The Birth of Jacob and Esau

Open Your Bible

Genesis 25:19-34, Genesis 26:1-35, Hebrews 12:14-17, James 3:13-18

When I was seven years old, my family went to Disney World. At the time, we lived in Virginia, which meant that in order to get to Space Mountain, we had to drive from the D.C. area all the way to Orlando. To survive an eleven-hour drive with three daughters under the age of fourteen, my parents came up with a plan. They told us that when we got to Disney World, we would all get $50 as spending money, but that any misbehavior during the drive would lead to a deduction from that amount. And so the drive began.

A few hours later, their plan had backfired. Rather than sitting quietly, trying to maintain our $50 allowances, my sisters and I had devised a game of our own, in which we attempted to provoke one another into losing more and more of their allowance. Anytime one of us misbehaved, my mother would take out her notepad where she was keeping track of deductions. While one sister sulked, the other two would pull down an imaginary lotto-lever and shout “cha-ching!”

We weren’t all that nice to one another. But our misbehavior pales in comparison to the sibling rivalry recounted in the story of Jacob and Esau, twin brothers who came out of the womb as enemies. And their parents were no help. From the beginning, Isaac and Rebekah chose favorites, and that favoritism only stoked the enmity between these brothers.

At stake in this passage was Esau’s birthright, the inheritance he stood to receive as the firstborn of his family. Knowing the value of that inheritance, Jacob plotted against his older brother, as if land and money were a finite resource. Meanwhile, Esau didn’t place adequate value on his birthright. He was “immoral and irreverent,” selling “his birthright in exchange for a single meal” (Hebrews 12:16). Know this: favoritism and strife are not God’s plan. In fact, the Mosaic Law would later forbid a father from favoring a younger son merely because he came from a preferred wife (Deuteronomy 21:15–17). But in this story, we see that Jacob used the means at his disposal to manipulate his way into wealth.

God is not interested in breaking up families over dollars and cents. Perhaps the greatest problem with Jacob and Esau’s behavior is that they both forgot God’s character. They forgot that the same God who blessed Isaac also blessed Ishmael. God never runs out of goodness. He does not “dock” us for misbehavior, nor will He look favorably upon those who provoke others into deceit. God’s goodness exists equally for His dearly loved children. We know this because Jesus called His disciples—and us His friends (John 15:15, 17:20–23).

Jesus, the most favored Son of all, gave us the right to become His brothers and sisters, His co-heirs to the kingdom (Romans 8:17). He is willing to share the blessing. He knows there is more than enough blessing to go around.

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58 thoughts on "The Birth of Jacob and Esau"

  1. Nicole Powell says:

    Never be jealous of other people’s blessing

  2. Karen Breaux says:

    ✝️❤

  3. Wanda Woehlert says:

    ❤️

  4. Paula Mourin says:

    ♥️

  5. Crystal Pitzer says:

    Amen

  6. Traci Gendron says:

    I have been late to our study the last two days. I read all the comments from yesterday. Lynne (from alabama) you are in my prayers.

  7. Missy Csonka says:

    Many Hugs and much Love to all of our SHES of SRT. Hoping to be at peace with those around me. Thankful to be here amongst all my cherished sisters In Christ.

    ✝️❤️

  8. Julianne Pictou says:

    As a parent, I can understand that favoring one child over the other can just lead to overall destruction. When I read this passage, I can see how human they are. It just becomes more real to me. Because that’s the stage of life that I’m at. And it just makes me think that God is all the more aware of the responsibility we have as parents. Of us to truly be in charge of our emotions and our feelings. And to overall direct our children to God

  9. Cheryl Blow says:

    Great comments! So thankful God has a plan. Even when we try to help Him, He makes a way!

    Praying for all!

  10. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

    “God never runs out of goodness… God’s goodness exists equally for His dearly loved children.”

    Having an earthly father that seemingly was always “running out of goodness”, and who did not love or treat all of his children equally, has wreaked havoc on my heart for so many years. It has caused anger and bitterness in my family and some are not talking to others.

