Page 77 - Bible History

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II. GOD'S GREAT FAVORS TO JACOB
1. JACOB OBTAINS THE BIRTHRIGHT
Many years passed before Isaac and Rebecca had any children. Then twins were born to them, two son whom they named Esau and Jacob. Esau, who was born rst, grew up to be a large man, rough and hairy. He was a hunter and farmer. Jacob, the younger son, was more like his mother, gentle and quiet. He became a herdsman. Isaac loved Esau, and Rebecca loved Jacob. She had been told by God that the younger son would be greater than the older, and that the older son would serve the younger.
In those days, the oldest son always received what was called the birthright. He was given a larger por­ tion of his father's wealth than the other children, and became the head and priest of the family. He also obtained a special blessing from his father before he died.
Esau did not care much about the birthright, but Jacob did. One day, Esau came home hungry from the hunt. Jacob was cooking a pottage, or stew, of lentils. Esau said to him, "Give me of this pottage, for I am exceeding faint.'' Jacob said, ''Sell me rst thy birthright." Esau said, "Lo, I die. What good will a birthright do me1'' Jacob said, ''Swear to me that the birthright is mine.'' Esau swore to him and, taking bread and the pottage of lentils, he ate and

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