Is there no fear of God?

Two Brothers—One Birthright

(Genesis 25:29-34, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, March 1, 2015)

[29] Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted.

After the account of the struggle in Rebekah's womb, the Lord provided us with a glimpse into the character of both Esau and Jacob. In this brief passage we learn about Esau's decision to sell his right as a firstborn to his younger brother for a bowl of stew. Though Jacob and Esau were brothers—even twins, they were not identical in body or soul. The pathway of their lives and their desires and decisions were very different from each other. One day Jacob was cooking at home and Esau was working the field. When Esau came home he was exhausted and famished.

[30] And Esau said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!” (Therefore his name was called Edom.) [31] Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright now.” [32] Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” [33] Jacob said, “Swear to me now.” So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob.

We are told in both the Old and New Testaments that when even your enemy is hungry, you should give him something to eat. But Jacob sees an opportunity in Esau's request. The bowl of stew has a high price attached to it. Esau's right as a firstborn must be sold to Jacob. Jacob takes this episode very seriously, calling for a solemn promise that is meant to be remembered. Esau considers his hunger life-threatening, and is willing to speak about his right as firstborn as if it is of less use to him than one desperately desired meal here and now. The transaction takes place.

[34] Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.

In a final word of commentary, we are plainly informed that “Esau despised his birthright.” We are also told explicitly in Hebrews 12:15-17 that Esau's behavior was far from commendable: “See to it … [16] that no one is … unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. [17] For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.” We see from that commentary that the birthright was connected to the blessing of Isaac and even of God. Esau's decision, which he later blames entirely on Jacob, was not a good sign of the man that he was.

While it may be less obvious, there was also a problem with Jacob's behavior. What was he doing trying to buy the gracious gift of God through taking advantage of his brother's hunger? Did he not know the word that God had spoken to Rebekah before his birth? Jacob was to be the elect child of promise according to God's gift, yet throughout Jacob's early years we are introduced to a man who thinks he can win the Lord's gift by some form of trickery.

Put the Word to Work: How good it is when brothers can dwell together in unity, but these two brothers were not able to live together in peace. Two men who might have been united in love and submission to God's Word were now divided in worldliness and intrigue. Why can't we live as people of faith, trusting in the Lord's promises and obeying His commandment that we love our neighbors as ourselves? This is the pathway of the best blessing that God has for us. First, believe His promises. Second, give yourself to Him and others in generous obedience. Reject the ungodly choices and methods of a world that has no fear of God (Isaiah 11:1-5).

Memory Verse from the Songs of Ascents—Psalm 128:2 – You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.

Gospel Reading—Matthew 18:21-35 – Teaching about divorce