In the course of events in the home of I'saac and Re-bek'ah, and in the strained relations between their twin sons, a small thing gave rise to circumstances which clearly foretold the separate character and destiny of each son.
E'sau, the wild, roving lover of outdoor life, had just returned from a long, hard day of pursuing game in the forest and fields. He was very tired and hungry, and for the moment his ravenous appetite outweighed all other thoughts. His brother Ja'cob, whose quiet, domestic habits had given him practical experience in home comforts, had just prepared a bowl of red pottage made of different grains and lentils beaten in a mortar and boiled into a gruel. This was a favorite dish among the Oriental people of that day, and its odor brought the pangs of hunger in the exhausted, fainting E'sau to the breaking point.
He begged his brother Ja'cob to give this bowl of pottage to him. Under the circumstances such a kindness would have been a natural expression of brotherly sympathy and love, but Ja'cob refused the request. Taking advantage of his brother's great hunger, and of his weakness at that moment, Ja'cob offered to give him the food which he requested in exchange for his birthright. It was really a cruel, unworthy thing to ask, even though Ja'cob may have had just reasons for believing that he was entitled to the rights and privileges of the firstborn.
Ja'cob's conduct was also irreverent and sacrilegious, for the birthright dealt with religious privileges which should not have been sought by driving a hard bargain, or by any kind of trickery or scheming. To think of the birthright as something which could be bought or sold was altogether wrong, and to offer a mess of pottage for it was a shameful act.
The rights of the firstborn included a double share in the property left by the father, leadership of the family, and the right to act as priest in family worship. In the case of Ja'cob and E'sau it also gave the honor of being the head of the chosen people who were later known as the children of Is'ra-el, and the right to occupy the land of Ca'naan.
Friday, April 22, 2016
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Story 19: The Birth Of The First Twins In History ll
When the two sons reached the age of maturity I'saac showed a strong preference for E'sau, to whom he intended to leave his property and family heritage. If I'saac knew of the Divine revelation to Re-bek'ah which declared that Ja'cob was to be the chosen son, he seems to have regarded it as only a wish of Re-bek'ah, and not as the voice of God.
I'saac seems also to have felt that E'sau, who was strong, bold, and active, was better fitted than Ja'cob to take possession of the land of Ca'naan for the descendants of A'bra-ham. The rights which belonged to a first-born son, the physical powers of E'sau, and I'saac's personal wishes were all in favor of E'sau as the natural heir to his property.
Re-bek'ah, on the other hand, preferred Ja'cob, feeling that his sharpness of mind, his love for domestic peace and prosperty, and the choice of God which had been announced before his birth overcame the natural preference of I'saac for E'sau.
The strong preferences on the part of I'saac and Re-bek'ah became the source of much unhappiness in the domestic life of the family, and gave rise to the jealousy and bitterness which often broke out between the two sons. Happiness and justice in the home were forgotten, and the future relations of the two sons and their descendants were turned into hatred, disputes, and warfare. Later chapters in these narratives tell the story of the sad results of these unfortunate circumstances.
I'saac seems also to have felt that E'sau, who was strong, bold, and active, was better fitted than Ja'cob to take possession of the land of Ca'naan for the descendants of A'bra-ham. The rights which belonged to a first-born son, the physical powers of E'sau, and I'saac's personal wishes were all in favor of E'sau as the natural heir to his property.
Re-bek'ah, on the other hand, preferred Ja'cob, feeling that his sharpness of mind, his love for domestic peace and prosperty, and the choice of God which had been announced before his birth overcame the natural preference of I'saac for E'sau.
The strong preferences on the part of I'saac and Re-bek'ah became the source of much unhappiness in the domestic life of the family, and gave rise to the jealousy and bitterness which often broke out between the two sons. Happiness and justice in the home were forgotten, and the future relations of the two sons and their descendants were turned into hatred, disputes, and warfare. Later chapters in these narratives tell the story of the sad results of these unfortunate circumstances.
