Hittites were a civilization, that was a descendant of Heth, who was the son of Canaan. Now we must also keep in mind, that Canaan was cursed, because of his actions towards his grandfather Noah: "Cursed be Canaan! The lowest of slaves will he be to his brothers." -- (Genesis 9:25)

Now because of this, Esau's grandfather Abraham -- also had concerns, when it came to his son Isaac, marrying into the Canaanite nation. For Abraham had also noted, that the Canaanites had become idolatrous, and a very wicked people. Know that this is the main reason, why Abraham had given his chief servant Eliezar, strict instructions? For these instructions, informed Eliezar -- that he was not to go, and find Isaac a wife, from amongst the Canaanites.

Now Isaac was a faithful man, who had a strong relationship with the Almighty God. And make no mistake, with all the great blessings that Isaac's household had recently experienced, because of his relationship with the Lord. And personally -- I just can't see, how Esau didn't know about God's high expectations of him, and his father's household overall? Nonetheless, Esau goes against the Abrahamic covenant, by marrying into the idolatrous, and wicked Canaanite family. And it would be for this reason -- that Esau's actions, and marriage, had grieved his parents Isaac and Rebekah.

Now in spite of Esau's recent actions, he would still be Isaac's favorite between the two boys. And to be clear, Esau did keep a close relationship with his father. However, will his close relationship with his father -- be enough for Esau, to stay within the provisions of the Abrahamic Covenant, that God had bestowed on Abraham's future generations?

God Creates the Earth

The Sons of God - The Daughters of Men

The Introduction of Abraham

The Birth of Isaac

**YOUR CURRENT - BIBLE STUDY ONLINE SERIES - WOULD BE HERE**

Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty

Jacob - Wrestles with God

Joseph the Favorite Son

Joseph the Overseer of Egypt

The Unveiling of Joseph

28) The Twelve Rulers of Ishmael

29) The Birth of Esau & Jacob

30) Esau & Jacob - The Birthright

31) Isaac and the Canaan Famine

32) Isaac Lied About Rebekah

33) The Envious King Abimelech

34) The Battle of the Wells

Added to Page: 34) Abimelech & Isaac Makes An Oath

35) <-CURRENT - BIBLE STUDY ONLINE - PAGE->

36) Isaac's Favorite Son Esau

37) God has Checkmate

38) Rebekah's Reaction

39) Jacob - Loyalty or Deception

40) Deceitful Hearts

41) Esau the Son of War

42) Esau's Heart of Vengeance

43) Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty