Lesson 15 - Jacob and Esau:
 A Family Feud
Read Genesis 25:12-27:40 - www.bible.com/bible/59/gen.25

Controversy and quarreling among brothers is prevalent in most families and is a part of growing up. It can be contained, however, if it is dealt with consistently and fairly. But when the parents show partiality and take sides, this struggle often becomes malignant and fatal to family unity.

This study opens with the joy of long-awaited birth. After twenty years, Isaac and Rebekah have not just one son but twins. As the boys grow up, parental partiality develops with tragic consequences for family relationships. Yet throughout these events God works out His sovereign purpose and remains merciful to this family in spite of their failures. Not only can we learn from their mistakes, but we can also be encouraged by God's love for us even when we fail.

In chapter 25, verses 29-34, we read how different these brothers were. Esau loved the outdoors, working with animals – someone we might call a rancher or farmer today. Jacob, however, was an indoor person, probably someone who today would be an executive or businessman. One was the favorite of his father, and the other the favorite of his mother. Since wealth (the number of animals he had) and fame (his hunting skills) seem to have been more important to Esau than the spiritual things of life (the blessing of the firstborn), he sold his birthright to his brother for a single meal.

*What in your life might say you are more concerned with things of this life instead of spiritual life?

In lesson 12 – Genesis chapters 20-21 – we studied the effects of a mistake Abraham made when he didn’t trust God concerning his wife Sarah while visiting another country. Now, in chapter 26, we find Isaac making the same mistake with his wife (Rebekah) and another foreign king.


*What attitude do you think caused father and son to make the same mistake?

Chapter 27 shows us the result of the parental favoritism with their children. Read again the end of chapter 25 where God’s promise to Rebekah, before the twins were born, stated that the younger, Jacob, would be the ruler over the older, Esau. See also in verse 30 that another name for Esau is Edom, and if you read the story of Jesus’ birth in Luke, you will find that the king then, Herod, was an Edomite – hatred between the descendants of Jacob and Esau lasted for more than two thousand years.
 
*As a result of this study, what one thing can you do within your own family or present living situation to reduce tension and encourage better relationships?