And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob.
Isaac and Rebekah were divided in love because their two sons were very unlike in character. Isaac loved Esau because Esau was a bold, courageous hunter who delighted in hunting and brought home venison and game to his father. He was also drawn to Esau by his stirring accounts of adventure. Rebekah loved Jacob because his mild disposition made her happy and was a comfort to her.
Isaac continued to favor Esau over Jacob even though Esau's idolatrous marriages grieved both Isaac and Rebekah. Jacob had learned from his mother that God had said the elder would serve the younger, and he reasoned in his youth that the promise could not be fulfilled while Esau kept the privileges of the firstborn. So when Esau came in from the field faint with hunger, Jacob used his need to his own advantage by offering pottage in exchange for renouncing the birthright, which Esau then sold.
Isaac's preference led him to seek to give Esau the blessing before his death, despite the birthright having been sold to Jacob and despite the Lord's word that the elder would serve the younger.
Isaac and Rebekah were divided in love because their two sons were very unlike in character. Isaac loved Esau because Esau was a bold, courageous hunter who delighted in hunting and brought home venison and game to his father. He was also drawn to Esau by his stirring accounts of adventure. Rebekah loved Jacob because his mild disposition made her happy and was a comfort to her.
Isaac continued to favor Esau over Jacob even though Esau's idolatrous marriages grieved both Isaac and Rebekah. Jacob had learned from his mother that God had said the elder would serve the younger, and he reasoned in his youth that the promise could not be fulfilled while Esau kept the privileges of the firstborn. So when Esau came in from the field faint with hunger, Jacob used his need to his own advantage by offering pottage in exchange for renouncing the birthright, which Esau then sold.
Isaac's preference led him to seek to give Esau the blessing before his death, despite the birthright having been sold to Jacob and despite the Lord's word that the elder would serve the younger.