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?
The birthright represents something eternal. A sacred gift imparted by God to the first-born child of each family. Selling the birthright represented the value Esau placed in earthly things that ultimately meant nothing (like a bowl of soup) over a priceless gift, if not more an ordained duty, from the Lord. It reflected Esau's selfish and narrow-minded character that chose a quick fix for his problems -- which eventually caused him great emotional pain and loss -- over a life-long blessing. His character error is similar to that of a married man who, on a business trip, decides in a moment of loneliness to invite a prostitute to his hotel room for an hour of sex. That hour of self-indulgence cost in a weak moment cost the man his intact covenant with his wife as well as a lifetime of guilt, shame and long-term loss of fidelity in his marriage.
This transaction represents Jacob's character as manipulative (dangling a "carrot" in front of his desperate brother), self-serving/careless of his brother's needs and discontent. Jacob knew he had a great future, according to what he had learned from his mother. But he still longed for more and apparently would do strive for what he didn't have at any cost.
Q1. Selling the Birthright
in 1. Jacob the Deceiver (Genesis 25:19-34; 27:1-41)
Posted
The birthright represents something eternal. A sacred gift imparted by God to the first-born child of each family. Selling the birthright represented the value Esau placed in earthly things that ultimately meant nothing (like a bowl of soup) over a priceless gift, if not more an ordained duty, from the Lord. It reflected Esau's selfish and narrow-minded character that chose a quick fix for his problems -- which eventually caused him great emotional pain and loss -- over a life-long blessing. His character error is similar to that of a married man who, on a business trip, decides in a moment of loneliness to invite a prostitute to his hotel room for an hour of sex. That hour of self-indulgence cost in a weak moment cost the man his intact covenant with his wife as well as a lifetime of guilt, shame and long-term loss of fidelity in his marriage.
This transaction represents Jacob's character as manipulative (dangling a "carrot" in front of his desperate brother), self-serving/careless of his brother's needs and discontent. Jacob knew he had a great future, according to what he had learned from his mother. But he still longed for more and apparently would do strive for what he didn't have at any cost.