Jacob a second-born twin of Isaac, the son of Abraham, and his wife Rebecca. And his character and life style was very different from that one of Esau, his first- born twin brother.
The boys grew up, and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was content to stay at home among the tents. (1. Mose 25, 27)
Such a contrary between twins does´t mean automatically that they would dislike one another. But in that case it might have been. At least the love of their parents was separated.
Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob ( look above)
Isaac was a very rich man with flocks and herds, and a big household with many servants. He lived with his family in Gerar, in the heart of Kanaan. And according to the rules of that time, Esau as the first born would inherit everything after the death of his father. Rebbecca and especially Jacob would then have to live under Esau`s commandment, dependent on his mercy.
So, knowing Issak`s wild character, they both may secretly have feared it. And may have spoken about it. Perhaps Rebbecca said more than once to Jacob, “Dear Jacob, I wish you would be the first born. Things would be so much better in future!”
And this might have worked for a long time in Jacob`s mind, when he suddenly saw a chance to change the normal course of life.
The Escape and Return of Jacob
Jacob a second-born twin of Isaac, the son of Abraham, and his wife Rebecca. And his character and life style was very different from that one of Esau, his first- born twin brother.
The boys grew up, and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was content to stay at home among the tents. (1. Mose 25, 27)
Such a contrary between twins does´t mean automatically that they would dislike one another. But in that case it might have been. At least the love of their parents was separated.
Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob ( look above)
Isaac was a very rich man with flocks and herds, and a big household with many servants. He lived with his family in Gerar, in the heart of Kanaan. And according to the rules of that time, Esau as the first born would inherit everything after the death of his father. Rebbecca and especially Jacob would then have to live under Esau`s commandment, dependent on his mercy.
So, knowing Issak`s wild character, they both may secretly have feared it. And may have spoken about it. Perhaps Rebbecca said more than once to Jacob, “Dear Jacob, I wish you would be the first born. Things would be so much better in future!”
And this might have worked for a long time in Jacob`s mind, when he suddenly saw a chance to change the normal course of life.
Continuation will follow