Fight NightSample

Sibling rivalries are not just a modern-day occurrence. Siblings, especially brothers, are known for constantly battling to be the best and most important child. From Cain and Abel to Joseph and his brothers, there are countless stories in the Bible of immense jealousy between siblings that overshadowed the deep love they should have had for each other. In biblical times, it was bigger than being the dominant brother in basketball; the stakes were slightly higher. In the story of Jacob and Esau, their rivalry was over life-altering matters.

Isaac and Rebekah prayed to receive a child for over twenty years, and they eventually received twins. The Lord told Rebekah, “‘Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger.’” (Gen. 25:23 ESV)

The first boy was a reddish, hairy child named Esau, who grew up to become a skillful hunter and man of the field. The second boy was Jacob, who grew up as a quiet, tent-dwelling man. Jacob was born with his hand holding Esau’s heel. This is significant since Jacob’s name resembles the Hebrew term “heel,” which has the connotation of being a deceiver.

The actual conflict began in Genesis 25 when Jacob used Esau’s desperation for food to get him to sell his birthright in exchange for stew. The chapter concludes with the phrase, “Thus Esau despised his birthright.” (Gen. 25:34 ESV)

In that era, being the first-born child was much more important than just being the first kid to get an iPhone; the entire legacy of your family was on your back. Isaac’s children were descendants of Abraham, so having the birthright meant the oldest child would be part of continuing God’s plan for salvation. Jacob now obtained the rights of the oldest child and became the one to carry out God’s plan for his family line. Even though he was a deceiver, God redeems Jacob and makes Him a father of His beloved nation, Israel. In the same way, we find redemption through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, and God redeems our stories for generations to come.