INTRODUCTION: This chapter is rich in practical lessons for anyone who will take the time to meditate on the events recorded. We may learn from the hard knocks of our own experience or from looking at the lives of others. In studying the history of others we may learn where certain paths lead without having to tread them ourselves.I. REBELLION - verses 1-4.
Isaac acted here in direct rebellion against God. He knew that Jacob was God's choice [Genesis 25:23], yet he followed his own preference. Perhaps being a quiet man himself, he greatly admired Esau's masculine and rugged lifestyle. No doubt he justified himself in some way, but he should have been spiritually-minded enough to see Esau's carnality and spiritual unfitness for the blessing. Isaac simply refused to submit to God's plan.Was it not also significant that neither Rebekah nor Jacob were told of Isaac's plan. Usually the giving of the blessing would have been the occasion of a family celebration. The fact that Isaac wanted to hide the deed shows the strife experienced in the family. Rebekah's behavior also shows that she felt that Isaac's mind was not open to reason.
II. PRAGMATISM - verses 5-17.
Pragmatism is the philosophy that the end justifies the means. Many today feel that as long as we are trying to accomplish God's will, it does not matter how we go about it. Let us learn here that God's work is to be done in God's way. God's purpose could have been accomplished without Rebekah and Jacob's sinful behavior. They hurt themselves and others.Consider also how Rebekah and Jacob hurt their testimony. They were people who wanted God's will while Esau was a profane rebel. Anyone reading this account, however, is made to pity Esau and disdain Rebekah and Jacob's actions. The world can more easily overlook the carnality of sinners than the faults of saints. Let us serve Christ in a Christ-like manner [Romans 14:16]. We are only responsible to obey God. Difficulties outside of our control are to be left to God's power, not handled by our unscriptural schemes.
III. DECEPTION - verses 18-25.
Jacob was a believer, yet look at him. He even used the name of God in vain as he perpetrated his deception [verse 20]. His faith caused him to want the blessing, but he sought it in a fleshly way. This has caused someone to remark that:A. In Abraham the doctrines of election and calling are greatly illustrated.
B. In Isaac the doctrine of the new birth is illustrated.
C. In Jacob, while the above ideals are seen, it is the doctrine of the two natures of the believer that is most illustrated. Jacob means supplanter. His propensity for scheming seems to have been his besetting sin. Believers in this world are still subject to the weakness of the flesh. Like Peter we little know our own weakness [Matthew 26:33-35].
IV. THE BLESSING - verses 26-29.
This blessing not only gave Jacob material benefits, but the last part of verse 29 assured him that the promises made to Abraham would be carried out through him [Genesis 12:1-3]. Jacob would be in the messianic line.A. Rebekah, instead of trusting God to carry out His plan, used deceit and worldly wisdom. Because of this Jacob had to leave and she never saw her favorite son again. Esau's threat was caused by her plan. One is reminded of the trouble Abraham and Sarah brought on themselves with the scheme concerning Hagar.
B. Jacob, because of his deceit, had to leave home and endure the schemes and cheating of Laban and his sons [Genesis 29; Genesis 31:41]. He was also forced to watch his character reflected in the life of his wives [Genesis 31:19 & 34-35] and his sons [Genesis 34 and the story of Joseph].
In conclusion, notice that through all of the schemes and downfalls of men, God's decree is still carried out.
V. GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY - verses 30-38.
In verse 29, we see Isaac thinking he had reversed God's decree. Here he finds out that God's purposes are certain [Proverbs 19:21]. His final words in verse 33 seem to reflect his realization that there is no changing God's plan. There Isaac seems to say: "he shall be blessed, regardless of what you or I want, because it is God's will."One can easily feel pity for Esau, but we must remember that he was an ungodly man who was not only unworthy of the birthright and the blessing, but who must have known that in God's will it did not belong to him. Hebrews 12:17 does not mean that Esau wished to repent of his sin, but that he wished Isaac to change or nullify his actions in blessing Jacob. Esau still wished to override God's plan. The saddest thing here is that Esau could accuse Jacob of carnal scheming [verse 36]. How Jacob hurt his testimony in all this.
VI. A PROPHECY - verses 39-40.
This prophecy was fulfilled in the Edomites who descended from Esau as a tribe. They were never totally subjugated by Israel.VII. SOWING AND REAPING - verses 41-45.
Everyone in this family failed God and they all suffered for it:
A. Isaac rebelled against God and saw his plans come to naught. His favorite son went bad and his home was filled with strife.B. Esau lost the blessing and his soul. He was a man who loved neither God nor His people. His murderous intent toward Jacob was a manifestation of his character.
VIII. SAD PARENTS - verse 46.
Esau's marriage to pagan wives was a great burden to Rebekah and Isaac [Genesis 26:35]. Those who love God are not at home in the presence of worldliness and ungodly ways. There is no doubt that Esau's marriages produced much friction in the camp. Christians are instructed to marry other saints for their own comfort and edification as well as for the spiritual welfare of their children [II Corinthians 6:14, Malachi 2:15]. Esau, after hearing of the journey made to find Isaac a bride [Genesis 24] and in seeing his parents displeasure at his prospective brides, should have sought a godly wife. Sadly he had no concern for such things.
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