Middletown transcript., 1918-11-09
!. Isaac's Purpose Regarding the
Birthright (27 :1-4).


The infirmity of old age reminded
Isaac that he should set his house in
order. The particular matter needing
attention was the determination as ID
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. 25 :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; 81, 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.
u. Rebekah's Scheme to Frustrate
Isaac's Plan wv. SID.
Having heard Isaac's instructions to
Esau, she took steps to divert the ia
theirs 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
wv. 5-1W.
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 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 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 wv. 1920.
1. 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
to 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 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.
2. The paternal blessing wv. 5000.
1t embodied the following particu-
lars: (1) A fertile soil and abundant
products ". 28). Man is dependent |
1pon God for the fruitage Of the soil.
Few stop to consider their obligation |
to him for temporal blessings. (2)
National pre-eminence ". 29). God !
was to give him numerous and pow
erful offspring. This has in a large !
measure been fulfilled, but in a still ;
arger measure it remains to be full
1lled. (3) Pre-eminence among his
Iindred ". 29). 1.-THE elder shall serve
he younger" a. The object of
Gods especial care ". 29). Being
Gods choice, God obligates himself
o 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
lis special care, and woe be to him
Who would dare to modest them. This
Included temporal and spiritual bless
ngs. Happy is he who enjoys the
of God.
w. Esau's Remorse wv. 3O-38).
Scarcely had Isaac ceased blessing
acob till Esau came for the blessing.
The secret was now out. Lying and
eceit cannot long be hid. In the face
T what had been done, Isaac shakes
nth fear. No doubt this is due to the
manifest presence Of Jehovah. Esau
ives forth a terrible vail. While
bedding bitter tears of disappoint-
lent, he RACES with passion and plans
D murder Jacob after Isaac's death.
his is most bitter experience for
'sau, but he is merely reaping what
e sowed. For brief indulgence of
is flesh he sold his birthright. May
sau's folly warn us of choosing flesh
: indulgence rather than spiritual
lessings. Whenever one turns from
he love of God to the qualification Of
'orldly lusts, he is guilty of Esau's