June 17th: Genesis 25:19-34
Genesis 25:19-34
Sibling rivalries are nothing new. Jacob and Esau however, had an epic rivalry.
Though twins, they were very different. Esau was hairy, tough, and enjoyed hunting. Jacob was always scheming and seeking to trick others in order to get his way. Esau was his father's pride and joy while Jacob was his mother's favorite.
One day Esau had been in the field and was very hungry when he returned. Jacob could have offered up some of the food he had made, since Esau had been working hard for the good of the family, but instead he wanted to work an angle. He told Esau he would only give him some of the food if Esau gave him the birthright.
This was not in keeping with the 5th Commandment.
Sibling rivalries are nothing new. Jacob and Esau however, had an epic rivalry.
Though twins, they were very different. Esau was hairy, tough, and enjoyed hunting. Jacob was always scheming and seeking to trick others in order to get his way. Esau was his father's pride and joy while Jacob was his mother's favorite.
One day Esau had been in the field and was very hungry when he returned. Jacob could have offered up some of the food he had made, since Esau had been working hard for the good of the family, but instead he wanted to work an angle. He told Esau he would only give him some of the food if Esau gave him the birthright.
This was not in keeping with the 5th Commandment.
You shall not murder.
What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body, but help and support him in every physical need.
Rather than exploiting his brother, Jacob should instead have helped his brother just as we should help our neighbors in their physical needs.
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