    But when ever I am reminded of God’s goodness, that He doesn’t have favorites – we are all His favorites!!- it brings such peace and love for my heavenly Father to my heart. I can not think about God as a good Father, without thinking of James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” and having this song come to mind – Good, Good Father by Chris Tomlin.

    Oh, I’ve heard a thousand stories of what they think You’re like
    But I’ve heard the tender whisper of love in the dead of night
    And You tell me that You’re pleased and that I’m never alone
    You’re a good, good Father
    It’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are
    And I’m loved by You
    It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am
    Oh, and I’ve seen many searching for answers far and wide
    But I know we’re all searching for answers only You provide
    ‘Cause You know just what we need before we say a word
    You’re a good, good Father
    It’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are
    And I’m loved by You
    It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am
    Because You are perfect in all of Your ways
    You are perfect in all of Your ways
    You are perfect in all of Your ways to us
    You are perfect in all of Your ways
    Oh, You’re perfect in all of Your ways
    You are perfect in all of Your ways to us
    Oh, it’s love so undeniable
    I, I can hardly speak
    Peace so unexplainable
    I, I can hardly think
    As You call me deeper still
    As You call me deeper still
    As You call me deeper still into love, love, love
    You’re a good, good Father
    It’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are
    And I’m loved by You
    It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am
    And You’re a good, good Father
    It’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are
    And I’m loved by You
    It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am
    You’re a good, good Father
    It’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are
    And I’m loved by You
    It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am
    (You’re a good, good Father)
    You are perfect in all of Your ways (it’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are)
    (And I’m loved by You)
    You are perfect in all of Your ways (it’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am)

    Have a blessed Thursday sweet she’s – basking in the light and love of our heavenly Father! ❤️

    1. Traci Gendron says:

      Such a great song.

    2. Cee Gee says:

      Great song we often sing at church! ❤

  11. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

    I haven’t done the scripture reading yet, but first wanted to say, I didn’t get to yesterdays reading and comments until later last night. What a blessing to hear everyone’s story, and see God’s providence at work in every situation!

    I too have a story of God’s providence when meeting my husband…after the break up of a very tumultuous 3 year relationship with the man I thought I was going to marry, I thought I would be single forever. A few years later a met a guy at a singles bible study. He seemed nice enough but didn’t think he was for me (I thought he was a perfect match for my sister). A few months later I returned to the bible study, and there he was again! I didn’t give him a second thought…fast forward 9 months, I bumped into him again at an event at another church. A group of us went for pizza after. A few weeks later I called him and his friends to invite them to an event, none could make it, not even Jeff. I figured God had closed that door. A month later, Jeff called me and asked me out. A year and a half later, we were married, and six months later God called Jeff to ministry! There is so much more in between, but wanted to keep this short and also attest to God’s providence and how He leads us to our mates, and them to us.

    I pray regularly for all of you here at SRT that are waiting on God to bring that “someone” into your life. If it is His will, He will do it – in His time, by His providence. Being in the “waiting room” can be so hard, I know – I’ve been there. But don’t lose heart, or hope. Keep trusting, keep obeying, keep serving. And we all will keep praying! ❤️

  12. Cee Gee says:

    Hebrews 14 reminds me of Matthew 7:21-23.
    21 “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. 22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’
    .
    These verses in James stood out to me today also:
    17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense.a 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.
    .
    Father, may my life bear the fruit of righteousness.
    .
    Love, hugs, and prayers, sisters! ❤

    1. Cee Gee says:

      I was searching for songs about peace and saw many familiar ones, but this one was new to me though the video posted on 2015!
      BE STILL By Kristine DiMarco

      “Be still my heart and know
      In letting all my weakness show
      He provides a place for me to go
      He lifts me off the ground
      I quiet down and rest
      He restores my hope again
      I lift my eyes and look to Him
      He lifts me off the ground
      So open up my heart and trust
      Open up my eyes to see
      That He who placed
      The sun, the moon, and stars
      Is here with me
      Stop your striving now
      Heaven’s peace is all around
      I say His name and my walls come down
      He lifts me off the ground
      So open up my heart and trust
      Open up my eyes to see
      That He who placed
      The sun, the moon, and stars
      Is here with me
      I’m not alone
      You’re with me every step
      Seasons come and go
      But You have never left …
      So open up my heart and trust
      Open up my eyes to see
      That He who placed
      The sun, the moon, and stars
      Is here with me”
      Songwriters: Kristene Dimarco, Katie Torwalt, Bryan Torwalt. For non-commercial use only.

