426 – Esau and Jacob – Rival Nations

SEMESTER 2

426 – Esau and Jacob – Rival Nations

BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE

COURSE:  BIBLE SURVEY II LESSON # 26
ESAU AND JACOB RIVAL NATIONS

Read Gen. 25:1 through Gen. 27:46.     (Particularly notice: Gen. 25:24-28; Gen. 27:1-46; Rom. 9:10-13.)

INTRODUCTION:

1. In Esau and Jacob, we see not only rival brothers, but the genesis and representation of nations that are perpetual rivals.
2. Nowhere in Scripture can we see more clearly God’s sovereignty and man’s volition in full and simultaneous function.

I. THE TIME ELEMENT

1. It is about 1789 B.C. about 2108 years after creation.
2. It is 15 years before the death of Abraham.
3. It is 452 years after the flood.
4. It is 130 years before Israel goes into Egypt.
5. It is 345 years before the law is given.

II. THE BIRTH OF ESAU AND JACOB

1. Isaac and Rebekah have been married 20 years. Compare Gen. 25:20 to Gen. 25:26.
2. Esau and Jacob are given by God as an answer to prayer, in spite of Rebekah’s barrenness. (Gen. 25:21)
3. Even in the womb Esau and Jacob were at war, foreshadowing their future relationship. (Gen. 25:22-23)
4. At birth Jacob’s hand grasped Esau’s heel, indicating his desire to hold back and surpass his brother. (Gen. 25:24-26)

III. THE COMPETITION AND CONFLICT IN THEIR LIFE

1. Jacob’s desire for Esau’s birthright shows his nature as the sup­planter. (Gen. 27:36)
2. Esau’s willingness to sell his birthright shows how much he valued holy things. (Heb. 12:16)
3. We see in Jacob a lack of compassion in refusing to give his brother a bowl of soup.
4. We see in Esau a lack of faith in valuing his birthright so lightly. (Gen. 25:29-34)
5. We see in Rebekah a lack of faith in forcing God’s purpose, instead of claiming it. Compare Gen. 25:23 to Gen. 27:6-17.
6. As a result of all this, Esau pledged to kill Jacob.

i. Their personal grief was later resolved.
ii. The national conflict never ended.
iii. It still exists today in the Middle East.

IV. DIVINE DECREE AND HUMAN ACTION

1. It is clear that the final outcome was exactly what God had purposed. (Gen. 25:23)
2. God’s choice of Jacob was made in a manner so all the world could see that divine selection is not according to work or character, but according to sovereign inexplicable election. (Rom. 9:10-13)
3. All of Jacob’s sin, Esau’s sin and Rebekah’s sin seem to be the means by which this was brought to pass.
4. Realize, however, that all of them acted voluntarily and in accord with their depraved nature. (They lied, schemed and profaned holy things.)
5. God permitted them to so function, He did not license or motivate them to do so.
6. Hypothetically speaking, God would have brought His purpose to pass if they had all acted righteously.
7. Had they waited on the Lord, He would have arranged the cir­cumstances more comfortably and profitably for them all