Chapter 18: Rebuilding Relationships
Rebekah, wife of Isaac, gave birth to twin sons. “And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau. And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob.” As the boys grew, their differences grew. Esau was “a man of the field, a cunning hunter,” while Jacob was “a plain man, dwelling in tents” ( Genesis 25:25-27 ). And their parents accentuated their sons’ differences. Isaac preferred Esau and Rebekah loved Jacob. Because Esau was born first, although barely by minutes, he was the birthright son, the heir who would receive a double inheritance and prestige. One day Esau came in from the field, tired and faint. He saw that Jacob had made stew and asked for some. Jacob basically said: “Sure, if you will sell me your birthright.” Esau responded impulsively: “What good is the birthright if I die from starvation?” Th...