  13. Jamie Trice says:

    “Jesus, the most favored Son of all, gave us the right to become His brothers and sisters, His co-heirs to the kingdom. (Romans 8:17) He is willing to share the blessing. He knows there is more than enough to go around.”
    Claire Gibson said that so perfectly. Wow. I want to know I also live like Jesus did.

  14. Christy says:

    As an identical twin, I know all too well the bickering and quarreling, especially when we were kids, haha. It’s tough having someone who looks exactly like you to compare yourself to. But as we got older, God worked to restore our bond, and now we are inseparable. We constantly say how grateful we are that God blessed us with a built-in best friend to walk through life’s ups and downs, encouraging and praying for each other.
    .
    This passage is a wonderful reminder of striving vs. trusting. The more I try to take the director’s seat of my life, the more complicated my day becomes. The complication I feel is from within me because God knows precisely what He is doing.
    .
    Psalm 131
    “Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I do not get involved with things too great or too wondrous for me. Instead, I have calmed and quieted my soul like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like a weaned child. Israel, put your hope in the  Lord, both now and forever.”

    1. Cee Gee says:

      “The more I try to take the director’s seat of my life, the more complicated my day becomes. The complication I feel is from within me because God knows precisely what He is doing.”
      .
      Perfectly stated, Christy! Thank you! ❤

      1. Gwineth52 says:

        Agreed!!
        Writing Christy’s words in my journal.

  15. Mari V says:

    Thank you JESUS that you do not have favorites!! Love you SO much. Happy Thursday sweeties. Still not feeling well. Stayed home from youth group, and had felt better, but did not sleep well. Going to try to work a short shift and come home.

    1. Cee Gee says:

      ❤❤

  16. Rhonda J. says:

    I too, know the struggle with sibling rivalry. My 13 month older sister was pretty and popular, and I envied her. She was gracious and always took care of me though, and we were always close. She was a great example of a generous, loving and caring person to me and others, it was I that had to work out the jealousy/admiring juxtaposition. I certainly caused her much madness stealing her clothes and trying to win over the parents! But I have been so grateful of the “built in” best friend God gave me with her.

    I am grateful for my sisters at church and all of you here. That when we accept Jesus we become co-heirs together and family. There should be no strife, tension, ugliness between us. God’s children are all equal, yet with different strengths and weaknesses. And we help each other and build each other up, strengthening and encouraging, and praying together! It is beautiful when lived out. Hard and ugly when not. We see it in churches a lot. Lord, keep us humble and empathetic, let us not be tempted to one up the next, and conniving and jealous. Help to love one another and only good and honoring things come out of our lips. Thank you Lord.

    1. Cee Gee says:

      Amen! ❤

  17. Maria B says:

    Thank you, God that your “goodness exists equally for your dearly loved children.” That, because of your unchanging nature, we can trust in your promise that one day we will share in your kingdom as co-heirs. You mercy, love and grace are incomparable. Thank you, Father. Thank you, Jesus.

  18. Lynne from Alabama says:

    Precious sisters, I cannot thank you enough for the outpouring of love I felt yesterday (and really every day) from this precious group of sisters! I have read the comments several times and also felt the prayers of those who didn’t comment. Sometimes (most times) I don’t have time to comment to each of you individually but I assure you that you are prayed for by name. I also pray for the many needs that aren’t mentioned but they are so real and God knows each one. I look forward to the day we can all meet together with our Heavenly Father and I can collect all the hugs that I’ve been promised (maybe have some coffee too).

