The New Life

---

Intro

The fruit does not fall far from the tree ! Parents exert tremendous influence on the development of mind and spirituality of a child. Jacob was raised in a prosperous home yet conflicting parental values helped shape him into being a manipulative person. He tried to manipulate others to succeed. I pray that the almighty God will help us understand the principles in this study so that we can apply our hearts to wisdom. 

Conspiracy

“And she (Rebekah) gave the savoury meat and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob. And Jacob said unto his father, I am Esau thy firstborn; I have done according as thou asked me: arise, I pray thee, sit and eat of my venison, that thy soul may bless me. And Isaac said unto his son, How is it that thou hast found it so quickly, my son? And he said, Because the LORD thy God brought it to me” Genesis 27:19-20

Troubled Foundation

Jacob was a twin brother of Esau. Parents were Isaac (married at 40yrs) and Rebekah (a Syrian - sister to Laban)- Genesis 25:20 and was barren for 20 years before having children Genesis 25:21. Note that Abraham also waited for 25 years before Isaac came. Esau was born first with a lot of hair, he was a skilled hunter while Jacob chose a more home-based lifestyle.

Questions: 

(a) For what reason did Isaac love Esau (one of his sons) ? Genesis 25:28
(b) Why was this a serious concern for every parent to beware of ?

Esau was a skillful hunter but we can read the following from his character

1. Seemed to depend heavily on others 
2. Lacked good planning and value judgement 
3. Made rash decisions. Genesis 25:30 ; Genesis 26:34-35

Esau said to Jacob, his twin brother, having come from day’s work and very hungry. 

Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob.

Questions:
(c) What lessons should families learn from this scenario about parental values?

Absentee Father

Rebekah made many decisions for Jacob (Genesis 27:5-17) that were not in the best interest of Esau (her first son) and blind-siding the role of Isaac (her husband). 

1. Could it be that Rebekah’s father was not significant/important in crucial times at home in her life ? 
2. Is Isaac timid and cannot stand up for some things in the family even though he was a prosperous man hence the wife is now acting presumptuously? Genesis 26:6-9 ; Genesis 26:12-14
   

Presumptuously -> (of a person or their behavior) failing to observe the limits of what is permitted or appropriate

Questions:
(d) What lessons should families learn from this scenario ?
(e) Who was Rebekah’s father ? Genesis 24:24      
(f) What role did her father play at home and in her marriage decisions when Abraham’s servant came ? Genesis 24:29-31 ; Genesis 24: 50-51

(g) Why was Rebekah’s father missing in decision making here ? Genesis 24:55

And her brother and her mother said, Let the damsel abide with us a few days, at the least ten; after that she shall go

Note:

Anything that removes a man/woman from critical decisions and knowledge of what is happening in his/her home is likely going to ruin such home. Christians must beware !

 Jacob learned to lie through authoritative influence of the mother, even when he knew it was wrong and there was a dire consequence. 

And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, Behold, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man: My father peradventure will feel me, and I shall seem to him as a deceiver; and I shall bring a curse upon me, and not a blessing. And his mother said unto him, Upon me be thy curse, my son: only obey my voice, and go fetch me them. Genesis 27: 11-13

Questions:
(h) Give examples of ways we reinforce bad behavior in our family ?

Compare Genesis 25:23 and Genesis 25:31 .  Since Rebekah knew what God has spoken, was she trying to help Jacob's destiny or was Jacob trying to fast-track God's promise ?