Genesis c. 25

Gen 25:8 Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.

Abraham’s lived the life of a faithful man and God, in his wisdom and goodness, kept his covenant with Abraham.

Gen 25:31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.
Gen 25:32 And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?

The story of Esau and Jacob is one of the difficult stories in the Bible—most O.T. stories are, in fact, difficult because of the ethical issues posed by these stories.

Why did God favor Jacob?
Why did God favor Abel?
Why did God favor Isaac?

Why, it seemed that God always favored the second born.

Esau made one wrong decision; he has forsaken his future—his inheritance-- in favor of the need of his stomach. He had exchanged his inheritance for a bowl of soup. He had taken his birthright lightly and it was too late when he found out the consequences of his mistake. Esau put his physical need first.

What is my inheritance from the Lord? I pray that I be on guard lest I forsake my inheritance for the need, the pleasure and the gain of the body.