    I enjoyed so much all of your love stories yesterday. They warmed my heart.

    Margaret W—Praying God’s wisdom and direction as you try to make arrangements for your son. May God grant you (and him) perfect peace. My sister cared for her adult special needs son for my years. Caregiving is tough no matter who you’re caring for.

    1. Carol J Mylin says:

      ♥️

    2. Therese says:

      Praying for you both. ❤️

    3. Cee Gee says:

      ❤❤❤ God bless your sweet heart, Lynne! I prayed for you earlier abd keep you close in heart. Coffee and hugs… sounds like a great gathering! ❤

    4. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

      God bless you Lynne, you and Jack are always on my heart and in my prayers.❤️

    5. Kerry Rowley says:

      You are dearly loved Lynne. -Kerry also in Alabama

  19. Danielle B says:

    “God never runs out of goodness. He does not “dock” us for misbehavior, nor will He look favorably upon those who provoke others into deceit. God’s goodness exists equally for His dearly loved children. “ what reassurance that God is full of goodness which depends on Him and His character. As someone who is working to let go of striving and earning, there is such comfort to know God’s goodness is based on Him and not me. May I remember this and focus on the ways you’ve been good to me.

  20. Aimee D-R says:

    Oh Lord God thank You that Hou are a Good Father! Forgive me for when I don’t act with that in mind. In Jesus name, Amen

  21. Searching says:

    In the Lord’s message to Rebekah, He told her “And the older shall serve the younger.” Jacob schemed to gain a position the Lord had already deemed to be his. Lord, help me to be meek in wisdom as it says in Hebrews so that I honor You in my waiting and watching – not trying to force or rush what I think is Your plan. Even if I’m right and it really is Your plan, Your way is always the best way.

    And Isaac – like father, like son, not being truthful about his wife, not trusting the Lord for protection.

    Praying for the lost this morning, and our caregiving sisters.

    1. Carol J Mylin says:

      ♥️

    2. Cee Gee says:

      Amen! Why do we think God needs our ‘help’?!

    3. Mia Faith says:

      ❤️

  22. Sarah Nelson says:

    Would anyone have a book recommendation for historical and context purposes? I am curious as to how Issac (and even his father, relatives, etc) could meet with a king. Was this common in this era, or was it due to his great wealth and the status that gave him in society?

    1. Searching says:

      I don’t have a recommendation for you but my thinking is: The king recognized the power of the Lord and that He had blessed each of these men with financial and property wealth, which may have prompted the meetings – the king could have viewed these highly blessed men as a potential threat to his power.

      Maybe another sister will have a book recommendation or other resource ❤️

      1. Sarah Nelson says:

        Thank you ☺️

    2. Maria B says:

      I believe it is because Isaac inherited a big wealth from Abraham (herds, servants, and land). This wealth would have made him a prominent figure in the region, and he probably often interacted with influential people to maintain alliances or address disputes, especially about land and water.

    3. Heather says:

      I highly recommend the Cultural Background studies Bible. It gives all the cultural and historical context of the time which helps to put things into perspective.

  23. Kelly (NEO) says:

    From HRT:
    “The writer of Hebrews warns us to pursue holiness and to not treat the promises and provisions of God as if they’re something cheap, common, and easily consumable (Hebrews 12:14–17). We should treasure the promises of God and delight in the ways He is working in our lives.”
    .
    Jesus, thank You, that Your position as the “Firstborn” enables me to be a part of God’s family.
    .
    MARGARET W. – praying for wisdom as you make plans for your son.
    .
    Thanks for all the stories shared yesterday. Great testimonies to God’s grace.

  24. Laura says:

    I liked this line from HRT: The writer of Hebrews warns us to pursue holiness and to not treat the promises and provisions of God as if they’re something cheap, common, and easily consumable (Hebrews 12:14–17). We should treasure the promises of God and delight in the ways He is working in our lives.