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Story 19: The Birth Of The First Twins In History l
The life of I'saac, who took the place of A'bra-ham in the Covenant promise concerning the land of Ca'naan, the founding of a great nation, and the coming of the Mes-si'ah, was not unlike that of his father in the trial of faith. While the other sons of A'bra-ham had many children, I'saac remained childless, though it had been promised that his descendants should be like the stars of Heaven. His mother Sa'rah was barren for nearly half a century, and now his wife Re-bek'ah had entered the twentieth year of marriage without bearing a child.
Unlike his father, I'saac did not stoop to unworthy means of overcoming the trying situation in his home. Instead, he prayed to the LORD without ceasing, constantly asking that a son and heir should be given to him. Re-bek'ah joined him in such prayers, earnestly asking the LORD to bless them with a son to carry on the line through which all the families of the earth were to be blessed.
After twenty years of prayer and patient waiting their hopes were answered; Re-bek'ah knew that the promise would soon be fulfilled. And yet Re-bek'ah was made uneasy by certain vague, foreboding thoughts. Worried by such a state of mind, she turned to the LORD for guidance, and was told that she would become the mother of twin sons. It was also revealed that two great nations should spring from these twins, one of whom should be stronger than the other, and that the elder son and his descendants should serve the younger. Such strange thoughts in the mind of Re-bek'ah, and the revelations of God in answer to her prayer, had a strong influence upon her, no doubt accounting for her preference of the younger of the two sons after their birth.
When the two sons were born the fears of Re-bek'ah were fully justified. The first of the two was abnormal in appearance, very red and hairy, while his brother was perfectly normal. The elder child was called E'sau, which means "hairy," or "rough," while the younger was called Ja'cob, which means "to trip" or "a supplanter."
As the boys grew older the traits of character which were to divide them and their descendants became very clear. E'sau inherited from his mother a bold, active disposition, but one which lacked her nobility of spirit; from I'saac there came a liking for open spaces, and a fondness for good living. Ja'cob inherited from I'saac a quiet, thoughtful nature, and from Re-bek'ah a talent for sly, sharp dealing. In E'sau there were the elements of manly courage, great energy, and practical genius which tended to make him hasty and hard to manage. In Ja'cob there were the traits of timidity, gentleness, and cunning which led to the dangers of being too crafty for his own good in life.
E'sau became a great hunter, and one who excelled in all of the rough, vigorous sports of the age. He took for granted the position of his father's favorite son, and acted as though he had already inherited the estates of his father. In the meantime Ja'cob gave his time to the gentle occupation of caring for the sheep, and was always ready to help around the home. He was the favorite of his mother, and was under her influence during the formative years of childhood and youth.
Unlike his father, I'saac did not stoop to unworthy means of overcoming the trying situation in his home. Instead, he prayed to the LORD without ceasing, constantly asking that a son and heir should be given to him. Re-bek'ah joined him in such prayers, earnestly asking the LORD to bless them with a son to carry on the line through which all the families of the earth were to be blessed.
After twenty years of prayer and patient waiting their hopes were answered; Re-bek'ah knew that the promise would soon be fulfilled. And yet Re-bek'ah was made uneasy by certain vague, foreboding thoughts. Worried by such a state of mind, she turned to the LORD for guidance, and was told that she would become the mother of twin sons. It was also revealed that two great nations should spring from these twins, one of whom should be stronger than the other, and that the elder son and his descendants should serve the younger. Such strange thoughts in the mind of Re-bek'ah, and the revelations of God in answer to her prayer, had a strong influence upon her, no doubt accounting for her preference of the younger of the two sons after their birth.
When the two sons were born the fears of Re-bek'ah were fully justified. The first of the two was abnormal in appearance, very red and hairy, while his brother was perfectly normal. The elder child was called E'sau, which means "hairy," or "rough," while the younger was called Ja'cob, which means "to trip" or "a supplanter."
As the boys grew older the traits of character which were to divide them and their descendants became very clear. E'sau inherited from his mother a bold, active disposition, but one which lacked her nobility of spirit; from I'saac there came a liking for open spaces, and a fondness for good living. Ja'cob inherited from I'saac a quiet, thoughtful nature, and from Re-bek'ah a talent for sly, sharp dealing. In E'sau there were the elements of manly courage, great energy, and practical genius which tended to make him hasty and hard to manage. In Ja'cob there were the traits of timidity, gentleness, and cunning which led to the dangers of being too crafty for his own good in life.
