Esau and Jacob

Esau and Jacob

Isaac's wife Rebekah was barren, and he entreated the Lord in her behalf, and as a result she conceived ( Genesis 25:21 ). Before they were born, the Lord selected Jacob as Isaac's successor in the Abrahamic promises ( Genesis 25:21-23 ; Romans 9:9-12 ). Jacob subsequently,

1. purchased the birthright of Esau ( Genesis 25:24-34 )
2. and also cheated him out of the patriarchal blessing ( Genesis 27:1-40 ).

Jacob was sent away to Haran ( Genesis 27:41-28:7 ). On this journey the two great promises were renewed to him ( Genesis 13:1-3 ; Genesis 28:10-15 ). Esau settled in Mount Seir ( Genesis 36:8 ; Deuteronomy 2:1-5 ). Jacob remained in Padanaram twenty years ( Genesis 29:1-15 ; Genesis 31:36-41 ), and then returned to Canaan ( Genesis 31:1-55 ; Genesis 35:27 ). Jacob was the father of the twelve patriarchs ( Genesis 35:21-26 ; Acts 7:8 ).