    Since TREASURE is my word this year, it was a good reminder to keep looking for ways God is moving and working in my life. Even though there are so many good things, I often focus on the things that aren’t good, and get bogged down in sadness and disappointment. I have a long way to go! Lord, help me to keep my eyes on You and continue to trust, step by step by step.
    As Claire said, God never runs out of goodness.

    1. Jess says:

      One of my favorite verses: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

      1. Gwineth52 says:

        Yes, Yes!
        Love that all-encompassing & definitely-aspiring way of life.

  25. Sally B. says:

    The reminder that the twins forgot God’s character stepped on my toes a bit this morning, Ladies! How often do I forget God’s character (the same God who blessed Isaac also blessed Ismael) and try to make sure things turn out the way I think they should?
    Father, help us to remember You own the cattle on a thousand hills and have blessings to spare for all Your dearly loved children!!

    1. Gwineth52 says:

      Joining you, Sally B!

  26. Mary Ann Graves says:

    Thank you for blessing me Lord

  27. Tina says:

    My brother and I share the same father. When mum remarried and had 6 children with my stepdad. The eldest a girl, was not happy at my turning up when I was sixteen, and being told I was the older sister!
    “But I am the older sister” she shouted..
    Mum and her dad had to explain that I was the older of mums children, therefore the eldest of all the children.
    That did not go down well, at all!
    One day, still adjusting to my new family life, I was arguing with mum about something or other in the kitchen, when my sister came in and told me not to talk to her mother like that.. I told her this was between our mum and I and that she should stay out of it..
    She took a knife out of the drawer and pointed it at me, again reiterating that I should stop talking to mum like that!!
    .
    This story of Jacob and Esau does not shock me, the drama of siblings, I have known. My sister had believed for a long time that she was the older sister, suddenly this stranger has come into her space to take her place!!! Not on her watch, this was not going to happen!
    .
    BUT GOD..
    .
    That was 50 years ago, and I am happy to report that you could not get a better loving pair of sisters..
    Unfortunately, this did not happen with Jacob and Esua.. The dislike began in the womb.. Seriously, I wonder, though Esau was born first, should it have been Jacob that was to be born first, I mean the ‘cafaffle’ within the womb, and the fact that it is of Jacobs line that Jesus came.. Just a thought.. I guess it probably doesn’t matter in which order, Jacobs was always going to be the line.
    I digress a tad..
    .
    I am thankful that the same God that blessed Abraham, blessed Isaac, blessed Ishmael, blessed Rahab, blessed Esther, blessed Ruth, BLESSES me! So so very thankful that God has no favourites, and that in His eyes I stand head and shoulders with the royals here in England!

    You know the best bit, because of Jesus, I can feel and know the goodness and grace and favour and mercy and love of God, each day..EVERY SINGLE DAY!
    .
    Forever grateful, forever thankful, forever, by Jesus’s gift, I am given the right to be come His sister, a co heir to the kingdom..
    No need to fight for it.. Jesus shares it with us/me!!
    Amen.
    .
    Happy Thursday, my people.. Be blessed knowing God has got this, whatever your ‘this’ looks like… He loves you, always has, always will!!
    I love you too, and I cover you in much love, hugs and prayers..
    God bless you.

    1. Searching says:

      Yes, TINA, same God as has always been, with love overflowing for us all, and salvation available to all who believe in His Son. Thankful for you, little sister :) ❤️

    2. Kelly (NEO) says:

      ❤️❤️

    3. Carol J Mylin says:

      ♥️

    4. Molly B says:

      Thank you for sharing this story and your thoughts. I’m also intrigued with ‘cafaffle’ within the womb. Your thoughts help my mind think on deeper level of Gods plans for us.

    5. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

      “So so very thankful that God has no favourites, and that in His eyes I stand head and shoulders with the royals here in England!”

      Yes and Amen Tina! We are all standing head and shoulders with royalty, as our Father is King – making each one of us princesses!! Hallelujah!!

      Have a blessed and Spirit filled day my fellow sister-princess! ❤️❤️