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Jacob and Esau: Genesis 25
To Isaac and Rebekah were born twins (Genesis 25). Esau was the first, and Jacob the second, entering the world holding onto Esau’s heel. As the boys grew, Esau became a hunter, a man of the field, but Jacob was more peaceful, preferring to live in tents. Because of this, Isaac’s favorite was Esau; whereas Rebekah’s favorite was Jacob.
Though Esau was older, Jacob would be the one through whom God would carry out His plan. Jacob did show some problems in his life, though. On one occasion, he talked Esau into swapping Esau’s birthright for some stew. On another occasion, Jacob took part in his mother’s deceit, to trick Isaac into giving Jacob the blessing as if he were the firstborn. Because of this, Jacob fled.
As Jacob went from Beersheba toward Haran, the Lord spoke to him in a dream, reaffirming the very promises that God had given to Abraham. At this point, Jacob decided that the Lord would be his God. Jacob went east, finding some of his mother’s relatives. From among them, he found Rachel, whom he loved and desired to marry. He was deceived by her father, who first had him marry Leah, Rachel’s sister.
After Jacob married Leah and Rachel, and working many years for their father, they left and traveled back to Canaan. To Jacob was born twelve sons, and his own name was changed, by God, to Israel (read Gen. 35). Thus, his descendants would be called the “children of Israel,” and his sons would be the father’s of the “tribes” of Israel.
Discussion
1. What prophecy was made about the children in Rebekah’s womb? Why is it important to the Bible story?
2. Why was he named Jacob? Why was his name later changed to Israel by God?
3. What was the vision Jacob had when God reaffirmed the promises to him?
4. Why was Jacob so afraid of Esau before they met again? How did they respond to each other?
5. What other event happened in Jacob’s life to cause him to say, “I have seen God face to face.” Why was this event significant?