Third Generation Problems

The early life of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25:19-28)

Just as with the account of Abraham, Isaac and Rebekah have difficulty in conceiving children. (Genesis 25:19-21)

Rebekah’s pregnancy was difficult and she inquired of the Lord as to the significance of the trouble. (Genesis 25:22)

God explains the situation. (Genesis 25:23)

God revealed that there would be conflict between the two brothers.

The two brothers are two nations who will not get along. The roles will be reversed and the older will serve the younger.

The twins are born. (Genesis 25:24-26)

Esau is described as red and hairy. Jacob comes out holding onto his brother’s heel.

Lifestyle differences between the brothers (Genesis 25:27-28)

Esau was an outdoorsman and was favored by his father. Jacob was more domestic and was favored by his mother.

The Birthright (Genesis 25:29-34)

A birthright was the older son’s share of the material estate of the family.

Typically, the eldest son would receive double inheritance.

Jacob is described as cooking a stew and Esau stumbled into camp exhausted. (Genesis 25:29-30)

Jacob seizes on the opportunity and Esau sells his birthright Jacob seizes on the opportunity and Esau sells his birthright. (Genesis 25:31-34)

Isaac and Abimelech (Genesis 26)

God reaffirms his promises to Isaac and instructs him not to leave the land. (Genesis 26:1-6)

Isaac and Rebekah uses the same ruse for the same reasons Abraham and Sarah did. (Genesis 26:7-10)

Abimelech offers Isaac and Rebekah protection. (Genesis 26:11)

A conflict arises over wells and Isaac keeps moving until the Philistines stopped harassing him. (Genesis 16:12-22)

God appears to Isaac at Beersheba to reassure Isaac. (Genesis 26:23-25)

Abimelech makes a covenant with Isaac. (Genesis 26:26-33)

Esau takes two Canaanite wives. (Genesis 26:34-35)

Isaac’s blessing and the aftermath (Genesis 27)

Isaac is in frailty of health and decided it was time to give his blessing to Esau. (Genesis 27:1)

Isaac wanted to celebrate the occasion. (Genesis 27:2-4)

Rebekah heard what was happened and made her own plans Rebekah heard what was happened and made her own plans. (Genesis 27:5-10)

Jacob points out an obvious problem and Rebekah accepts responsibility for the actions. (Genesis 27:11-17)

Jacob proceeds with the plan and Isaac blesses Jacob Jacob proceeds with the plan and Isaac blesses Jacob. (Genesis 27:18-26)

Isaac give Jacob the patriarchal blessing of fertility of land and authority over others. (Genesis 27:27-29)

Esau arrived at discovered what happened and begged Isaac to bless him Esau arrived at discovered what happened and begged Isaac to bless him. (Genesis 27:30-38)

Isaac gives Esau an “anti-blessing” in that he will dwell away from a prosperous land, would live through violence and conflict, and would serve Jacob. The only consolation is that one day he would be free from the burden of Jacob. (Genesis 27:39-40)

Esau determines to kill Jacob after Isaac dies. (Genesis 27:41)

Rebekah sends Jacob to Haran to her brother Laban’s house for safety Rebekah sends Jacob to Haran to her brother Laban’s house for safety. (Genesis 27:42-45)

Rebekah expresses despair over Esau’s wives. (Genesis 27:46)

Third Generation Problems