Isaac’s wife Rebeka bore twins, two boys, Esau and Jacob. What should have been a double blessing and double joy, became a double problem. Because each parent preferred a child, and a different one, the descendants of Isaac lived incalculable misery.
Preparing the Bride for GOD’s Story
How do we prepare as the Bride of Christ? One aspect is to learn GOD’S STORY. He created us in His image…. Piece by piece, and peace by peace, we learn to walk as He has walked. And we learn His perspective.
Genesis 25:24-28
“So when her days were fulfilled for her to give birth, indeed there were twins in her womb. And the first came out red. He was like a hairy garment all over; so they called his name Esau. Afterward his brother came out, and his hand took hold of Esau’s heel; so his name was called Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them.
So the boys grew. And Esau was a skilful hunter, a man of the field; but Jacob was a mild man, dwelling in tents. And Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob.”
Family feud
Families have joys and they have troubles. From the time Cane murdered his brother Able, families have suffered throughout Biblical history. The descendants of Abraham are riddled with strife. Ishmael becoming an outcast from his father and his household produced antagonism between Jews (sons of Jacob) and Arabs (sons of Ishmael) which continues to this day.
Early in the Koran, the writer says if you want to know about GOD ask the Jews and the Christians. Then later, when he doesn’t like the Jews (and Christians) anymore, he writes, “kill the Jews” (and “kill the Christians”). This contradiction is just one of the aspects that demonstrates the long-lasting feud between the two cousins.
Why do I mention this? Because just as there were two brothers born to Abraham who would war against one another, afterward, we see the brothers of Isaac struggle to relate. This is borne out of parental preference…. because let’s face it, Rebekah preferred Jacob while Isaac preferred Esau. And this created a problem.
Did GOD allow infighting?
Why would a parent prefer one child over another? I don’t understand it. But clearly, it happens. And it creates problems, either between the parents or the children or both.
Nevertheless, GOD carries on His plan for a chosen nation and a multiple of blessings for the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. GOD keeps His promises, regardless of the failings or shortcomings of mankind.