Evening star., 1913-04-05
Birthright Barter.

The law of primogeniture gave certain
rights, privileges and power to the first
born. Esau, the elder brother by a few
hours, was entitled under ordinary con-
ditions to become upon the death OF
Isaac the official head of the family, that
invested him with the authority as fa-
ther, the functions of the domestic priest
hood and a double portion of the fathers
estate. The birthright in Isaacs family
also included the Great Promise, concern-
ing which probably both boys had fire.
quently heard their grandfather. Abra-
ham, speak, for they were sixteen at the
added "the succession to the earthly in
heritance of Canaan. possession of the
covenant blessings transmitted through
the paternal benediction.'
( Esau. who was worldly minded de-
spised his birthright that Jacob coveted.
In his appreciation of moral values the
younger brother was superior TO Esau.
who was Indifferent to the highest bless
ings of Jehovah. The spirit of Esau Is
seen in many modern men. who despse
the wealth of Gods grace that they may
enjoy for a season the carnal pleasures
of life. Blind to the true values, they
have sacrificed upon the altar OF Mann
mon the innocent child. the purity of
woman. the stability of society and even
their religious faith /. in their greed for
gold Esau- in spite of his birthmark.
that covered MIN WIFI a tilch, Ttu Shil
covered with rough, red hair. would prob
ably be more popular than Jacob as a
companion and friend. Although he was
impulsive, impetuous and inconslstent,
Esau by his frank. generous and loving
spirit would easily grip men who are, un-
fortunately, not apt to be sensitive about
sensuality and sin in one who is "a good
fellow" full of life and able to quickly
reduce a spiritual blessing to the COM
mon denominator Of things good TO eat.
= :.
Determination, Deception, Dis
appointment.
Favoritism breeds mischief in families
and ruins domestic tranquility. The nat
uralness of a parent to love one child
more than the other must always be
crushed at the commencement. for other
wise the home life will be destroyed by
entrance of jealousy, strife and division.
All things work together for good in this
world to those who love God. We have
seen that in spite Of his sin Jacob ap-
preciated and desired the friendship OF
Jehovah, whose plan to give the birth
right to him would have been carried
out if the evil of ore pair of plotters had
not checkmated the evil in the other
pair that sought to thwart the purpose
of Jehovah to give the blessings of the
covenant to the world through Jacob.
Isaac sought to oyerStep his authority
by secretly arranging to give the pa
rental blessing to Esau, who by his mar
riages with heather Hittites had shut
himself out OF receiving the birthright
blessing that he had sold to his brother
for a mess Of pottage.
Isaac was the first to feel the depths
of disappointment at the revelation OF
how God had hindered him from giving to
the wrong son the paternal benediction.
In moment he saw clearly his own folly
and renewed the blessing as he bowed to
the divine will. His grief was heavier as
he saw in Esau an appreciation of the
true value of the birthright blessing. but
they could not change the past Many
who today are enjoying the blessings OF
life and refuse to obey the gospel call
may like Esau seek in tears to remove
the irreparable consequences of sin.
Whatsoever a man soWeth that shall h0
reap. Rebecca, Isaac, Esau and Jacob
found this true. Next week we will sea
fered as a result of their wrongdoing God
approved the results, but He disapproved
of the motives, methods and means used
to obtain the blessing. There Is nothing
IN the lesson worthy of imitation IN the
actions recorded. Nevertheless Il "a one
of the most suggestive studies In the Old
Testament, for the old story In heing
repeated in new form each day. The
world needs to learn the lesson that it
teaches that Jehovah is a God of ius
tice: blessed are all they that wait for
Him." There is encouragement for the
sinner to see what stun God can use 10
make into great religious leaders Let us
wait upon God, do His. will and aupre-
ciate the value of spiritual service and
sacrifice. IL We do He will honor us in
His work.