The patriarchal blessing founded by God through the family of Abraham carried with it the very promise of salvation for humanity, ultimately fulfilled in God’s only Son, Jesus the Messiah. However, this “first family” was not without its problems. In their favoritism Isaac and Rebekah infused in their children a rivalry that had disastrous consequences for their descendants.
Never let family differences breed favoritism. From the very birth of Esau and Jacob we see personality traits in their names and their parents’ relationship with them Esau’s name means “hairy or rough,” pointing to how he appeared from the womb. This translated to a life in the outdoors, becoming a huntsman. Jacob’s name means “to follow or supplant.” He came into the world holding Esau’s heel, seemingly destined to yearn for his older brother’s birthright. Their father Isaac loved to eat the food Esau killed during his hunts. Therefore, Esau naturally became Isaac’s favorite son.
Moore
We do not know exactly why Rebekah preferred Jacob, but the Bible is clear that she loved him over Esau. Perhaps, Rebekah was drawn to Jacob because of Isaac’s neglect of his younger child. In our families, we have children, cousins and family members who display different personalities and follow various pursuits. Some love the outdoors, while others are bookish and more scholastically inclined. Christian parents should not love based upon individual compatibilities. Our parental love and devotion should mirror God’s unconditional love. What matters most in our children’s lives are not that they are walking, talking “mini-me’s.” Rather, we should pray for, work for and model for our children to become “little Christs,” AKA … Christians.
Never deceive to get what you want. Rebekah’s favoritism drove her to secretly scheme for her favored son, Jacob, to receive Isaac’s blessing instead of Esau. We often highlight Esau’s disdain for his own birthright in Genesis 25 leading up to this episode regarding the stolen blessing. However, we must also focus on Rebekah’s duplicity. Yes, Jacob ultimately receives the blessing and becomes the father of the 12 tribes of Israel, but the way in which this comes about is a tragedy of familial dysfunction. We must always remember that the ends do not justify the means. God’s will was indeed fulfilled in this narrative and the promise perpetuated through Isaac’s and Jacob’s lineage.
However, through Rebekah’s deceit, Jacob’s culpability, Isaac’s favoritism and Esau’s faithlessness the family bond disintegrated into division and alienation. Christian families should always seek the ideals found in Scriptural teaching to maintain the bond of grace, peace, and love. We should focus on honesty and openness in our family dealings, seeking the common good that fosters God-glorifying harmony.
Never defiantly insist on your own way. Christian families are filled with sinners saved by grace trying to raise up another generation of believers. We are bound to make mistakes. The ways and morals of the world often bombard the family to create conflict and missteps. Rebekah compounded her error by doubling down and insisting that Jacob carry out the ruse. Jacob questioned the wisdom of the scheme and Rebekah demanded her son’s obedience. Her response to Jacob also highlights her pride. She wanted Jacob to receive the blessing of Isaac “for me.” Out of selfishness and conceit, Rebekah asserted her own will. The consequences resulted in Jacob’s estrangement from Esau and flight to Laban. Rebekah would never see her son again. B&R
