The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Esau

  • Choices

    “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”

    Titus 2:12

    Almost everyone remembers the conflicts between Esau and Jacob. There was a struggle between them even before they were born. “And the children struggled together within her …” (Genesis 25:22a). When Rebecca asked God why, read the reply. “And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23). This was the reason for the conflict. There where two peoples, or two nations, that were born to Isaac and Rebecca. Consider the following. Although they were twins, Esau was born first. They were about as opposite as twins could be. “And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents” (Genesis 25:27). It was not long before Esau revealed his true nature. It was proven throughout his life; even whom he chose to marry (see Genesis 26:34-35). “Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah” (Genesis 26:35).

    One day, Esau came in from hunting, extremely hungry. Jacob was cooking some pottage (soup). Esau wanted this soup. “And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright” Genesis 25:31). We need to understand what this “birthright” is. The word birthright means “the firstling of man or beast; abstractly primogeniture: – birthright, firstborn.” Primogeniture means “the state of being the firstborn child. The right of succession belonging to the firstborn child, especially the feudal rule by which the whole real estate of an intestate passed to the eldest son.” Knowing this, read what Esau’s reply was. “And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?” (Genesis 25:32). Esau sold his birthright to Jacob – for a bowl of soup. Take note that he cared more for the temporary fulfillment of food for his stomach at that moment, more than a lasting heritage for him and his children. The Bible gives us a little insight here. “Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright” (Genesis 25:34). Despised means “to disesteem: – despise, disdain, contemn (contemptible), think to scorn, vile person.” Esau thought nothing of his birthright. Keep in mind that his grandfather, Abraham, had been given a promise of the Messiah who was to come (see Genesis 12:2-3; 22:18, John 8:56, Acts 3:25-26). The same Messiah promised to Adam and Eve in the garden (see Genesis 3:15). The promise would be fulfilled through either Esau or Jacob. From this incident, we should learn much about Esau. He was a carnal man. He thought nothing of the spiritual.

    Later, we remember when Isaac is old and thinks he may die. He called in Esau, sending him to go prepare some venison for him, so that he could bestow upon Esau his blessing. Remember, we read in Genesis 25:23 that “… the elder shall serve the younger.” However, through deceit and trickery, Rebecca sent in Jacob to receive the blessing (read Genesis 27 to remember these events). Jacob received the blessing from his father, Isaac. “28. Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine: 29. Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother’s sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee” (Genesis 27:28-29). One must remember the promises given to Abraham (see Genesis 12:2-3). These promises would pass on to Jacob (the younger son) and his descendants.

    Esau had proven through his rejection of his birthright and rejecting of the things of God that he was not a spiritual man. He thought more about the present comforts (food, land, wealth) than of the things of God. Read some insight we have of Esau in the New Testament. “16. Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. 17. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears” (Hebrews 12:16-17). He was a “fornicator” which relates to his rejection of spiritual things. Profane person means “profane, void of religion or piety, a person who lacks all relationship or affinity to God.” Understand how God sees Esau – one who had no relationship, or affinity, to Him. Esau never declared repentance (a change of his mind) for his choices in life, nor did he alter the course of his life to please God. He only wanted his father, Isaac, to “repent” (change his mind) in his decision to give the blessing to Jacob. Read what could have been if Esau had only sought after God and the things of God: “11. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:11-12). Because of the choices that Esau made in his life, rejecting God and the things of God, we understand the following declaration: “As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated” (Romans 9:13).

    Esau had the choice.

    Esau chose poorly.

    Have you chosen to deny ungodliness and the things of this world, and instead to follow righteousness?

  • The End from the Beginning

    “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:”

    Isaiah 46:10

    Have you ever considered the fact that God knows all things, even the things that have not happened yet? As you read your Bible, do you ever notice instances such as these? Sometimes it is just fun to dig into God’s Word and chase down some verses to see where they take you. Often times one will be amazed at the omniscience of God. Consider the following quick run through a certain family line.

