CONTENTS
This Chapter contains the history of Jacob's craftily obtaining the blessing of the birth-right from his father Isaac, and thereby supplanting his brother Esau: a circumstance, which unless read with a spiritual apprehension, will be to us, as it is always to the carnal, a stumblingstone and rock of offence. In this Chapter the Holy Ghost also relates the sad conduct of the Patriarch Isaac, who, notwithstanding the open revelation God made to him before the birth of his two sons, Jacob and Esau, that the elder should serve the younger, in direct defiance of this will of God, sought to entail the covenant blessing on Esau. He gives directions to Esau! how to prepare for him venison, in order to receive this blessing; Rebekah contrives by stratagem to obtain it for her son Jacob: the success of Jacob, and the disappointment of Esau, are both related in this Chapter. Esau determines to be revenged of Jacob: and Rebekah in order to prevent it, contrives to send Jacob to her brother's house by way of refuge.
I would earnestly beseech the Reader, before he enters upon the perusal of this chapter, to consult very carefully the following scriptures: First, Genesis 25:23. Here you see, that the appointment of Jacob to the birth-right was of the Lord. Also do not forget this one thing, that He, who thought proper to have this blessing given to Jacob, by a transfer, might, had he pleased, have as easily given it by birth-right. Next consult Genesis 25:32-34, and compare with Hebrews 12:16-17. The construction which the Holy Ghost hath put on Esau's conduct, clearly proves what that conduct was. He poured contempt upon the promised blessing of redemption; and how shall the soul that rejects that mercy, be made the rich partaker of it! Thirdly, consult Malachi 1:2-3. And if these scriptures need any farther comment, let the Reader turn to Romans 9:7 to the end; and these are enough, under the divine teaching, to explain this whole transaction.