The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1918-10-31
LESSON FOR NOVEMBER 10
JACOB peceVes HIS FATHER.

LESSON TEXT-Genesis Z7:iS-1.
GOLDEN TEXT-Speak every man
truth with his neighbor. Ephesians 4:x
DEVOTIONAL READING-Ephesian ms
t8-3.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAI-Genesis n,
LIS, Proverbs R:i7-2o; Zechariah s:l6-I7;
Acts b:i-ii.
!. Issse's Purpose Regarding the
Birthrioht t27 10.
The inilrmlty OF old age reminded
Isaac that he should set his house In
order. The particular matter needing
attention was the determination as 10
who should be the head OF the house
when he was gone. As 10 whether
Isaas knew what God had told Re
bekah concerning Jacobs priority we
are not told tGen. % :23). but II 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 tGen. 20; "a. 35), ought TO have
convinced Isaac that Esau was unfit
20 be the head Of the house which was
In line Of the covenant blessing.
~. Rebeksh's Scheme TO Frustrate
tssse's Plan (vv. 5-1T.
Having heard Isaac's instructions TO
Esnu. she took steps TO divert the IA
theirs blessing from Esau 20 Jacob.
She knew II was Gods will that Jacob
should have the birthright, but had no
scruples as TO what method should be
used In It's accompli hment.
I. Rebekah's Instructions 20 Jacob
wv. 5-10).
She sent Jacob 10 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 wv. Hid.
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 desire to do evil. but refrain
from Il because they are afraid Of be-
ing caught. Rehekah undertakes 10
bear the curse that may come. so
Jacobs scruples are set aside. She
clothes him with Esau's ralment. and
places into his hands the food.
~. Jacob Deeelves Esau wv. 1920.
/. Interview between Isaac and
Jacob wv. 1920.
The quickness with which the
savory meat was brought, aroused sus-
picion In the mind OF Isaac. In order
10 allay that suspicion Jacob deliber-
ately lied. He not only lied, but BIAS
phemed the name Of God In declaring
that his success was due 10 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.
2. The paternal blessing wv. 26-29).
Ii embodied the following particu-
lars: u) A fertile soil and abundant
products ". PSI. Man is dependent
Few stop to consider their obligation
10 him for temporal blessings. (2)
National pre-eminence ". 29). God
was 20 give him a numerous and pow
erful offspring. This has in large
measure been fulfilled. but In a still
larger measure II remains 10 be full
filled. (3) Pre-eminence among his
kindred ". 30. THE elder shall serve
the younger" tD The object OF
Gods especial care ". 29). Being
Gods choice, God obligates himself
20 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 modest them. This
included temporal and spiritual bless
ings. Happy is he who enjoys the
friendship OF God.
". Esau's Remorse wv. 3O-3S).
Scarcely had Isaac ceased blessing
Jacob Till Esau came for the blessing.
The secret was now out. Lying and
deceit cannot long be MD. In the ihce
OF what had been done, Isaac shakes
with fear. No doubt this is due TO the
manifest presence of Jehovah. Esau
gives forth terrible wall. While
shedding bitter tears Of disappoint-
ment, he RACES with passion and plans
10 murder Jacob after Isaac's death.
This is a most bitter experience for
Esau, but he is merely reaplng what
he sOwed. For a brief indulgence OF
his flesh he sold his birthright. May
Esau's folly warn us OF choosing flesh
ly indulgence rather than spiritual
blessings. Whenever one turns from
the love OF God 10 the qualification OF
worldly lusts, he is guilty of Esau's
profanity.