This is part of a video series covering the entire Bible in 4 years, one chapter at a time. Start at the beginning with Genesis 1 (Youtube link: https://youtu.be/wC2qD4RGOdo) and work through the playlist. Or go to https://www.peace.org.au/bible.html for more information.
In this video listen to Genesis 25 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.
Genesis 25 shows us that Abraham actually had many more children and outlines who they are and their descendants. Abraham dies at 175, which was old enough to have met his grandsons, Esau and Jacob who would have been 15 at the time. Isaac was 75 when he buried his father and Ishmael was 88.
We then go on to hear the story of the birth of the twins, Jacob and Esau who were born when Isaac was 60 and Abraham was 160. The second Jacob tried to grab his brother's heel and was named accordingly. His name means deceiver, and it clearly had an effect on him as his behavior reflected this throughout his life.
Later God intervenes to change Jacob’s name and this was a great mercy, but Jacob had to fight for it. God also gives us the opportunity of a changed identity and if we follow Him we become new creations and are given a new identity too.
Finally Esau is convinced by Jacob to give up his birthright. This is the double share of inheritance that a firstborn obtains. Esau simply doesn’t care enough, but Jacob cares much, and later on in scripture we see that his attitude by Esau was not pleasing to God.
What spiritual inheritances do you despise and simply not care about?
Jan 26, 2021 | Message by David Alley