Lesson 21B – Genesis 25–27 The Birthright

The Case of Esau v. Jacob The claim? – Jacob twice “tricked” Esau, first out of the birthright, and then out of the birthright blessing Prosecution – Opening Statement – Jacob received the birthright and blessing under suspicious circumstances – He is not the firstborn son – He does not deserve the birthright Defense – Opening Statement – Esau was never meant to have the birthright; we were simply fulfilling the will of the Lord. – Birthright blessing is a privilege, not a right.

Prosecution – 1 st Witness - Jacob At the time of the first “incident” (Gen 25:29), what were you doing? Who came to visit you? What was his state? And you offered him food. In exchange for what? Why did he give his birthright to you? (25:32) So, you were basically threatening him with his life?

Prosecution – 2 nd Witness - Esau Would you please tell the jury who is older, you or Jacob? And in Gen 25:28, how did your father, Isaac, feel about you, compared to your brother? What did your father ask you to do in Gen 27:4? And what did you find out when you came back? (Gen 27:35)

Prosecution – 3 rd Witness - Rebekah So, Esau left to go get venison for his father, so he could receive the blessing. And you knew this, didn’t you? What did you tell Jacob to do while he was gone? (Gen 27:9-10) But Esau is a hairy man! Surely Isaac, as old and blind as he way, could tell the difference. How did you get around this?(27:13) And was it really venison that Jacob gave him? (Gen 27:9) Let’s Review… The Prosecution Rests

Defense – 1 st Witness - Esau Who did you marry? (Gen 26:34-35) And were they daughters of Canaan, outside the covenant? How did you feel about your birthright? (Gen 25:34) Let’s say you didn’t want to sell your birthright to Jacob. Do you think he would have really let you, his own brother, die of hunger? Wasn’t it really that you simply desired worldly pleasures more than spiritual blessings?

Defense – 2 nd Witness - Rebekah First of all, I am so sorry you have been cast in such a poor light… Tell me, did you receive a revelation from the Lord while you were pregnant with twins? (Gen 25:23) Who did He say would serve who? And this was before they were born? Do you believe in foreordination?

Defense – 3 rd Witness - Isaac Will you please read from the scriptures, in the book of Matthew 16:19? I just have one question. If the priesthood allows you bind and loose on earth, why didn’t you simply undo your blessing after you found out you had given it to Jacob instead of Esau? Wasn’t it meant for Jacob all along? Closing Statement The Defense Rests

Has the Jury reached a verdict? A few other things to remember: – We don’t know the whole story, many things have been lost. Remember the story of Cain – Even if Jacob and Rebekah’s acts were mistakes and not the best way to go about things, it doesn’t change the outcome and the foreordination of Jacob as the recipient of the covenant. There are some lessons to be learned from these stories

What is the birthright? Think back to Abraham’s covenant. – The priesthood promise If the birthright is the priesthood, what are the requirements? – Worthiness – Receive it from someone who has it already (and is worthy) – Laying on of hands

Bruce R McConkie “It appears that anciently under the Patriarchal Order certain special blessings, rights, powers, and privileges—collectively called the birthright —passed from the father to his firstborn son. ( Gen. 43:33.) In later ages special blessings and prerogatives have been poured out upon all the worthy descendants of some who gained special blessings and birthrights anciently. ( 3 Ne. 20:25–27.) Justification for this system, in large part, lies in the pre- existent preparation and training of those born in the lines destined to inherit preferential endowments.”

So, if Jacob was meant to have the birthright, why wasn’t he born first? Are there other examples of younger sons receiving the birthright blessings? – Seth (Gen 4:25) after Abel died – Isaac instead of Ishmael – Joseph instead of Rueben – Ephraim instead of Manasseh (Gen 48) – Nephi over Laman (1 Ne 2:22) The Lord is teaching us a lesson here, that the genetics are less important than worthiness.

The Birthright (The Priesthood) A sacred covenant Based on our worthiness Not a right, should not be treated as such. D&C 121:37 – Unrighteous dominion takes away that blessing

Notebook Ideas Jacob was flawed, but still blessed with the continuation of the covenant. How does this help you interpret your own standing with the Lord? Why is it so important that the Priesthood is held by those who are worthy?