    Isaac Rebecca had twin boys, Esau and Jacob. Jacob chose to follow God, and Esau chose to become a profane person (Hebrews 12:15-17). Esau’s descendants became the enemies of God’s people (who were the descendants of Jacob). They had many conflicts through the years. Check out just one of these descendants, Amalek, Esau’s grandson and his lineage.

    Moses had led God’s people out of Egypt, and a people came against them. “Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim” (Exodus 17:8). Joshua led the people to a great victory, while Aaron and Hur held up the arms of Moses (see Exodus 17:8-16). Moses understood that they would have war with Amalek (the Amalekites) from generation to generation.

    When Moses sent twelve spies into Canaan land to bring back a report, we learn that the Amalekites lived in the land of the south (Numbers 13:29). When the spies returned, ten did not believe God would allow them to conquer the land while two, Joshua and Caleb, declared they should go and posses it because they believed God (see Numbers 13:1-33). The people listened to the ten who said they should not go (Numbers 14:1-39). Because they did not like the response of God for their disobedience, they decided to go and try to take the land of Canaan – without the Lord (see Numbers 14:40-45). It was then that the Amalekites and Canaanites defeated God’s people.

    When Moses was preparing the new generation to enter into the Promised Land (the land of Canaan), he gave many instructions. Read one of the following: “17. Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt; 18. How he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, even all that were feeble behind thee, when thou wast faint and weary; and he feared not God. 19. Therefore it shall be, when the LORD thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it, that thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget it” (Deuteronomy 25:17-19). However, there is no mention of eliminating the people of Amalek found in the book of Joshua.

    If you remember, because they did not eliminate the enemies of Canaan land, they then became a thorn in the side of God’s people. God’s people would forget Him, God would allow the enemy to oppress His people, the people would cry out to God, and God would send a deliverer. We can read that the Amalekites were one of their enemies (see Judges 3:12-13). One of the most famous encounters in the book of Judges is when the people of Amalek joined the Moabites and went up against the Israelites when God rose up Gideon to be their judge (see Judges 6-7). We read that God allowed Gideon to defeat them with only 300 men. However, God delivered His people from the Amalekites other times in the book of Judges (see Judges 10:11-12).

    Years later, when Saul was king, God wanted the Amalekites destroyed. “2. Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt. 3. Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have …” (1 Samuel 15:2-3). God even told them why He wanted them destroyed. You may remember that Saul kept the king, Agag, alive with some of the oxen and sheep. When Samuel asked King Saul about it, Saul declared he had obeyed God. Nevertheless, because he had not, God removed the kingdom from Saul. Samuel did what King Saul had refused to do: kill King Agag. A few years later, David fought the Amalekites (see 1 Samuel 27:8). The Amalekites invaded and stole the wives of David and his men (see 1 Samuel 30:1-20). David again defeated them. Not much else is mentioned about the Amalekites. However, one may notice that something interesting happens. We meet someone who is an Agagite.

    Most people remember the events of Esther. The enemy of the Israelite people (the Jews) is Haman. “And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews’ enemy” (Esther 3:10). Notice he is the Agagite. He was most likely a descendant of Amalekite kings (remember King Agag that Saul was to kill). Haman plotted to annihilate the Jewish people. Because of Queen Esther’s obedience and bravery, she was able to save her people. Moreover, Haman the Agagite (and his ten sons) was hanged. We do not read of the Amalekites or the Agagites coming against God’s people again. Does this help you understand why God repeatedly told His people to “blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven” (Deuteronomy 25:19)?

    Do you believe that God knows the end from the beginning? “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure” (Isaiah 46:10).

    Do you recognize God has a plan because He knows all?Have you chosen to do what God has planned for your life, much as Esther obeyed God’s plan?

  • Lesson 12: Obadiah: Edomites’ Destruction Foretold

    As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.

