Genesis 25:28

Isaac loved Esau, &c.— Jacob was his mother's favourite; and it is not much to be wondered at, since the knew he was to inherit the blessing, see Genesis 25:23 which, by the way, gives us a key to all his subsequent behaviour. She could not forbear intrusting Jacob, it is probable, with the secret, though she seems all along to have concealed it from her husband, whose favourite Esau was, not only as being the first-born, but as promising (in the father's opinion) to prove a great person, by the valour and activity of his temper; and also because he furnished his table with variety of venison, which he loved. These two brothers were not above twenty years old, when Jacob gave a proof of his being acquainted with the secret delivered to his mother, by making Esau swear away his birthright; and this he did, very probably, from some previous general directions given him by his mother.

REFLECTIONS.—After being married near twenty years, Isaac, like his father before him, is exercised with discouragement, and sees no prospect of the promised Seed; yet he waits, and takes no other wife; and faith will be rewarded. He applies to God in prayer, and God now grants his request, and Rebekah conceived. Note; (1.) Though we pray twenty years for a mercy, we should not be weary. (2.) Husbands and wives should unite their supplications. We have in this history of these twins,

1. Their struggling in the womb, and Rebekah's anxiety thereupon. 2. The course she took hereupon: she inquired of the Lord. Note; To spread our griefs and cares before a throne of Grace, is a great relief. 3. The birth of the twins; the one hairy, the other smooth; and as from their birth different, so in their lives and occupations. Note; In the education of our children, we should consult their turn and temper. 4. The different regard they met with from their parents. Isaac loved the brave spirit of Esau, and the venison he caught him, while Rebekah's fondness fixes on the more domestic Jacob. Note; Though it is almost impossible for parents internally to regard each child with the same affection, it is dangerous to have favourites or to appear partial.