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In the last article we learned how the stressful situation between Isaac and Abimelech had worked out. We also took a look at the many similarities between Isaac and Abraham when it comes to the Abimelech's royal household. Now we see that the Sacred Record points us back towards Isaac's sons, Esau and Jacob. Remember that 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 Isaac's oldest son, and by tradition held the birthright by default -- Esau didn't see or respect the immense value that the birthright held. If Esau would have kept the right 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 as well. 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 Almighty 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 that as it may what we do know is that a lot had changed for Esau's father's household from the time Esau had given his birthright away to his brother Jacob. The Sacred Record revealed at the time 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, that the Philistine king Abimelech had become envious of him, being that Isaac's wealth had surpassed his. Now we find that the Sacred Record points out that Esau had fallen out of good-standing with his parents. Being that Esau didn't consider their concerns when it came to him 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 this time is the civilization that the two women that Esau had married descended from. The passage shows that they came from the tribe known as the "Hittites" which were also known as "The Children of Heth". Understand that the Hittites were a civilization that was a descendant of Heth the son of Canaan. Now we must also 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) Because of this, Esau's grandfather Abraham also had 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 a very wicked 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 Almighty God. With all the great blessings that Isaac's household had experienced because of his relationship with the Lord -- I just can't see personally why Esau did not know God's high expectations of him. Be that as it may, Esau goes against the Abrahamic covenant and marries into the idolatrous and wicked Canaanite family. It would be for this reason that Esau's marriage had grieved his parents Isaac and Rebekah. Esau would still be Isaac's favorite between the two boys, in which Esau would keep a close relationship with his father. But will his close relationship with his father be enough for Esau to stay within the provisions of the Abrahamic Covenant that God had bestowed on Abraham's future generations? **YOUR CURRENT BIBLE STUDY ONLINE 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  |
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