Feb 2 2012

Genesis 27 – Isaac Blesses Jacob

In Genesis 27, we find that because Isaac loved Esau most, he thinks his blessing on him will secure his future as Isaac would have it to be. But God will have it His way. Jacobs deception of his father is pretty loathsome, though; and so is the fact that his mother not only came up with the idea – but she helped him carry it out (v 6-17)! Refer back to Gen 25:25, to explain verses 11 and 16. Such an elaborate plan from her in short order suggests a thing or two about Jacob being such a “trickster.” Parents “teach” their children in all sorts of ways.

Notice that Jacob has no problem about lying to his father, and even explains “getting back so quickly” by saying that is was “Because the Lord your God granted me success”, referring to the hunt for game (v 20)! So, clearly Jacob also was not a perfect man. But our God is forgiving and merciful.

Esau did not try to hide his hatred for Jacob afterward, as his plans for his brother got back to his mother Rebekah (v 42). So she makes plans for him to go away to her brother, Laban’s people in Haran. We were told in chapter 26 that Esau’s Canaanite wives made life bitter for them, and Rebekah uses that to influence Isaac to send Jacob away to get a wife (v 46).

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Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog. All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility. When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com. For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.
/Robert

Feb 1 2012

Genesis 26 – God’s Promise to Isaac

Genesis 26 begins with the fact that there was famine in the land, and the writer (Moses) in the first few verses is referring also to the famine that in chapter 12 had Abraham venturing into Egypt. In v 2-3, the Lord tells Isaac not to go to Egypt, but to stay in the land that He has promised to Abraham and his offspring. God repeats that promise to Isaac in v 3-5.

Isaac and Abimelech

Isaac settles in Gerar, and in verse 7, he tells the same lie about his wife Rebekah that Abraham had told about Sarah. Abimilech finds out (might he have been a bit suspicious to start with?), and he is not happy about it. The Lord is taking care of Isaac as He did his father (v 12-13), and Abimilech sees his wealth and the envy his people have for Isaac, and decides it is time for him to move on. So he went to Beersheba, where the Lord repeats His promise to him (v 24).

Abimilech can see God’s blessings on him, and so he comes to see Isaac with his commander of the army and his adviser, and makes a pact with him. They exchange oaths that they will do each other no harm. That day, his men tell him of the well they have dug that has found spring water. He names it “Shibah,” which sounds like the Hebrew for “oath,” and the city is thereafter known as Beersheba. Meanwhile, verse 34 tells us that his oldest son, Esau, has married two women of the land of Canaan. Chapter 25 makes a point to tell us that Isaac loved Esau, so how this must have broken his heart; and indeed, verse 35 says that they made life bitter for Isaac and Rebekah.

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Jan 31 2012

Genesis 25 – Abraham’s Death and the Birth of Esau and Jacob

Genesis 25 brings us to Abraham’s death, after a long life. He had taken another wife, had many other sons, and gave them gifts. But verse 5 makes it clear that Isaac was his main heir, as God intended. Abraham died at an old age and was buried with Sarah. Notice verse 9 says that Isaac and Ishmael buried him in that cave. Nothing is said in scripture about Abraham having a relationship with Ishmael after Hagar and he left, but there obviously was contact of some type between Ishmael and his family. Verse 18 finishes with Ishmael’s death after having 12 sons who were princes as the Lord had promised.

Rebekah becomes pregnant with twins and verse 22 says they “struggled” within her. Note God’s explanation to her in verse 23. Do you think that had anything to do with Jacob becoming her favorite? Notice that in verse 26, Isaac was 60 years old when Jacob and Esau were born. Doing the math, that means they were born 15 years before Abraham died (v 7- Abraham died age 175. and in Gen 21:5 – Abraham was 100 when Isaac was born). So Abraham must have known these two grand-children.

The first-born (even by no more than a heel – v 26) had a privilege of birthright – a double portion of inheritance – which Esau sells to Jacob for a plate of stew! Esau did not respect his birthright, and Jacob used that knowledge to get what he wanted.

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