Jul 16 – 6 Pentecost
Genesis 25:19-34
The Birth and Youth of Esau and Jacob
Esau Sells His Birthright

Background: In the latter part of Genesis we read the stories of the foundation of the patriarchs of Israel, Abraham, Isaac, and later Jacob. The later chapters establish a history for the people of Israel while solidifying a number of motifs of the Old Testament – woman meets man at a well and the relationship forged there. This passage begins what is called the “Jacob Cycle” – the continuation of the Abrahamic mythos.

Theme: This story describes the relationship between God, Isaac, Rebekah, Esau, and Jacob. In this passage, we see the divine intervention in the stereotypical barren woman’s life providing her with not one but two sons. The story also sets the stage for the later tensions between the descendants of Jacob and the descendants of Esau.

Questions to Ponder:
* Please read Genesis 25:19-34.
* As an aside, Abraham was most likely ~139 years old when Isaac was married.
* What do you think Rebekah was praying for when she asked God about the (unknown) twins? How does God’s response to Rebekah help the story of God’s providence in the lives of the chosen people?
* What are some of the hallmarks of this passage? Or, what are the underlying themes of the description of Esau and Jacob; the boys and their parents; and the truthfulness of all members of the family of Abraham?
* Much of the Hebrew text contains wordplay about both Esau and Jacob. For what reason might there be wordplay associated with these foundational texts?
* When God announces to Rebekah that one of the two brothers would be stronger, what assumptions are made as we read the text?
* In the end, who do you think is stronger – Esau or Jacob? Why?
* What are the contrasts in verses 27 and 28 regarding the relationship between Isaac and Rebekah and their two sons?
* Why might the author relate the reason for Isaac loving Esau and not relate why Rebekah loved Jacob?
* Why might Rebekah prefer Jacob over Esau?
* The verb chosen to describe the way Esau feeds himself is the same word as “to stuff an animal”. What insight does that word give into the portrayal of Esau?
* Do you think Jacob was a “bad guy” or was there something more involved with Jacob and Esau.
* What is the hope resident in this passage?
* How do we portray the hopeful message of this passage to our community?