After Abraham died,
God blessed Isaac’s wife Rebekah with twin sons. The two babies fought within her
womb and the Lord explained to her that, “two nations are in your womb, and two
peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the
other, and the older will serve the younger.” When Rebekah delivered, Esau was
born first and was very hairy. Jacob, born immediately after, was grasping the
heel of his brother. The two boys grew up to be opposites. Esau became a hunter
and a brash man. Jacob, on the other hand, became a farmer and was soft-spoken
but quick-witted. Isaac loved Esau and Rebekah preferred Jacob.
One day, Esau came
home dying of hunger. He asked Jacob for a bowl of his red soup and Jacob agreed
only after Esau sold him his birthright. Isaac, who was close to death, called
for Esau to bless him. Rebekah helped Jacob to deceive his father by disguising
him with hairy arms and Esau’s clothing. Isaac, thinking it was Esau, blessed
Jacob and promised him the inheritance of God’s covenant and a greater status
than his brother. When Esau returned, he discovered the deception but it was
too late for Isaac to revoke the blessing.
I think my older sister and I have the same birthright. We've been
born into the same situation, raised with the same privileges, and
provided with many of the same opportunities.
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