E'sau became a great hunter, and one who excelled in all of the rough, vigorous sports of the age. He took for granted the position of his father's favorite son, and acted as though he had already inherited the estates of his father. In the meantime Ja'cob gave his time to the gentle occupation of caring for the sheep, and was always ready to help around the home. He was the favorite of his mother, and was under her influence during the formative years of childhood and youth.
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Story 18: The Closing Years, Death, And Burial Of A'bra-ham
A'bra-ham lived for thirty-eight years after the death of Sa'rah, or thirty-five years after the marriage of I'saac and Re-bek'ah, thus reaching the great age of one hundred and seventy-five years. His good health, which had been restored prior to the birth of I'saac, was preserved to the end of life, while his strength of body and mind enabled him to survive the loss of his beloved wife.
After the marriage of I'saac and his removal from his father's house, A'bra-ham sought to overcome his loneliness by taking another wife. He married Ke-tu'rah, who gave birth to six sons. They became the founders of families which grew into strong tribal nations outside of Ca'naan, which was the promised land for the descendants of I'saac. We shall learn something of their relation to Is'ra-el in future history.
A'bra-ham remained active and successful in all the cares and responsibilities of life right up to the end. Provision was made for the settlement of his sons by Ke-tu'rah outside the land Divinely promised to I'saac and his descendants, and care was taken to see that all the rights and privileges which belonged to I'saac as the first-born son should be safeguarded. He was a strong, able-bodied man even in extreme old age, and his mind and senses remained clear and active to the last. Before passing into the higher life he put his house in order, both in matters of worldly importance, and in those which relate to spiritual welfare.
A'bra-ham's body was laid to rest in the family cemetery which he had purchased for the burial of Sa'rah. There was a notable funeral, in which his family and great company of servants gathered to pay honor and reverence to his memory. All jealousy and bad feeling between Ish'ma-el and I'saac was forgiven in the presence of death, and they united in sorrow at the burial of their father. It is often true that, a time of great sorrow brings together those who have been separated by misunderstandings.
The Bible tells us that "A'bra-ham was gathered to his people." These words do not refer to his burial, for his kinsmen were buried in far distant Mes-o-po-ta'mia, while A'bra-ham was laid to rest in the cave of Mach-pe'lah near He'bron. What it does mean is that his spirit passed into a continued personal existence after death, that his soul passed at once into the happy life to which all the saints who died before had gone. Thus ended the earthly sojourn of a noble patriarch, and thus began his heavenly citizenship in the glory of "the city whose builder and maker is God, for which he looked."
After the marriage of I'saac and his removal from his father's house, A'bra-ham sought to overcome his loneliness by taking another wife. He married Ke-tu'rah, who gave birth to six sons. They became the founders of families which grew into strong tribal nations outside of Ca'naan, which was the promised land for the descendants of I'saac. We shall learn something of their relation to Is'ra-el in future history.
A'bra-ham remained active and successful in all the cares and responsibilities of life right up to the end. Provision was made for the settlement of his sons by Ke-tu'rah outside the land Divinely promised to I'saac and his descendants, and care was taken to see that all the rights and privileges which belonged to I'saac as the first-born son should be safeguarded. He was a strong, able-bodied man even in extreme old age, and his mind and senses remained clear and active to the last. Before passing into the higher life he put his house in order, both in matters of worldly importance, and in those which relate to spiritual welfare.
A'bra-ham's body was laid to rest in the family cemetery which he had purchased for the burial of Sa'rah. There was a notable funeral, in which his family and great company of servants gathered to pay honor and reverence to his memory. All jealousy and bad feeling between Ish'ma-el and I'saac was forgiven in the presence of death, and they united in sorrow at the burial of their father. It is often true that, a time of great sorrow brings together those who have been separated by misunderstandings.
The Bible tells us that "A'bra-ham was gathered to his people." These words do not refer to his burial, for his kinsmen were buried in far distant Mes-o-po-ta'mia, while A'bra-ham was laid to rest in the cave of Mach-pe'lah near He'bron. What it does mean is that his spirit passed into a continued personal existence after death, that his soul passed at once into the happy life to which all the saints who died before had gone. Thus ended the earthly sojourn of a noble patriarch, and thus began his heavenly citizenship in the glory of "the city whose builder and maker is God, for which he looked."
