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In the previous article, the Sacred Record revealed -- that Rebekah and Jacob, had taken the final steps -- when it came to enacting Rebekah's deceitful plan, against her husband Isaac.
Understand, that Rebekah had came up with this plan, because she was worried -- that Isaac was trying to unilaterally undermine God, when it came to restoring the birthright, back unto Esau. Now remember, that during a moment of weakness, Esau sold (gave away) his birthright to his younger brother Jacob, for a bowl of red lentil stew: "[Esau] said to Jacob, 'Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I'm famished!' (That is why he was also called Edom.) "Jacob replied, 'First sell me your birthright.' [Then Esau replied] 'Look, I am about to die. What good is the birthright to me?'" -- Genesis 25:30-32 Understand, that Rebekah was extremely concerned -- that Isaac was trying to take away, Jacob's rightful place -- when it came to him being the new steward, and beneficiary of the Abrahamic Covenant. So this is why, we find Rebekah designing a plan -- that would create an opportunity for Jacob, when it came to intercepting Isaac's plans for Esau.
Now remember, that Isaac had decided, that he would speak a special blessing into Esau's life. This is what he'd said to the son, whom he thought to be, Esau: "Ah, the smell of my son is like the smell of the field that the Lord has blessed. May God give you of heaven's dew and of earth's richness an abundance of grain and new wine. May nations serve you and peoples bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers, and may the son's of your mother bow down to you. May those who curse you be cursed and those who bless you be blessed." -- (Genesis 27:27-29)
Now remember, that I'd also pointed out, that this particular "special blessing" -- you know, the one that Isaac was trying to speak into Esau's life -- was in retrospect, a direct contradiction to the prophecy -- that God had already spoken to Rebekah, when she was still pregnant with the two boys: "[Rebekah, know that] 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 [Esau] will serve the younger[Jacob]." -- (Genesis 25:23)
Now keep in mind, that it was already Jacob's right, when it came to him being the rightful steward of the Abrahamic Covenant at this time. But also know, that it was wrong for Rebekah, when it came to her trying to take matters into her own hands. But there's something else, that should be noted as well? For we would also find, that God did allow, Rebekah's deceitful plan to go forth? Now I'm pointing this out, for I want you to know -- that God would have never allowed Rebekah's plan to go forward, if He knew, that it was going to derail His intended plans for Abraham's future descendants. After all, the Lord did make a promise to Abraham. And rest assured, God doesn't break His promises.
Nonetheless, we now move forward. And it's at this time, that the Sacred Record reveals -- that right after Jacob had left from his father's side, Esau his older brother, enters the room. Now Esau had just finished fixing his father the tasty stew, that Isaac had instructed him to fix, earlier on. This is what Isaac had told him at the time: "I am now an old man and don't know the day of my death. Now then, get your weapons - your quiver (sword) and bow - and go out to the open country to hunt some wild game for me. Prepare me the kind of tasty food I like and bring it to me to eat, so that I may give you my blessing before I die." -- (Genesis 27:2-4)
Now once Esau had entered the room, he spoke these humble words to Isaac: "My father, sit up and eat some of my game, so that you may give me your blessing." But Isaac would respond in a surprised manner: "Who are you?" Then Esau replied: "I'm your son, your first born, Esau." Now after hearing Esau's answer, Isaac would begin to tremble violently, while saying: "Who was it, then, that hunted game and brought it to me? I ate it just before you came and I blessed him -- and indeed he will be blessed." Now after Esau had heard what his father had just told him, the brave red hunter had become incensed -- and he'd yelled out to his father, with a loud and vexatious cry: "Bless me too, my father!" And after hearing this, Isaac responded by saying: "Your brother came deceitfully and took your blessing." Then Esau spoke these words: "Isn't he rightfully named Jacob? He has deceived me these two times: He took my birthright, and now he's taken my blessing! My father, haven't you reserved any blessing for me?"
And after hearing what Esau had to say, Isaac replied: "I have made him lord over you and have made all his relatives his servants, and I have sustained him with grain and new wine. So what can I possibly do for you my son?" Esau responded by saying: "Do you have only one blessing, my father? Bless me too, my father!" Esau begged of his father, while weeping. So Isaac would do as his son had asked, and he spoke this blessing into his life: "Your dwelling will be away from the earth's richness, and away from the dew of heaven above. You will live by the sword and you will serve your brother. But when you grow restless, you will throw his yoke from off your neck."
Now real quick, let's take a closer look, at what Isaac just spoke to his son:
Now although Isaac's statement seems to suggest, that Esau would be kept away from prosperity? Know that in actuality, this would be quite the opposite? For we will find, that later on in our journey -- that Esau would eventually inhabit a rich, fertile hill country, in Seir. And make no mistake, this country would be given over to Esau, by the grace of God -- and not by his own doing. So in fact, Esau would still benefit greatly, from God's provision. But he would not share in the special divine provision (Abrahamic Covenant), that had been bestowed upon Jacob. For we must remember, that God's provision for Jacob -- will eventually provide him with the earth's richness, and the dew of heaven. And on top of this, it will be given to him, in abundance: "May God give you of heaven's dew and of earth's richness an abundance of grain and new wine." -- (Genesis 27:28)
Now it's here, that Isaac reveals -- that Esau and his descendants, will live by violence and rapine (pillage or plunder). For Esau will be constantly at war, and he will be forced, to always be a defender of his lands. Now this statement, also points out, that Esau will grow tired of being submissive to Jacob's authority: "But when you grow restless, you will throw his yoke from off your neck." And make no mistake, Esau and his descendants the Edomites, would eventually become a thorn from within Israel's side. For there are some notable recorded conflicts -- that had taken place throughout the Sacred Text? And some of these recorded conflicts had happened, during the days of king Saul, and during the days of his successor David. I would also like to point out, that by the time David had taken his last breath -- he would be forever known as Israel's greatest, and most famous earthly king. For it would be by David's sword, that the Edomites would eventually be conquered. So to their credit -- Esau's descendants the Edomites, would in fact, gain power and dominion throughout their land. They would also develop a reputation for being: a cruel, idolatrous, and prideful people as well. But know this -- even though the Edomites would be a constant thorn, from within Israel's side -- they will never, ever, have rule over them.
Now that Esau has learned his fate (so to speak), will he immediately look to seek vengeance against his younger brother Jacob?
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 30) Esau & Jacob - The Birthright 31) Isaac and the Canaan Famine 33) The Envious King Abimelech Added to Page: 34) Abimelech & Isaac Makes An Oath 40) Deceitful Hearts 41) <-CURRENT - BIBLE STUDY ONLINE - PAGE-> 43) Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty
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