Verses 19–26
Isaac seems not to have been much tried, but to have spent his days in quietness. Jacob and
Esau were prayed for; their parents, after being long childless, obtained them by prayer. The
fulfilment of God's promise is always sure, yet it is often slow. The faith of believers is tried, their
patience exercised, and mercies long waited for are more welcome when they come. Isaac and
Rebekah kept in view the promise of all nations being blessed in their posterity, therefore were not
only desirous of children, but anxious concerning every thing which seemed to mark their future
character. In all our doubts we should inquire of the Lord by prayer. In many of our conflicts with
sin and temptation, we may adopt Rebekah's words, “If it be so, why am I thus?” If a child of God,
why so careless or carnal? If not a child of God, why so afraid of, or so burdened with sin?
Verses 27 , 28
Esau hunted the beasts of the field with dexterity and success, till he became a conqueror, ruling
over his neighbours. Jacob was a plain man, one that liked the true delights of retirement, better
than all pretended pleasures. He was a stranger and a pilgrim in his spirit, and a shepherd all his
days. Isaac and Rebekah had but these two children, one was the father's darling, and the other the
mother's. And though godly parents must feel their affections most drawn over towards a godly
child, yet they will not show partiality. Let their affections lead them to do what is just and equal
to every child, or evils will arise.
Verses 29–34
We have here the bargain made between Jacob and Esau about the right, which was Esau's by
birth, but Jacob's by promise. It was for a spiritual privilege; and we see Jacob's desire of the
birth-right, but he sought to obtain it by crooked courses, not like his character as a plain man. He
was right, that he coveted earnestly the best gifts; he was wrong, that he took advantage of his
brother's need. The inheritance of their father's worldly goods did not descend to Jacob, and was
not meant in this proposal. But it includeth the future possession of the land of Canaan by his
children's children, and the covenant made with Abraham as to Christ the promised Seed. Believing
Jacob valued these above all things; unbelieving Esau despised them. Yet although we must be of
Jacob's judgment in seeking the birth-right, we ought carefully to avoid all guile, in seeking to
obtain even the greatest advantages. Jacob's pottage pleased Esau's eye. “Give me some of that
red;” for this he was called Edom, or Red. Gratifying the sensual appetite ruins thousands of precious
souls. When men's hearts walk after their own eyes, Job 31:7, and when they serve their own bellies,
they are sure to be punished. If we use ourselves to deny ourselves, we break the force of most
temptations. It cannot be supposed that Esau was dying of hunger in Isaac's house. The words
signify, I am going towards death; he seems to mean, I shall never live to inherit Canaan, or any
of those future supposed blessings; and what signifies it who has them when I am dead and gone.
This would be the language of profaneness, with which the apostle brands him, Heb 12:16; and
this contempt of the birth-right is blamed, ver. #(34). It is the greatest folly to part with our interest
in God, and Christ, and heaven, for the riches, honours, and pleasures of this world; it is as bad a