There was a great contrast between Esau and Jacob! One of them would be the patriarch of the Son of God. That's why, without understanding it, the brothers fought while still in Rebekah's womb. The one who was supposed to be the second born used force to pull the legitimate first-born son and got the better of him. The name Jacob, translated, means supplanter. It's intriguing how they were born. Why did that happen?

Years passed, and it was never known that Jacob intended to kill his brother because he had a natural right to his father's blessing, something the midwives had seen was his. Remember: Jacob was instigated by his mother to obtain the birthright. She knew about the fighting in her womb, so during her pregnancy she asked God the reason for it and got the answer: Two nations are in your womb, two peoples shall be separated from your body; one people shall be stronger than other and the older shall serve the younger (Genesis 25.23). Rebekah came up with the plan that Jacob initially hesitated to carry out. Then she said she would pay the price, if necessary (Genesis 27.6-29).

From a natural point of view, Jacob was wrong. However, a few days earlier, when Esau came in from hunting and saw his brother preparing a meal, he asked him what he was cooking and was told: stew of lentils. Asking him for some, Jacob proposed that Esau give him his birthright in exchange for the dish. Esau said that he was about to starve to death, so that right meant nothing to him (Genesis 25.29-34). Jacob lawfully bought it and paid the right price!

Rebekah's boldness surprises us. But, looking at this situation from the point of view of divine justice, what can we say about her devising the plan whereby Isaac blessed Jacob thinking he was Esau? Esau himself sought repentance with tears, and did not find it (Hebrews 12.17). On the Day of Judgment, we will know who was right. Jacob was reluctant to put on the goatskins, but Rebekah told him she would pay the price for that strategy, if necessary. She was responsible for everything!

We can be sure of one thing: Esau could not have been an ancestor of Christ. His premeditated move to kill his brother after Isaac's death changed his fate dramatically. Now, the fact that Jacob was born with his hand clutching his brother's heel draws our attention to the outcome: the stew of lentils exchanged for the birthright. Esau only did what he liked, with no respect for anything (Hebrews 12:16).

Many people suffer during their lives because they act to annoy others, especially their parents. In this regard, the Scriptures warn: Honor your father and your mother, which is the first commandment with promise (Ephesians 6.2). Watch, pray and believe

          In Christ, with love,

          R. R. Soares