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In the previous article we took a look at the developing foundation that was being laid through The Twelve Rulers of Ishmael. I pointed out the significance of Ishmael and how he too had a foundation of twelve tribes, just like his brother Isaac would eventually have through his son Jacob (Israel). Be that as it may, we were able to take a sneak peek at the conflict beginnings between Ishmael and Issac and how their relationship developed into an ongoing feud between the Arabs and Jews. The Sacred Record confirmed that Ishmael and Issac had these confrontations while they were just kids, who would eventually become men, who would ultimately became family dynasties, who would finally become two great nations. And make no mistake, they're still at odds to this very day, just like the Sacred Record had foretold they would, back during the days of Abraham. However, when it comes to Israel... there would be an additional conflict that would take place before the foundation of the twelve tribes would come into play. This would happen after the great patriarch Abraham had just been laid to rest, and now we find that it's Isaac's turn to carry the duties and responsibilities that came with the Abrahamic covenant, which was the "promise" that the Lord had made to Abraham. The Sacred Record revealed that Isaac had married Rebekah when he was forty years of age. And just like his father before him, he would find that his wife was barren, just like his mother Sarah had been. Isaac would turn to God and he asked Him to bless his wife with a child. I find it interesting that Isaac would pray this same prayer for the next twenty years. Make no mistake, he would do much better, when it came to his faith test, than his father Abraham had done before him back when he was faced with the same trial. Now we're told that Isaac would reach sixty years of age, when he finds out that Rebekah had became pregnant. But she wasn't just blessed with just carry a child -- she was blessed with the honor of carrying twins. Now with all the praying that Isaac had done this should have been a happy and joyous time for the first time parents -- right? But unfortunately we would soon find that "trouble" was already brewing from within Rebekah's womb. For the Scriptures would tell us that the babies had struggled and jostled with each other while they grew in their mothers womb. The commotion between the two unborn boys was so great that it had made Rebekah very uneasy: "Why is this happening to me?" Rebekah would inquire of the Lord. "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger." the Lord informed Rebekah. However, a short time would pass by and Rebekah had carried the boys to her full term. And now it was time for her to give birth to these two nations that the Lord had told her about. And although they were twins, the Sacred Record points out that there would be a great difference in appearance and personalities when it came to the two boys. This would be, perhaps a strong indication that the two boys were to live and travel down different paths as they grew, while following the plan that God had in store for them. First off, we are introduced to Esau who would later on in his life, eventually be credited with becoming the founder of the Edomites. So Esau would be born first and the Scripture describes him as being hairy all over - his hair was red, and it covered most of his body. Know that Esau was physically strong, and from Isaac and Rebekah's first impression of him - he seemed like he was already made a man. So therefore, you get his name "Esau" which means "Already Made" Next we are introduced to Jacob, who would eventually become the founder of the Israelites. We are told, when he came out he was holding on to his brother's heel. This is why he was named Jacob, for his name means -- (A Supplanter - one who replaces). Jacob came out looking totally different from his brother, for he wasn't hairy like Esau but smooth and tender like most babies are when they are born. This would be just the beginning between these two brothers. Both are favored by their parents, Jacob by his mom, and Esau by his dad. But where could all of this lead? Since the two were destined to be apart. **YOUR CURRENT BIBLE STUDY ONLINE SERIES WOULD BE HERE** Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty 28) The Twelve Rulers of Ishmael 29) <-CURRENT PAGE-> 30) Esau & Jacob - The Birthright 33) Isaac & the Envious King Abimelech 39) Jacob - Loyalty or Deception 40) Deceitful Hearts 43) Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty  |
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