Bible Study Online Article
The Sacred Scriptures points us back towards Isaac's sons, Esau and Jacob. The last time we read about them, Esau had been famish one day after coming home from one of his hunting campaigns. It would be at this time, Esau had foolishly sold his birthright to Jacob, for a bowl of red lentil stew. Understand, that although Esau was the oldest son of Isaac and by tradition, had the birthright by default -- he didn't respect its value. If Esau had held on to his birthright, he would have been given not only the title of the family name, but he would have been entitled to a double portion of his father's inheritance. Keep in mind, that we are not told why Esau didn't respect the birthright; but the Sacred Scriptures, reveals a little bit more insight when it comes to Esau's state of mind. For we find, that Esau could have been in a state of rebellion, when it came to his father's beliefs in the one true God: "See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. Afterward as you know, when he wanted to inherit his blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears." (Hebrews 12:16-17) Be as it may, what we do know; is that a lot had changed for his father's household, from the time Esau had given his birthright away to his brother Jacob. The Sacred Scriptures, reveals that the land that God had promised Abraham and his seed, had been hindered by a serious famine. Because of this, Isaac was about to leave Canaan; the land that God had promised him. But Isaac would end up staying and obeying God, after he had received a visitation from Him while he was visiting in the Philistine town called Gerar. Because of Isaac's obedience and faith, God allowed him to prosper greatly -- doing the time of this great famine. He prospered so much so, that the Philistine king Abimelech; had grown jealous of him, for Isaac's wealth had surpassed his. This Scripture points out that Esau had fallen out of good-standing with his parents. For he did not consider their concerns, when it came to marrying into the Canaanite family: "When Esau was forty years old, he married Judith daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and also Basemath daughter of Elon the Hittite. They were a source of grief to Isaac and Rebekah" (Genesis 26:34-35) Basically what we want to look at, is the civilization that the two women that Esau had married came from. As you can see they came from the tribe known as the "Hittites" also known as "The Children of Heth." Understand that the Hittites is a civilization that was a descendant of Heth, the son of Canaan. Now we must remember, that Canaan was cursed because of his actions towards his grandfather Noah: "Cursed be Canaan! The lowest of slaves will he be to his brothers." (Genesis 9:25) Esau's grandfather Abraham, also had these concerns, when it came to his son Isaac, marrying into the Canaanite nation. For Abraham had also noted, that the Canaanites had become idolatrous, and wicked as a people. This is the main reason, why Abraham had given his chief servant Eliezar, strict instructions -- that he was not to go, and find Isaac a wife from amongst the Canaanites. Now Isaac was a faithful man, who had a strong relationship with the one true God. With all the great blessings that Isaac's household had experienced, because of his relationship with the Lord -- I just can't see Esau, not knowing God's expectations of him. Be as it may, Esau goes against the Abrahamic covenant, and marries into the Canaanite family, which was idolatrous and wicked. It was for this reason, that Esau's marriage, had grieved his parents -- Isaac and Rebekah so much so.
**YOUR CURRENT SERIES WOULD BE HERE** Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty 28) The Twelve Rulers of Ishmael 30) Esau & Jacob - The Birthright 31) Isaac and the Canaan Famine 33) The Envious King Abimelech 35) <-CURRENT PAGE-> 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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