Bible Study Online Article
In my last article, I pointed out how I didn't believe that the planned deception, that was being crafted by Rebekah, was meant to be done in some kind of vile and malicious way towards her husband Isaac. I believe that Rebekah's plan of deception, was a overreaction towards Isaac's crafted plan to try to defy God. Isaac would unknowingly try to out maneuver God, when it came to the inheritance of his favorite son Esau. When this account is read carefully, we will find that all parties were at fault, and not just Rebekah and Jacob -- as most people have taught and preached. But does this mean, that I'm trying to say that they were bad people? Of course not, in fact -- I believe that the actions from three out of the four, were caused by the tremendous love that they had for one another. I like to think that these people are good God-fearing people, who had lost site of their divine guide and instead began to focus and rely on their natural instincts. I also like to think that Isaac was upset, by the fact that Esau foolishly, had given away his birthright to his youngest son Jacob. So instead of trusting God for his son's provision, he comes up with a plan, in which he would have a special blessing placed on him. This blessing would be in complete contrast to what God had already planned out for the two boys. I cannot count Jacob as being in the wrong, when he presented Esau with a proposition which included his birthright for a bowl of red lentil stew, that he was preparing at that time. Jacob did not, or could not force Esau, a man that was physically strong and of iron will -- to do something that he did not want to do. We must understand, when it came to Esau, his birthright meant nothing to him, and so therefore, he decides to throw it away for nothing. For this reason, I stand to declare that up to this point -- Jacob is still in the clear. But now we have his mother, the one who adore him so much. She was the one who supported Jacob through his childhood, when he probably felt like; he could not compete with Esau, when it came to earning the love of his father. I can see Jacob feeling rejected and dejected as his mom comes and comforted him. Remember that God had given Rebekah, a very important message, while she was pregnant with the two boys: "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 can see her reassuring Jacob, that everything will be alright, because the Lord had declared it to be so. But now, she overhears her husband talking to Esau, and in her gut, she knows that Isaac might be trying to deny Jacob of his right to be the righful heir. But she would have none of it, so she immediately calls Jacob over, and reveals her plans to protect his inheritance to him. But after Jacob had heard what his mother was planning to do, he knew that this would be wrong, and that a curse would be brought down on him if he were to participate. But Rebekah quickly denounces his fears, and reassures him that all will be okay, and that she will stand in his place, if the wrath of God were to strike -- because of what they were planning to do: "My son, let the curse fall on me. Just do what I say; go and get them for me." (Genesis 27: 13) We must understand, that this is coming from the only person who had stood by him, when nobody else would. A person that loves him so-much-so, that she is willing to stand between him and the wrath of God, so that he may be spared. I ask you today, if you were in Jacob's place -- could you say no to her? So Jacob would do as his mother had instructed him, and he brought back the two choice goats, that she had requested earlier. Rebekah would prepare Isaac favorite meal, just the way her husband liked it. Next she would go get some of Esau's best clothes, and put them on Jacob. By Jacob being a smooth skinned man, and not hairy like his brother Esau -- Rebekah would cover his hands and neck, with the left over goat skins. Then she handed Jacob the tasty meal she prepared, along with some bread, and instructed him to take it out to his father. So Jacob did as his mother had instructed him, and took the food out to his father. But will Jacob's disguise be enough to trick Isaac into thinking that he was his favorite son Esau? Since Rebekah and Jacob are wrong for what they are about to do, will God step in and put a stop to it? And what about Esau... will he find out in time?
**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 39) <-CURRENT PAGE-> 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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