    —Romans 9:13

    Key Verse Thought: Before beginning today’s lesson, consider today’s key verse. It is important to remember that this is God speaking. We must remember that God hates sin and wickedness. See what we read about Jesus, God’s Son: “Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity …” (Hebrews 1:9). See that in this verse righteousness means “disposition or conduct in common life — i.e.: just, uprightness, good character, virtue” and iniquity means “sin, unrighteousness, lawlessness.” If you are teaching a class, ask your students if they remember the twins Jacob and Esau from the Bible. Remember that Esau rejected what was right. As we look at this Bible Lesson, we will better understand why God hated Esau. We will see how Esau, and his descendants, had rejected God and the things of God. For that (and because of his hatred toward Jacob and his descendants) God promised destruction to that people.

    Emphasis: First, we are to make sure we have chosen a life pleasing to God (have Jesus in our heart). Afterward, we should learn to live as an ambassador in this world, knowing we represent Jesus to the lost.

    Lesson Summary: Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament. It is considered one of the older books of prophecy. No one is quite sure when it was written. There are no clues within the book to help us place it in history as many other books of prophecy have. However, we do know that it is a book of warning. It warns us of what will happen to those who are against God’s people. It was written as a warning to those who persecuted the Israelites.

    God called Obadiah as an ambassador (a messenger representing God) to warn Edom of their pending doom. First, though, we will remember who the people of Edom were. They were descendants of Esau. Remember that he was the twin brother of Jacob. We will recall the events that transpired, causing them to become enemies, and will consider a few times that Israel had conflict with the Edomites. They were also a vocal adversary when Israel was threatened. They took pleasure in the troubles of Israel. Because of that, God would deal with them. We will read that another reason they would be destroyed was because of their pride; God would bring them down.

    Finally, we will read of the judgments that would fall upon Edom; and the recompense God would pay His people, the Israelites.

    Y2Q1 – Lesson 12 Questions

    Y2Q1 – Lesson 12 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are doing this with children, the following is a craft idea to go with this lesson:

    We made a book of Obadiah. Because it is the shortest book of the Bible, we glued a copy of the entire book of Obadiah inside of folded black construction paper (to look like a Bible).

  • The Choice

    “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
    2 Peter 3:9

    Why do some people believe in Jesus, becoming a Christian, and others do not?

    God gives each person the choice to believe or not.

    One cannot help but remember the brothers Esau and Jacob from the Old Testament book of Genesis. They were twin brothers, yet they were very different. From the events in their lives and the choices they made, one can see that Jacob chose better, for he chose the things of God. Esau on the other hand, chose the things of this world and the satisfaction of his flesh. After hunting one day, Esau came home where Jacob was making some pottage. Esau was willing to sell his birthright for a bowl of pottage – just to satisfy his immediate hunger. After this, Esau took wives of the Hittite’s, not God’s people. Read what his parents thought of this in Genesis 26:35: “Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah.”

    A short time later, Jacob received the blessing instead of Esau. Afterward, see the obedience of one brother, and the disobedience of the other. “6. When Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob, and sent him away to Padanaram, to take him a wife from thence; and that as he blessed him he gave him a charge, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan; 7. And that Jacob obeyed his father and his mother, and was gone to Padanaram; 8. And Esau seeing that the daughters of Canaan pleased not Isaac his father; 9. Then went Esau unto Ishmael, and took unto the wives which he had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife” (Genesis 28:6-9). Jacob continued to please his parents (thus pleasing God), and Esau continued to please himself (thus displeasing God).

    Although Esau had many great possessions on this earth (see Genesis 33) and lived in the land of Seir, there is insight given to us in the New Testament. See what God recorded in His Word. “As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated” (Romans 9:13). We can better understand these words many consider harsh as we read the following verses. “15. Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; 16. Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. 17. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears” (Hebrews 12:15-17). The condition of Esau seems to be the same condition as one who rejects God and His Word, choosing to please self. Note that this kind of person is one who sins against God (in rejecting the gift of His Son, Jesus). Esau made his choice. Esau gave himself over to the world and its’ ways. When Esau “failed of the grace of God” in this choice, he became a profane person. Esau so hardened his heart “he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.”

