Genesis 25

Genesis 25:1

12. Abraham’s Descendants (25:1-18)25:1-6 In 1Ch_1:32 Keturah is called Abraham’s concubine. Verse 6 seems to confirm this. Thus she was a lesser wife, one who did not enjoy the full privileges of a wife in the home. Once again God records marital irregularities that He never approved. 25:7-18 Abraham breathed his last at one hundred and seventy-five years of age and became the second person to be buried in the cave at Hebron. The twelve sons of Ishmael listed in verses 12-16 fulfilled God’s promise to Abraham: “He shall beget twelve princes” (Gen_17:20). With the death of Ishmael, Isaac moves to center stage in the narrative.

Genesis 25:19

B. Isaac (25:1926:35)

1. Isaac’s Family (25:19-34)25:19-26 For almost twenty years after her marriage, Rebekah . . . was barren. Then, in answer to Isaac’s prayer, she conceived. The struggle of two sons within her perplexed her until she was told that her sons would become the heads of two rival nations (Israel and Edom). The firstborn twin was named Esau (hairy). The other was named Jacob (supplanter). Even at birth, Jacob tried to gain advantage over his brother by grabbing hold of Esau’s heel! Isaac was sixty when his twin boys were born. 25:27, 28 As the boys grew up, Esau turned into an outdoorsman and a skillful hunter. Jacob on the other hand was a mild, indoor type, dwelling in tents. Isaac loved Esau best, but Rebekah loved Jacob. Perhaps he was a “mama’s boy.” 25:29-34 As the firstborn, Esau was entitled to a double portion of his father’s possessionsthat is, twice as much as any other son might inherit. He also became the tribal or family head. This was known as the birthright. In Esau’s case, it would also have included being the ancestor of the Messiah. One day, as Esau was returning from a hunting trip, he saw Jacob cooking some red stew. He asked for some of the red stuff so imploringly that he got the nickname “Red” (Edom), and it stuck to him and to his posterity, the Edomites.

When Jacob offered some soup in exchange for Esau’s birthright, Esau foolishly agreed. “No food except the forbidden fruit was as dearly bought as this broth.” The prophecy of verse 23 is partially fulfilled in verses 29-34. God does not condone Jacob’s wheeling and dealing, but one thing is apparentJacob valued the birthright and a place in the godly line, while Esau preferred the gratification of his physical appetite to spiritual blessings. The chapter closes by emphasizing Esau’s treatment of his birthright rather than Jacob’s treatment of his brother. Esau’s descendants were bitter foes of Israel. Their final doom is pronounced in Obadiah.