Genesis 25 _(with Hebrews 12:16)_ The chief use, apparently, of some men's lives is that they may serve as beacons, warning off those who come after them from quicksand or whirlpool. They flame amidst the track to bid us beware. Such use the apostle found in the story of Esau: he holds it up befor... [ Continue Reading ]
Genesis 25:7 I. The expression "a good old age" is only used of three individuals in the Scripture Abraham, Gideon, and David. It forms the epitaph recorded by the Spirit on their tombs. By the expression "an old man, and _full_of years" we are to understand the satisfaction which the patriarch fel... [ Continue Reading ]
Genesis 25:8 "Full of years" is not a mere synonym for longevity. The expression is by no means a usual one. It is applied to Isaac at the close of his calm, contemplative life, to David at the end of his stormy and adventurous career, to the high priest Jehoiada, and to the patriarch Job. We shall... [ Continue Reading ]
Genesis 25:27 Esau was a huntsman. He belonged to the open air; he loved wild sports, and delighted to chase the wild beasts of the wilderness. Jacob, on the other hand, was more quiet, more self-restrained. There was a good deal of the underhanded and scheming about him a prudent, sharp dealer a t... [ Continue Reading ]
Genesis 25:29 The story of the birthright shows us what kind of a man Esau was: hasty, careless, fond of the good things of this life. He had no reason to complain if he lost his birthright. He did not care for it, and so he had thrown it away. The day came when he wanted his birthright, and could... [ Continue Reading ]
Genesis 25:34 In forfeiting his birthright to his younger brother, Esau gave up (1) the right of priesthood inherent in the eldest line of the patriarch's family; (2) the promise of the inheritance of the Holy Land; (3) the promise that in his race and of his blood Messiah should be born. Esau part... [ Continue Reading ]