Genesis Part 040
The Scripture tells us that Esau, in connection with the sale of his birthright, was a profane person (Hebrews 12:16). Paul also makes use of the phrase “whose god is their belly” (Philippians 3:19) when describing those who set their hearts and minds on earthly things rather than spiritual.
Genesis 25 begins with a list of Abraham’s sons and descendants from his later wife, Keturah. The descendants of many of these sons have become people of Eastern Europe and the Middle East. The following list is for the descendants of Ishmael; most of them live in various countries within the Middle East. It is interesting to note that Ishmael had 12 sons as well, who became princes according to their nations.
The list for Isaac begins in verse 19 and moves directly into a narrative about the birth of Isaac’s sons, Esau and Jacob. As can be seen, the purpose of the chapter is to distinguish between the sons of Abraham, with the storyline being passed through Isaac to the father of the Israelites, Jacob. Comparing patriarchal ages, it is interesting to note that Abraham’s life overlapped that of Esau and Jacob by about 14 years (compare Hebrews 11:9).
“The Genesis 25 narrative is continued by relating the events surrounding the births of Esau and Jacob. The fundamental theme in the narrative of these two sons is that of competition for supremacy. Even in the womb of their mother, Esau and Jacob struggled—and this would continue throughout their lives and on into the histories of the nations descended from them.
It is interesting to note that Esau is described as a ‘skillful hunter, a man of the field,’ while Jacob is called a ‘mild man, dwelling in tents’ (verse 27). These descriptions are intended to draw a contrast between the two brothers.
The mention of Jacob dwelling in tents is intended to show him to be a civilized and more refined person than his elder brother. That Jacob dwelt in tents, whereas his brother was a hunter in the field, also seems to imply that he showed more interest in the family’s mercantile and herding business. Moreover, the word translated ‘mild’ (verse 27) is the Hebrew word tam, which is normally translated ‘blameless.’ Jacob was a blameless man as far as the letter of the law went. But Jacob was also a cunning man, one who would manipulate people and events to obtain what he wanted. This character trait would cause him years of grief before it was rooted out of him—before he became more truly blameless in his character and motivation.
The purchase of a birthright has been documented in several contracts of the ancient Hurrian people, and thus Jacob’s actions can be seen in the light of cultural precedent. Esau esteeming his birthright so lightly is just another story element showing the great contrast between the two brothers. At least Jacob rightly appreciated its immense value—and his dealings with Esau show him to be the more business-savvy of the two brothers. The Scripture tells us that Esau, in connection with the sale of his birthright, was a profane person (Hebrews 12:16). Paul also makes use of the phrase ‘whose god is their belly’ (Philippians 3:19) when describing those who set their hearts and minds on earthly things—an interesting phrase given Esau was coveting a mere bowl of stew. The intent is to help us understand that man often forfeits spiritual realities for temporary pleasures of worldly things. These improper priorities render a person profane and indicates who that person’s god truly is. The result in such cases is the loss of spiritual reality, and the inheritance of a curse rather than a blessing” (UCG Commentary).
UYA Team | uya@ucg.org
United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships, and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.