    Before you harden your heart, rejecting God, read the following encouraging words. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). God is not willing that any should perish. No one should harden their heart and not receive the Gospel message of Jesus.

    “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth …” (Romans 1:16).

    Choose to please yourself, and in doing so fail of the grace of God, or

    Choose to believe in the Gospel of Christ unto Salvation.

    It is your choice!

    How to be Saved

  • Lesson 3 (Lesson 16): Genesis 25 – 36: Jacob

    Key Verse

    “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” Revelation 21:7

    Help your children understand the key verse as you help them complete the opening worksheet.  Today we will learn the change that took place in Jacob’s life as he learned to trust God, inheriting the promise of Abraham.  Make sure they understand the key verse and the importance placing one’s trust in God.  God always keeps His promises.

    Summary:  In this lesson we look at the life of Jacob, the 3rd major person in the book of Genesis..  He and Esau were twins.  Jacob was the younger twin born to Isaac.  God knew before Jacob was even born what kind of a man he would become; for he chose to walk with God.  Because God had told Rebekah that Jacob would rule over Esau, she encouraged him to trick his father out of the family blessing, preempting God’s plan.  This caused contention, hatred, and grief from his brother for many years.  Jacob had to flee for his life to another land.  On the way, Jacob had a dream of angels ascending and descending a ladder into heaven.  God spoke to him and gave him the promise of Abraham.  Jacob obeyed his parents and chose a wife from his mother’s family.  But, Jacob was then tricked by Laban, his mother’s brother, who gave him the wrong daughter, Leah, in marriage.  Jacob had to work 14 years to gain the woman he loved, Rachel, Leah’s sister.

    When God told Jacob to return to his homeland, he obeyed.  On the way, he wrestled with an angel of the Lord all night.  It was the pre-incarnate Christ.  During that struggle, Jacob was renamed Israel (which means prince of God).   God blessed Jacob with 12 sons and 1 daughter.  These sons became the 12 tribes of the nation Israel.

    In the past two lessons, we saw where God promised to send One who would deliver a sinful people from their sins.  The first was when man sinned in the Garden (Genesis 3:15).  Last week, we learned that God had promised Abraham that all people would be blessed through his descendants (Genesis 22:18).  We even saw a picture (when Abraham offered Isaac) of what God would do – lay down the life of His Son, Jesus.  In this lesson, we see once again the promise of a mighty Deliverer that would come (Genesis 28:14).  Remember God’s promise was fulfilled when He sent His Son, Jesus, to save the world from their sin. Jesus was the greatest gift ever given.

    Encourage your students to bring their Bibles and use them!

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 16 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 16 – Volume 1 Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet

     

    Ideas for children:

    Stickers always work well with children. Often times I watch Wal-Mart or Oriental Trading Company for specials or deals on things I can use for crafts for Sunday School (i.e. foam sheets, Bible Story scene stickers, crowns, stick on jewels, construction paper, etc.).  I keep a stash and when I need something, I go search in my stash!  Pinterest always has great ideas!

    One idea for today’s lesson:  (See picture below). Take a piece of black construction paper, some wooden popsicle sticks, peel and stick stars, a sticker of a Bible times man, a sticker of a rock and some angels, some cotton balls and glue.  Glue the wooden popsicle sticks to the paper making a ladder.  Fluff the cotton balls and glue them around the top to make a sky.  Put the rock sticker on the bottom with the Bible time’s man (as if he is using the rock as a pillow). Stick the angels on the ladder (as if ascending and descending on the ladder).  Fill the night sky with the stickers of stars.  Glue a print out of Genesis 28:15 on it.

     

    Mural idea:

    Refer to the wall in your classroom that has become a mural.  Encourage them to write a promise God made in His Word, the Bible.  Remind them that God always keeps His promises.    Add these to your mural, as a reminder that God always keeps His promises.

    Have them each add anything else they may have brought to add to the wall.  Encourage everyone to participate.