Cleveland County herald., 1918-11-07
IMPROVED UNIFORM INTERNATIONAL S,(|NIlzYSCIl()OL,
 LESSON (By REV. F. B. FITZWATER, D. D., Teacher of English Bible in the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago.) Copyright, 1918, Western Newspaper
 Union)
LESSON FOR NOVEMBER 10
JACOB DEcEIvEs HIS FATHER.
LESSON TExT-Genesis 27:18-2s.

JACOB DECElVES HIS FATHER.
 LESSON TEXT-Genesis 27:18-2s.
 GOLDEN TEXT-Speak every man truth with his neighbor.-Ephesians 4:2. | DEVOTIONAL READING-Ephesians 4:25-S2.
 ADDITIONAL MATERIAL-Genesis 27: 1-45 Proverbs 12:17-20; Zechariah 8:16-17; Acts 5;1-11.
 !. Isaac's Purpose Regarding the Brthrght (27 :1-4).
 The infrmity of old age reminded | Isaac that he should set his house in order The particular matter needing attention was the determination as to who should be the head of the house when he was gone. AS to whether Isaac knew what God had told Re bekah concerning Jacobs priority we are not told (Gen. % :23), but it is evident that he lacked spiritual dis cernment, being under the sway of his appetite. Even though he was ignorant of Gods plan as revealed to Rebekah, Esau's action in marrying heather women (Gen. 26; 34, 35), ought to have convinced Isaac that Esau was unfit to be the head of the house which was in line of the covenant blessing.
 II. Rebekah's Scheme to Frustrate isaac's Plan (vv. 5-17).
 Having heard Isaac's instructions to Esau, she took steps to divert the fa- ther's blessing from Esau to Jacob. She knew it was Gods will that Jacob should have the birthright, but had no scruples as to what method should be used in its accomplishment.
 l. Rebekah's instructions to Jacob (vv. 5-10).
 She sent Jacob to bring two kids from the goats, promising that she would make savory meat, such as Isaac loved. She knew that Isaac's weak spot was his stomach.
 2. Jacobs hesitancy (vv. 11-17).
 He foresaw the difficulty and danger which confronted him. His hesitancy was not because he had conscientious scruples against doing the deed, but was afraid of being found out. Some have a desire to do evil but refrain from it because they are afraid of be- ing caught. Rebekah undertakes to bear the curse that may come, so Jacobs scruples are set aside. She clothes him with Esau's raiment, and places into his hands the food.
 III. Jacob Deceives Esau (vv. 1920.
 l. Interview between Isaac and Jacob (vv. 1925.
 The quickness with which the savory meat was brought, aroused sus- picon in the mind of Isaac. In order to allay that suspicion Jacob deliber~ ately lied. He not only lied, but blas- phemed the name of God in declaring that his success was due to the help of Jehovah. This lie is again repeat ed when Isaac questions him further. One lie calls for another. Having started on the road of deception he was obliged to lie in order to cover up his deceit.
 ?. The paternal blessing (vv. 26-29).
 It embodied the following particu- lars: CD A fertile soil and abundant products (v. 2S). Man is dependent upon God for the fruitage of the soil. Few stop to consider their obligation
 
 National pre-eminence (v. 29). God was to give him numerous and BOW erful offspring. This has in a large measure been fulfilled, but in a still larger measure it remains to be full filled. (3) Pre-eminence among his kindred (v. 29). "The elder shall serve the younger" (4) The object of 'c al (u Gods choice, God obligates himself to care for him. Those who would misuse Jacob would suffer; those who would favor Jacob would be favored. Those who are chosen of God enjoy his special care, and woe be to him who would dare to molest them. This included temporal and spiritual bless ings. Happy is he who enjoys the friendship of God.
 W. Esau's Remorse (vv. 30-38).
 Scarcely had Isaac ceased blessing Jacob till Esau came for the blessing. The secret was now out. Lying and deceit cannot long be hid. In the face or what had been done, Isaac shakes with fear. No doubt this is due to the manifest presence of Jehovah. Esau gives forth a terrible wall. While shedding bitter tears of disappoint- ment, he rages with passion and plans | to murder Jacob after Isaac's death. This is a most bitter experience for Esau but he is merely reaping what 1 he sowed. For a brief indulgence of his flesh he sold his birthright. May Esaus folly warn us of choosing flesh 1 ly indulgence rather than spiritual blessings. Whenever one turns from l the love of God to the qualification of l .,-osl llI.. 1,,nt, hn ic Ol1ilfu of ESau'A