Lesson 57

background notes

doctrinal points

1. God’s will is accomplished through answered prayer.

2. God’s will is revealed through answered prayer.

practical application
1. Don’t play favorites with your children.

 

questions
1. Describe the differences between Jacob and Esau.

2. For what did Isaac pray? Was his prayer answered?

3. Which great nations would come through Isaac and Rebekah’s sons?

4. How did God reveal His sovereign will to Isaac and Rebekah?

5. Why did Isaac love Esau? Why did Rebekah love Jacob?

answers
1. Jacob was a mild man, dwelling in tents. Esau was a hairy man, a hunter.

2. Rebekah, Isaac’s wife was barren, so Isaac prayed that she would conceive. The Lord answered his prayer, giving Rebekah two sons.

3. The Jews would come through Jacob; the Arabs would come through Esau.

4. As the children struggled within her, Rebekah inquired of the Lord. He answered by telling her that she would give birth to two nations. Further, He told her that the older would serve the younger.

5. Isaac loved Esau because he loved the venison that he brought to him. Rebekah loved Jacob because he stayed nearer home, and was a milder son.

 

discuss / consider
1. When Isaac prayed and the Lord granted his plea, was this answered prayer or the pre-planned sovereign will of God? How do these work together? See Ephesians 1:11-12.

2. God revealed His sovereign will to Isaac and Rebekah. Are you willing to accept God’s will, even when it is not to your liking or choosing?

 

challenge
Isaac loved Esau; Rebekah loved Jacob. This led to problems in the future. There was bad fall-out. Avoid playing favorites with your children (or, if you are a teacher, aunt or uncle, avoid playing favorites with the children in your life).

memorize

• “Isaac pleaded with the Lord...and the Lord granted his plea.” Genesis 25:21

• “Two nations are in your womb...” Genesis 25:23

• “Isaac loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob.” Genesis 25:28