It was during the “patriarchal age” or the “age of promise” [starting 1921 B.C] that this love story took place. The age of promise spans 430 years. Observing the active family lives of the patriarchs is quite exciting. [I will do my best to make this interesting for your entertainment. For me reading the great stories of the Old Testament and New Testament is entertaining! [Especially now during this coronavirus.] The first we hear of Rachel is when Jacob arrives in a place called Padan-aram. [1759 B.C]. Here Jacob is forced to leave his home and get away from his mother, Rebekah and his father, Isaac, because Jacob’s twin brother, Esau, was going to kill him! [that’s enough to run away from]. Rebekah experienced a difficult pregnancy while Jacob and Esau were in her womb wrestling. She learned from God that there were two nations struggling in her womb. WoW! This had to be difficult news to hear and understand!
Nevertheless, the sons were born and she was alive along with them. In the process of time, Jacob being a person who was mild mannered would cook and stay near his mother. We also learn he was a thinker and schemer. Esau was a hunter and was preferred by his father, Isaac. Now Isaac you recall was the “chosen” seed that Abraham and Sarah had been waiting for many years. Abraham was 100-years-old and Sarah was 99 years at the birth of Isaac.
God renewed Sarah’s youth so that she even nursed Isaac just like a young woman. No wonder there is the bible verse that says, “Is there anything too hard for God?” No, Lord. Nothing.” Abraham and Sarah laughed when God told them they would have a child in their old age. So Isaac’s name means “laughing.” Jacob’s name comes from him clinging onto the heel of Esau; so he is called “heel catcher.” We learn that Jacob was a scheming type of personality and “a trickster.” Basically, he knew how to deceive and that’s not complimentary, because when you trick someone, you get tricked somewhere along the way. Now, let’s get back to why does Jacob go to Padan-aram and why did Esau, his own twin brother want to kill him? One day during the famine, Esau came in from hunting…extremely hungry. He was a good hunter and pleased his father with this talent. He wanted some stew Jacob was cooking. Jacob says, “if you want some of this stew, sell me your birthright.” Esau was not “quick on his feet.” In other words, not considering things with deep thought of what the consequences might be. Esau agreed to sell to Jacob his “birthright.” The “birthright” was a privileged standing in the family and as the “firstborn” Esau would under many circumstances would inherit it. But, Esau displeased/grieved his parents by marrying pagan foreign wives. Pagans worshipped idols, figurines and such. When Esau did not value his birthright and sold it to Jacob, Esau considered he had been tricked. The problem here is that Esau considered his belly more important than long term consideration of the consequences of losing his family standing and privileges. (to be continued) Dates and years are approximate.
Thanks for reading!
Jeanette Grattan Parker, Ph.D. Superintendent Founder Today’s Fresh Start, Inc. Inquiring Minds Want to Know © all rights reserved © www.todaysfreshstart.org. www.askdrjeanetteparker.comtm ™[email protected]
