Day 23, Chronological Bible Study
Timeline. Map. Go to today's Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Genesis 25:27–34; 27:1–46; 28:1–9; Genesis 36; 1Chronicles 1:35–54 Over-Zealous Ambitions Most people have played the game of basketball or have seen it played. Some players run all over the court trying to get the ball into their hands, yelling to their teammates, “Give me the ball! Give me the ball!” More mature ballplayers have learned the principle, “Let the ball come to you.” How does this relate to our Bible study and our lives? The characters in today’s Bible reading have over-zealous ambitions. Believe it or not, some of this begins before birth. Twins After trying and waiting twenty years, Isaac’s wife, Rebekah, becomes pregnant with twin boys. Before they are born, they jostle each other in the womb—they are already fighting. Rebekah doesn’t understand this, so she asks the LORD about it. “The LORD said to her, ‘Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger’” (Genesis 25:23, NIV). Esau is the firstborn. His name means “red and hairy,” for that is his appearance. After Esau, Jacob is born with his hand on Esau’s heel, so he is named “supplanter.” Predictably and figuratively, Jacob will later grab Esau’s heal and trip him up so he can stand in Esau’s place with the blessings of a firstborn son. Jacob’s deception Esau’s red and hairy skin portrays his wild nature as he grows up to live a rugged outdoor lifestyle and becomes a skillful hunter. Meanwhile, Jacob is smooth-skinned and grows up to be a quiet man, preferring to be indoors, working in and around the tents. After the boys are grown into young men, Jacob pulls a trick to steal Esau’s birthright (the firstborn’s right to his father’s blessing). One day, as Jacob is working in his family’s tent and making stew, Esau comes in from the field, very hungry. Jacob makes a bargain with Esau to trade this food in exchange for his brother’s birthright. In his weakness, Esau gives in and makes the bargain (Genesis 25:27-34). Have we ever sought to claim what we believe is rightfully ours? Have we been deceitful and conniving to get it? Selfishness and dishonest practices give people cause to despise and hate us—we care only for ourselves. If something in life is meant to be ours, we must have faith in God to provide it. In other words, we must let the ball come to us. The opportunity Finally, as their father grows very old, it is time for them to receive their inheritances. Jacob and Esau probably know of God’s promises given to Abraham for land, seed, and blessing (Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 15:5, 18). They also know their father has inherited these promises and the wealth that comes with them. They want these blessings for themselves. The firstborn is responsible for the family’s care when his father dies and receives double portions of what other siblings receive. Both brothers are eager to have it. Contrary to tradition, God chooses Jacob to receive the inheritance. Why? We don’t know. Maybe it is because God knows Esau will not show respect for his birthright—food is more important to him. Esau made a choice of a bowl of stew over God’s blessings. While we may understand hunger pangs, what we really believe is important is shown during stressful times. Esau fails the test. What is more valuable to us—God’s blessing, or other things like our comfort, career, or other things? Let’s not sacrifice God’s best for immediate or temporary gratification. Jacob steals Esau’s blessing Well-meaning friends and family members may at times try to help us get what we want. This happens in Jacob’s case. Esau is the favorite of his father, but Jacob is the favorite of his mother. Rebekah wants the best for her favorite son. Her husband, Isaac, is old and blind. When it’s time for Esau to receive his father’s blessing, she disguises Jacob to trick her husband into blessing Jacob instead of Esau. She provides goatskin for his arms and neck, so he will feel and smell like his brother, for Esau is a hairy outdoorsman. Although Isaac can’t see, he can feel and smell. Then she prepares some venison, her husband’s favorite food. Consequences The ploy works well, and both Jacob and his mother get what they want. However, there is a heavy price to pay for their deception. This trick of Jacob stealing the birthright blessing from Esau causes Esau to hate his brother so much that he wants to kill him. For his protection and provision, Jacob is sent back to relatives in Haran with an excuse to find an acceptable wife. Jacob’s sin causes separation from his family, and especially his beloved mother. Making things right As in basketball, sometimes we try too hard to make things happen. The ball of opportunity will come to us if we play unselfishly, are open, and are in the right place and time. We must exercise patience and not force God’s will. We may lose or win depending on whether we trust God. In future lessons, we will also see this play out in Jacob’s life. Have we caused hatred in our family? It is not easily removed. Why not humble ourselves before the ones we have offended and confess our sins? Why not give preference to them? Over time we will probably be forgiven if we prove to be genuinely repentant. We will see how Jacob is forgiven by Esau in a future lesson. God’s grace Finally, although Esau was tricked by Jacob and unwisely forfeited his birthright, the LORD is gracious. Esau’s family, flocks, and herds multiply greatly. Like Ishmael’s people, God’s promise to bless all nations through Abraham’s sons is coming to pass, even though Esau is not the chosen heir. This gives us hope—God may yet offer grace to those who mess up. Discussion What does Jacob’s deception teach us about life? Esau’s hunger lost him his birthright and blessing. How can we prevent missing out on God’s best? Why should we ask forgiveness when we deceive others? Why not let it go? Focus Verse Galatians 4:18a (NIV) “It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good.” You can watch a video presentation of this lesson here. Begin at 35:29 and end at 39:00 and also begin at 41:17 and end at 46:47
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study: Enter your prayer here: Please send your comments to mtbiblestudies@gmail.com Looking Ahead: Jacob will pay a high price for his deception—what goes around comes around. Let us learn from his mistakes and not lead A Ferris Wheel Life. Join us for our Next Lesson. Previous Lesson  |  Next Lesson Back to top of page Return to Chronological Bible Studies main page Go to Scriptures main page Go to Topics main page Go to Home page re-edited 1-21-21

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