Esau’s birthright is the spiritual privilege of the oldest. It is a double blessing from his father when he dies, the promise of inheriting the estate, and most importantly, inheriting the covenant promises. Jacob wants this birthright, and he will use any means necessary to get it. It is good to want a godly blessing, but we must not sin to

Isaac has prayed that God will give Rebekah children, and God hears his prayer. Children are always the gift of God. Rebekah is pregnant with not one child, but twins. God often outdoes our prayers and gives more than we can ask or think. Rebekah is confused and uneasy as to how she is feeling. The struggle between Jacob and Esau

Abraham marries again and has 6 sons by Keturah. He makes Isaac his heir, but he gives gifts to the rest of his children. He wisely sends his other children away, so they will not be a trouble to Isaac. Abraham has lived 175 years - though he has lived a long and good life, he must die at last.

Eliezer doesn’t linger more than one night in the house of Rebekah’s family. He knows that Abraham is waiting at home for news, and he wants to hurry back and tell him of how God has blessed his errand. But Rebekah’s family want her to stay a little while longer. Ten days doesn’t seem like a very long time to

Abraham’s servant is given a kind reception by Rebekah’s family. When Laban, her brother, sees the rich presents this man has gotten her, he immediately runs to Eliezer to see if there is anything in it for him. This is our first glimpse into Laban’s character, and we will see later that it is a character dominated by the love

Eliezer sets a good example of a faithful and godly servant. He is diligent to do immediately what Abraham asks. He knows that God is guiding his way, and he prays for God’s help when he reaches his destination. Eliezer prays for success. We should ask God to bless our work with success. He reminds God of His covenant with Abraham.

Abraham takes good care of his son, and he wants to see him married well. Isaac is 40 years old, and it is time. Because Abraham believes the promise of the building up of his family and the importance of that family to love and obey God, he wants to make sure Isaac’s wife is worthy. He knows he is

No one is exempt from death, and Sarah, though she has lived long and has seen much of God’s goodness, dies at last in Canaan. Abraham is truly sad for the loss of his good wife whom he has loved. Abraham humbly asks his neighbours for a burying place. Because God is his inheritance, he is not ashamed to admit that

All has been dark so far, but now a light comes. The angel of the LORD, who is Jesus Himself, intervenes to save Isaac as He has intervened with His death to save us. God’s test of Abraham’s love is finished. Abraham is willing to give Isaac up, so Isaac is restored to him. God often gives back to us

Abraham gets up early, probably after a sleepless night, prepares for the sacrifice, and sets out. When he gets to the mountain, he goes on alone with Isaac. Abraham has left everything behind that might distract him or stop him from obeying. Isaac carries the wood, pointing us to Jesus Christ, God’s one and only Son whom He loves, who