Isaac, the promised son of Abraham, married Rebekah, and after many years of prayer, God blessed them with twin sons—Esau and Jacob. Even before their birth, they struggled within Rebekah’s womb. The Lord told her,
“Two nations are in your womb… and the older will serve the younger.”
Esau was born first, red and hairy, and Jacob followed, grasping Esau’s heel—a sign of the rivalry that would mark their lives. Esau grew into a rugged hunter, favored by Isaac. Jacob, quieter and more thoughtful, stayed near the tents and was loved by Rebekah.
One day, Esau returned from the fields, exhausted and hungry. He found Jacob cooking a pot of stew and begged for some. Seizing the moment, Jacob said:
“First, sell me your birthright.”
The birthright was a sacred privilege—it meant leadership, inheritance, and spiritual blessing.
Driven by his appetite, Esau replied,
“What good is the birthright to me if I die of hunger?”
He swore an oath and sold his birthright for a bowl of lentil stew.
In that moment, Esau despised what was sacred for what was temporary.
Years later, when Isaac was old and nearly blind, he called for Esau and asked him to hunt game and prepare a meal so he could bless him before he died. But Rebekah overheard and devised a plan. She wanted Jacob, the chosen one, to receive the blessing.
Jacob hesitated, fearing his father would recognize him. But Rebekah covered his arms with goat skin and dressed him in Esau’s clothes. Jacob approached Isaac, pretending to be his brother. Suspicious but convinced, Isaac gave Jacob the blessing meant for the firstborn—a blessing of abundance, leadership, and divine favor.
Soon after, Esau returned. When the truth came out, he was devastated.
“Bless me—me too, my father!” he cried. But Isaac could not undo what had been done. Esau held a grudge and vowed to kill Jacob, forcing him to flee.
Jacob’s journey from there would be long and transformative, but God’s hand was always on him.
This story is rich with lessons: the danger of impulsive choices, the consequences of deception, and the sovereignty of God, who works through even broken people to fulfill His promises. Jacob, though flawed, would become Israel—the father of twelve tribes. And through his line would come Jesus, the Savior of the world.