These
two brothers were not mere children at this time. They were past forty
years of age (Genesis 26:34), both capable of entering into a contract;
and they made a contract which was binding upon both.
[110]Notwithstanding these two good reasons why Jacob was justly
entitled to the birthright, Esau attempted to deprive him of it. The
birthright carried with it the privilege of the special blessing from
their father. Isaac was old and his eyes were dim, so that he could not
see; and he knew that the day of his death might be near. (Genesis
27:1,2) He directed his son Esau to go into the field and take some
venison and bring it to him that he might eat; and give Esau his
blessing.
[111]The Bible does not clearly show that Isaac knew God had
foreordained that this birthright should belong to Jacob, nor that he
knew Esau had sold it to Jacob; therefore we can excuse the old father
for thinking it was his duty to bestow his blessing upon his son Esau.
Rebekah the mother, however, knowing of both these reasons why Jacob was
entitled to the birthright, knowing that Esau did not appreciate it, and
knowing of his wrongful intent to deprive his brother Jacob of the
privileges and blessings incident to the birthright, advised Jacob what
to do in order to protect his own rightful and proper interests. The
mother therefore was carrying out God's will in this respect.
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