Bible Study Online Article
In the previous article, we took a look at the developing foundation that was being laid, for the great nation that would come from the seed of Ishmael. We were also 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 Scriptures confirmed, that Ishmael and Issac had these confrontations while they were just kids, who became men; who became created family dynasties, who eventually became two great nations. And they're still at odds to this very day, just like the Scriptures had foretold back in the days of Abraham. Now, 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; it's Isaac's turn to carry the duties and responsibilities that came with the Abrahamic covenant, that the Lord had promised and placed on their family. The Scriptures confirm 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 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. For he would do better at this faith test, than his father Abraham did before him; back when he was faced with the same trial. Now we are 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? But we would soon find, that troubled was already brewing from within Rebekah's womb. For the Scriptures 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. 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. Although they were twins, the Scriptures points out; that there would be a great difference in appearance and personalities when it came to the two boys? This would be a strong indication, that the two boys were to live and travel down different paths as they grew and followed the plan that God had in store for them. First, we are introduced to Esau, who would eventually be credited with becoming the founder of the Edomites. 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. Esau was 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.
**YOUR CURRENT 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  CrossDaily.com Web Search where you can VOTE FOR THIS SITE & other great ones. Christian search engine, directory & voting index. You'll find Bible, chat, churches, jobs, music, reviews, software, theology, & more. See the best sites!
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