Monday, April 18, 2016
Story 17: A Wife Is Chosen For I'saac V
E-li-e'zer then took his departure as he had planned, taking Re-bek'ah with him, and followed by the good wishes, blessings, and prayers of the entire household. Be-thu'el bestowed upon Re-bek'ah certain goods according to the customs of those days, and gave her the maid who had watched over her from infancy. Her name was Deb'o-rah, and she remained a faithful servant of Re-bek'ah until her death many years later.
While all these events were taking place in Mes-o-po-ta'mia, I'saac remained in Ca'naan, hoping and praying for the success of E-li-e'zer's mission. He went out to the well where the Angel Je-ho'vah had comforted Ha'gar, for A'bra-ham was now living once more in southwestern Ca'naan near Be'er-she'ba. Here I'saac recalled how many times the LORD had blessed his father's family, and here he entreated the LORD concerning his own marriage.
We are not told how long I'saac remained lost in meditation, nor what thoughts filled his mind, but we do know that while his eyes were still lifted up toward Heaven, there suddenly appeared in the distance E-li-e'zer's caravan of camels. When Re-bek'ah was told that the man coming out to meet the caravan was I'saac, she followed the custom of the day by covering her face with a veil. I'saac loved her from the first moment, and in due time the marriage ordained by the LORD was carried out. As a token of love and respect I'saac placed Re-bek'ah in the tent which Sa'rah had occupied until her death, thus proving that he was comforted for his mother's death.
Such is the story of this beautiful, romantic marriage, a marriage not unlike many which take place today among certain peoples of the East, except that it was directed in every detail by the LORD. It was a marriage made possible by faith in God: Faith on the part of A'bra-ham and his loyal servant E-li-e'zer, on the part of I'saac, and on the part of Re-bek'ah. The prompt, cheerful response of Re-bek'ah, and the good spirit which she showed in the course of so many strange events can be explained in no other way than to credit her with perfect faith in the LORD,
This was truly a marriage in the LORD. It was pervaded by a spirit of reverence toward God as the Founder of the institution, and by a desire for His blessings. The motives of all concerned were pure and sincere, and supreme regard was given to the will of God. A spirit of prayer precipitated every movement, and the LORD'S indication of His own choice of a bride was accepted by I'saac as a gracious Providence.
Although there were taints of idolatry in Te'rah's family and in the households of some of his descendants, there were also striking examples of loyalty to the True God worshipped by A'bra-ham, and Re-bek'ah may be counted as one of those who was most faithful. We shall learn more of this sublime truth in future chapters,
While all these events were taking place in Mes-o-po-ta'mia, I'saac remained in Ca'naan, hoping and praying for the success of E-li-e'zer's mission. He went out to the well where the Angel Je-ho'vah had comforted Ha'gar, for A'bra-ham was now living once more in southwestern Ca'naan near Be'er-she'ba. Here I'saac recalled how many times the LORD had blessed his father's family, and here he entreated the LORD concerning his own marriage.
We are not told how long I'saac remained lost in meditation, nor what thoughts filled his mind, but we do know that while his eyes were still lifted up toward Heaven, there suddenly appeared in the distance E-li-e'zer's caravan of camels. When Re-bek'ah was told that the man coming out to meet the caravan was I'saac, she followed the custom of the day by covering her face with a veil. I'saac loved her from the first moment, and in due time the marriage ordained by the LORD was carried out. As a token of love and respect I'saac placed Re-bek'ah in the tent which Sa'rah had occupied until her death, thus proving that he was comforted for his mother's death.
