Lesson 63

background notes

doctrinal points

1. By faith, Isaac blessed Jacob.

2. Bitterness led Esau to hate Jacob.

 

practical applications
1. Beware, tears are not necessarily a sign of repentance.

2. Don’t expect happiness if you cheat to get it.

 

questions
1. In Genesis 27:40, there was a prediction, “...when you become restless, you shall break the yoke.” When did this prediction come true?

2. When Isaac blessed Jacob, it seemed as if it were by default, and not by faith. How do we know it was by faith?

3. Why did Rebekah urge Jacob to leave?

4. What was the bottom line for Esau’s hatred toward his brother?

5. When Esau wept, was it a sign of repentance?

answers
1. During the times of the kings, periodically Edom was able to revolt successfully. The Herods, at the time of Christ were Edomites, so this prediction came true.

2. See Hebrews 11:20. Isaac finally submitted to the will of God.

3. Because of Esau’s fury toward his brother. She was afraid of a blood feud.

4. Esau’s problems stemmed from a root of bitterness because of Jacob’s trickery concerning his birthright and his blessing. Esau could have admitted that it was his foolishness in forfeiting the birthright, and he could have submitted to the will of God in the blessing, but he didn’t.

5. No. It was envy rather than repentance. See Hebrews 12:14-17.

 

discuss / consider
1. There is a difference between remorse and repentance. Remorse includes sorrow and a sense of guilt, but not necessarily a change of heart and mind. Repentance includes a change of heart and mind, and a turning from wrong. How did Esau’s “remorse” affect the entire family?
Do you see this happening today?

2. Rebekah and Jacob both cheated to obtain what they thought would bring them happiness, but it only brought heartache and lasting problems. Do you see this in lives today? How could it be avoided?

 

challenge
God may let you go through some bitter experiences in life (people taking advantage of you, a lack of recognition, unfair treatment, etc.). These bitter experiences do not have to result in a root of bitterness in you. Realize that God is in control. Are you a bitter Christian? Do you have a root of bitterness that defiles others? See Hebrews 12:15.

memorize

• “Isaac trembled exceedingly...” Genesis 27:33

• “Esau cried with an exceedingly great and bitter cry...’Bless me also, O my father.” Genesis 27:34

• “Isaac said, ‘Your brother came with deceit and has taken away your blessing.” Genesis 27:35

• “Esau said, ‘Jacob is rightly named, for he has supplanted me these two times. He took away my birthright, and now he has taken away my blessing!” Genesis 27:36

• “Esau hated Jacob...and said, ‘I will kill my brother.” Genesis 27:41