Bible Study Online Article
In the last article, I pointed out how Isaac was blinded by the emotions and feelings, that he had for his oldest son Esau. These emotions and feelings, would lead Isaac to try to speak a special blessing into his son's life. The problem with this special blessing, is that it would end up contradicting the prophecy, that God had already placed on the two boys -- while Rebekah was pregnant: "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." (Genesis 25:23) I had also pointed out, that Isaac was a great man of faith, and that his actions weren't to intentionally to defy the almighty God. I believe that Isaac's love for Esau, was so great, that he just wasn't thinking things through when it came to him. I also believe, that God knew that Isaac's heart; would lead him to try, to do such a thing; when it came to the son he loved the most. The reason why I stand on this belief, is for the fact, that Isaac had to endure a natural condition of blindness for his remaining years on the earth. Not as a punishment, for Isaac was already blind before this account had taken place. But I believe, that God had allowed a natural condition of blindness, to come upon Isaac; so that it can act as a blocking tool, that would keep Isaac from going against God's Word. But first, we should take a look at the reaction that Rebekah had; after she had heard, what Isaac was intending to do when it came to his oldest son Esau: "Look I overheard your father say to your brother Esau, 'Bring me some game and prepare me some tasty food to eat, so that I may give you my blessing in the presence of the Lord before I die.' "Now, my son, listen carefully and do what I tell you: Go out to the flock and bring me two choice goats, so that I can prepare some tasty food for your father, just the way he likes it. Then take it to your father to eat, so that he may give you his blessing before he dies." Rebekah would tell Jacob. Now there are some things, that I would like to point out when it comes to this Passage; for I believe, that it seems to get very little attention when this account is taught and preached on. When we look at this Passage, and read it carefully; we can easily see, that it was Jacob's mother Rebekah; who had brought forth the plan, that she had already planned out in her head. She would instruct her son Jacob, to do as she says: "Now, my son, listen carefully and do what I tell you." she would insist. At this point in the conversation, Jacob knew that his mother was leaning towards doing something wrong. This is why he gave this reply: "But my brother Esau is a hairy man, and I'm a man with smooth skin. What if my father touches me? I would appear to be tricking him and would bring down a curse on myself rather than a blessing." For us to actually see how convinced that Rebekah was, when it came to her being right; and when it came to what she was planning -- all we have to do, is read her reply back to her son: "My son, let the curse fall on me. Just do what I say; go and get them for me." she would tell Jacob, whom she had held true and dear in her heart. Now, when we are taught about Jacob and Rebekah; we are taught that they are basically two evil and deceiving individuals, who had wrongfully taken advantage of Isaac and Esau. But I'm sorry, I just don't see it like that, so cut and dry like people make it seem. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that what they were planning to do wasn't wrong, because it was. But I believe, that this thing goes much deeper; and I would try my best to present my case, before we go any further. First, I think the one thing that people seem to overlook, is the relationships that the parents had with their children. As I have pointed out many times -- Isaac loved Esau more than Jacob and Rebekah loved Jacob more than Esau. Now let's look at the two boys for a second. Here we have Esau, who was very outgoing and ambitious. He was also very strong and brave, and was very successful when it came to his craft, which was hunting and subduing the land. I can easily see Esau, bringing his trophies home to his father Isaac, in which his father would give him high praises for -- in regards to Esau's accomplishments. For I too must admit, that what Esau was able to do when it came to hunting and conquering the beast of the field, was very impressive. Now let's look at Jacob, who was one who kept to himself. He didn't have the reputation of being strong and brave, like his brother. I could very much imagine, seeing Jacob in some way, jealous and envious of Esau. I can see Jacob, looking sad and feeling unwanted when it came to his father. For Jacob didn't do anything, or have any talents; that would bring about high praises from Isaac, like his brother Esau was able to do. Imagine this, Rebekah seeing Jacob feeling dejected and rejected. Then she would come over and place her arms around him, and tell Jacob that she loves him no matter what. I can see her telling him, about how great he was going to be, and she knew it to be so -- because the Lord had told her. Can you see how throughout the years, how their relationships would grow strong between the two groups? Isaac would develop a strong bond with Esau and Rebekah would develop a strong bond with Jacob. So when Jacob's mom, the one who had stood by him for his whole entire life, turns to him and say: "Now, my son, listen carefully and do what I tell you." I just can't see how he could refuse, even with him knowing, that what she was planning -- was completely wrong. And look at the love that she had for her son, for she was willing endure the wrath of God -- for her son's sake: "My son, let the curse fall on me. Just do what I say; go and get them for me." What would we do, if we were in the place of Rebekah? With me being a guy, I cannot honestly say; that I would not find myself feeling pressured, when it came to finally seeing my son; being able to get some type of confirmation that he too, will be great someday. These are the types of traps and snares that we are lured into when it comes to our daily lives. We become so blinded by our emotions, feelings and fears, that we allow ourselves to be led so far into the wrong direction, because of theme. And after we have traveled a great distance, and we finally look up, we tend to ask ourselves: "What happened, how did I get in this situation?" This is where we blame everybody else, instead of accepting the reality -- that we did it to ourselves. Jacob is torn between being loyal to his mother, or having faith and doing what's right in the Lord's eyes. We will take a closer look at why I think, that to some degree, that both groups are at fault -- when it comes to Isaac and Esau / Rebekah and Jacob.
**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 38) <-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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