Such is the story of this beautiful, romantic marriage, a marriage not unlike many which take place today among certain peoples of the East, except that it was directed in every detail by the LORD. It was a marriage made possible by faith in God: Faith on the part of A'bra-ham and his loyal servant E-li-e'zer, on the part of I'saac, and on the part of Re-bek'ah. The prompt, cheerful response of Re-bek'ah, and the good spirit which she showed in the course of so many strange events can be explained in no other way than to credit her with perfect faith in the LORD,
This was truly a marriage in the LORD. It was pervaded by a spirit of reverence toward God as the Founder of the institution, and by a desire for His blessings. The motives of all concerned were pure and sincere, and supreme regard was given to the will of God. A spirit of prayer precipitated every movement, and the LORD'S indication of His own choice of a bride was accepted by I'saac as a gracious Providence.
Although there were taints of idolatry in Te'rah's family and in the households of some of his descendants, there were also striking examples of loyalty to the True God worshipped by A'bra-ham, and Re-bek'ah may be counted as one of those who was most faithful. We shall learn more of this sublime truth in future chapters,
Saturday, April 16, 2016
Story 17: A Wife Is Chosen For I'saac lV
When La'ban, who was Re-bek'ah's brother, and Be-thu'el, her father, heard how A'bra-ham had sent his servant up to Ha'ran to find a wife for I'saac, and how E-li-e'zer had seen the will of God in the choice of Re-bek'ah, they both exclaimed, "Surely this comes from the LORD. Here is Re-bek'ah, take her, and let her be the wife of your master's son."
Early the next morning E-li-e'zer prepared at once for the journey back to Ca'naan, but Re-bek'ah's family felt that they could not let her go away so soon. They asked that E-li-e'zer tarry with them, and that the return trip be delayed for ten days. A'bra-ham's servant felt, however, that his master's business required haste, and insisted that it was God's will that he go at once. His mission had been carried out, so the woman chosen by the LORD to become I'saac's wife must be taken to him without further delay. When Re-bek'ah was consulted about the matter she said, "I will go at once."
Early the next morning E-li-e'zer prepared at once for the journey back to Ca'naan, but Re-bek'ah's family felt that they could not let her go away so soon. They asked that E-li-e'zer tarry with them, and that the return trip be delayed for ten days. A'bra-ham's servant felt, however, that his master's business required haste, and insisted that it was God's will that he go at once. His mission had been carried out, so the woman chosen by the LORD to become I'saac's wife must be taken to him without further delay. When Re-bek'ah was consulted about the matter she said, "I will go at once."
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Story 17: A Wife Is Chosen For I'saac lll
E-li-e'zer then told Re-bek'ah that he was a servant of her uncle A'bra-ham, who was now a prosperous herdsman in the land Ca'naan. Now certain that he had been led by the hand of Divine Providence, E-li-e'zer bowed his head in a prayer of gratitude. Meanwhile Re-bek'ah ran to her father's house and told her family about the stranger, and the things which he had told her. Her brother La'ban went out to meet E-li-e'zer, whom he addressed as a servant of the LORD, and urged him to come into the house. E-li-e'zer and the servants which he had brought with him on the mission were shown all the courtesies of Oriental hospitality.
E-li-e'zer refused to join the feast until he had explained his errand to the hosts. First he told them of his master's prosperity, and of the blessings which God had granted him, pointing out the fact that A'bra-ham had only one son to inherit his entire estate. He then praised the nobility and piety of both A'bra-ham and I'saac, explaining the many advantages that would be enjoyed by the woman who became the wife of I'saac. He also described the instructions which A'bra-ham had given him for the task of finding a wife for I'saac, and the Divine Providential guidance which had led him to the choice of Re-bek'ah. Finally, he asked that the parents give their consent for Re-bek'ah to become the wife of I'saac, and that he be permitted to return to Ca'naan with her.
E-li-e'zer refused to join the feast until he had explained his errand to the hosts. First he told them of his master's prosperity, and of the blessings which God had granted him, pointing out the fact that A'bra-ham had only one son to inherit his entire estate. He then praised the nobility and piety of both A'bra-ham and I'saac, explaining the many advantages that would be enjoyed by the woman who became the wife of I'saac. He also described the instructions which A'bra-ham had given him for the task of finding a wife for I'saac, and the Divine Providential guidance which had led him to the choice of Re-bek'ah. Finally, he asked that the parents give their consent for Re-bek'ah to become the wife of I'saac, and that he be permitted to return to Ca'naan with her.
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