[Q4, Isaac's Prophetic Blessing]

Q4. (Genesis 27:33) Why couldn't Isaac reverse his blessing once he discovers Jacob's trickery? What is Isaac's role in this blessing? What is God's role in it?

I was having trouble understanding the difference between "Blessing" and "Birthright." After reading what "Delievered" wrote it all makes sense.I would like to thank everyone for their answers I am learning much.God Bless!

[Q6. The School Character Improvement]

Q6. Extra Credit. Whose character flaws most remind you of your own? Isaac's, Rebekah's, Esau's, or Jacob's? Why? How is God working to improve your character?

Esau's.I Was rebellious, jealousy ran through my veins,and i had hatred towards those who showed favoritism and to whom it was received by.It turned out disastrous for me until 3 and a half years ago when a person witnessed to me and Grace is such a wonderful gift. When my nature changed I changed, and I didn't look at the world the same way.Thank God Glory to His Name!Oh I am far from a finished product,but i believe in His promises, that i am being transformed in His likeness.Praise God!

[Q5. Loving Unequally]

Q5. (Genesis 25:28) What happens when your children sense that you love one child more than another? Did such discrimination happen to you when you were growing up? If so, how are you finding healing? How can we as parents love our children equally but differently?

We see some of what happens in this study.Envy,rebellion,and hatred.There is a reason why favoritism and flattery should not be a part of Christian character.Esau was jealous that Jacob received his birth right and blessing.Esau rebelled against his parents and married Hittite women.And Esau hated Jacob to the point that he wanted to kill him.They probably both felt unloved and unwanted,at times.Yes this happened to me and when my brother passed,and latter when I became a Christian,I was able to understand sin and forgive.Although my parents still do not see it that way.Parents can love their children equally but differently by realizing that their child is a precious gift from God.Each child has feelings,emotions, and desires to be loved and please their parents.Family is a tremendous gift.Do things that don't separate children and parents.Less television!More one on one,two on two,etc.Read the Bible with your children.Show the application to God's living Word,pray with them.All of this daily.Find a good Bible teaching church.Hang out with true believers.Love them unconditionally,encourage them,and let them know when they are wrong they are sinning against God as well.Don't give your child a death sentence after every wrong they commit.Teach them consequences for all their actions good and bad.A parents walk does much,so that the talk should match the walk.God Bless parents,and the difficult job they have to do.

[Q3. Jacob Deceives His Father Isaac]

Q3. (Genesis 27:6-29) God had told Rebekah that Jacob is supposed to rule over Esau (Genesis 25:23). To what extent does this excuse her plan to deceive her husband Isaac? How much responsibility does Jacob bear in the deception?

There is a line of deception being passed down from generation to generation.Both Abraham and Issac lie about their wives being their sisters.Now we see that same sin develop in Rebekah and Jacob.Rebekah's plan does not give her a pass,she lacked faith and wisdom.The Bible is clear on what will happen to liars,so her plan does not hold up to God's standard.While Rebekah was the master mind of this deceit,Jacob was a willing participant.He was like the get away driver in a bank robbery,he agreed to go along and participate.The Bible teaches us not to share in the sin of another.So Jacob as well does not hold up to God's standard.

[Q2. An Interest in Spiritual Things]

Q2. Was Rebekah a spiritual woman, that is, interested in spiritual things? Was Isaac a spiritual man? Which do you think was the more spiritually sensitive? What evidence of spirituality do you see in Jacob? In Esau?

Just the fact that Issac was to continue the seed which leads to Christ,and that God chose Rebekah as well,shows me that they are spiritual.But because of sinful nature flawed as well.Esau and Jacob's light isn't shining to bright at this point.

[Q1. Selling the Birthright]

Q1. Why does the New Testament condemn Esau for selling his birthright? (Hebrews 12:16-17) What did selling the birthright represent? What does this transaction say about Esau's character and values? What does it reveal bout Jacob's character and values?

These are great answers and i agree with them all. I would only add that Esau didn't pray and went to his brother for deliverance of hunger instead of God.Jacob lacked faith and was impulsive as well.Jacob follows the footsteps of Abraham and Sarah when instead of waiting for God for a child,they take matters into their own hands.Instead of God's timing it was their timing and will.