Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright now.” Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” Jacob said, “Swear to me now.” So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright. (25–34)
Esau comes in from the field exhausted and wants some of the stew that his brother, Jacob, is cooking. Jacob asks him to sell him his birthright. Esau, somewhat dramatically says that since he is about to die, his birthright is of no use to him, and sells the birthright to Jacob for the food. He eats it and goes on his way.
I have heard many people focus on Jacob as a nasty, conniving person. The Bible is silent on this, neither affirming nor criticizing Jacob’s actions. The only comment is on Esau: “Thus Esau despised his birthright” (Genesis 25:34).
We all know what it is like to be exhausted and hungry. Our self-control is definitely at a low point in that circumstance. But that is no excuse for acting inappropriately. The birthright was very important and not something to treat lightly and sell for food even when feeling famished.
Prayer: Oh God! May You grant me self-control not to say or do foolish things that I will regret when I am tired, hungry, or feeling low. Amen.
While God’s Word is silent on Jacob’s actions, he certainly took advantage of his brother’s exhausted and hungry state. It’s quite possible he knew about the prophecy that was given to his mother concerning how the older twin would serve the younger. He should have left that in God’s hands, just as David did so many generations later—even though David knew from God that he would be king, he didn’t do the wrong thing and kill Saul himself (1 Samuel 24 & 26). He trusted God to work out the fulfillment of David’s anointing and the promise that he’d be king.
I believe that if we practise trusting God which enables us to act in a godly way in the little daily things of our lives, it will come more naturally to us to trust Him, so that we can act in a godly way in the big things.
Prayer: God, would You please show me what little things in my daily life I need to trust You for? Also, help me to trust You for the things You promise and not to foolishly take matters into my own hands. Amen.
