Genesis 25:1-34

25:1-6 | The importance of the paragraph lies in the disposition of gifts. Abraham made sure there would be no dispute over his goods after he died. He showed great responsibility here (2 Cor. 12:14).

25:7-9 | This is a legacy for any Christian: Abraham walked with God for a hundred years. When he died at age 175, Isaac was 75, while Jacob and Esau were 15. Despite a history of bad feelings, his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried their father together, as brothers.

25:8 | Full of years can also be rendered “satisfied,” meaning Abraham not only lived long but well and was ready to die. This was a fulfillment of the Lord’s covenant with him (15:15). Was gathered to his people speaks of blessed reunions in the life to come (Num. 20:24; Deut. 32:50).

25:12-18 | The inclusion of Ishmael’s genealogy demonstrates that the Lord continued to love and care for Abraham’s first son, even though Isaac was the son of the covenant.

25:19-27 | The genealogy of Isaac is the focus of the narrative, so the story follows the lives of Isaac and Rebekah’s two sons, Esau and Jacob. This is the family of promise.

25:22-26 | This divine word to Rebekah - that the older shall serve the younger - not only explained the unusual movements she felt in her womb but also foretold a reversal of patriarchal custom (Rom. 9:10-13). Esau, the firstborn, would have expected to receive both the birthright and the blessing and have expected to receive both the birthright and the blessing and have the younger serving him. Jacob means “He Who Grasps.” His name also foreshadows the discord that these brothers would bring to the family.

25:29-34 | The birthright included several privileges: (1) recognition as the oldest son, (2) a double portion of the inheritance upon the father’s death, and (3) regard as the leader of the family. The birthright could be given away or sold, but the older son would then lose the latter two aspects of the birthright. Esau’s choice showed how little he valued these spiritual blessings (Matt. 16:26; Heb. 12:16).