Ge 25:19-34

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Gen 25:19-28:9

ISAAC PASSES ON THE INHERITANCE

Isaac’s two sons

(Gen 25:19-34)

After being childless for twenty years, Isaac and Rebekah had twin sons. The characters of the two sons proved to be opposites, and this was later reflected in the two nations that were descended from them.

God appointed that the elder, Esau, should serve the younger, Jacob (Gen 25:19-26).

But that did not excuse the worthlessness of Esau in selling his right as the eldest son (cf. Heb 12:16-17).

Nor did it excuse the ruthlessness of Jacob in gaining the birthright (Gen 25:27-34).

The right of the firstborn was to become family head and receive a double share of the inheritance.

In the wider view of the covenant promises given to Abraham, the inheritance involved headship of the nation Israel and possession of the land of Canaan.