The Record of Esau Selling His Birthright to Jacob
Genesis 25:29-34

Lesson 58

background notes

doctrinal points

1. To despise the things of God is serious sin.

2. To scheme for the things of God is a serious mistake.

practical application
1. Will you sell your birthright for a single meal?

questions
1. Of what three things did the birthright consist?

2. What kind of a position did the birthright carry?

3. Why did Esau sell his birthright to Jacob?

4. What did Esau take in exchange for his birthright?

5. Was Jacob doing the right thing in obtaining the birthright?

answers
1. a) a position of supremacy in the family, b) a double portion of the inheritance, and c) the spiritual privileges and responsibilities of the family.

2. Both a privileged and responsible position. Furthermore, in this family, it carried with it the promise of the Messianic line.

3. Because he was a man of the moment, and he was famished. He sold his birthright to Jacob for a single meal.

4. Bread and a dish of stew of lentiles.

5. No. God had promised the birthright to Jacob, but he couldn’t wait for God to work it out in His way and in His time. Instead, he schemed to take the birthright from Esau.

 

discuss / consider
1. We are warned not to be like Esau, despising the things of God. He despised his birthright, exchanging it for a moment’s gratification. Is it possible that you look down on things of the Lord, giving priority to lesser things?

2. Jacob did not despise the things of God, but he went about getting his blessing in the wrong way. All he had to do was to wait on God. Is it possible that you take things into your own hands instead of letting God do His work in His way and in His time?

 

challenge
Esau was foolish and profane in sacrificing his spiritual blessing for one moment of immediate, momentary physical pleasure. Be sure that your priorities are spiritually sound.

memorize

• “Jacob said, ‘Sell me your birthright..” Genesis 25:31

• “Esau despised his birthright.” Genesis 25:34