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This Week's Reading: Genesis 24-27
Come Follow Me Insight #1
In Genesis 25 we get the story of Esau selling his birthright for a bowl of food.
But what exactly was his birthright? Well, in Old Testament times the eldest son in a family would become the head of the family after his father’s death.
He would receive a double portion of the inheritance that his father left— not because he was the favorite, but because that second portion was to be used to take care of his mother and sisters who were still at home. (Source)
Come Follow Me Insight #2
Esau lost TWO birthrights to his younger twin brother Jacob.
First, in Genesis 25 he sold his physical birthright to his brother Jacob. Then in Genesis 27 his mom orchestrates things so that Jacob receives Esau’s spiritual birthright as well.
Makes you feel pretty sorry for Esau doesn’t it? But keep in mind that in Genesis 26 Esau proved his unworthiness to be a spiritual leader in his family by marrying outside of the covenant much to his parents sorrow. (Genesis 26:34-35)
Come Follow Me Insight #3
Many people think Rebekah was wrong to “trick” Isaac into giving the spiritual birthright to Jacob.
However, Hebrews 11:20 tells us that Isaac blessed His sons “by faith” not by trickery!
General Authority Elder Erastus Snow said, “There was neither unrighteousness in Rebekah nor in Jacob in this matter; but on the contrary, there was the wisdom of the Almighty. . . knowing as He did that Jacob and his seed were, and would be, more deserving of the birthright . . . “ (Journal of Discourses, 21:371)
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