01/26/2025
Brief Bible Lesson Concerning the Story of Jacob and Esau: Understanding God's Sovereign Choice📖
The story of Jacob and Esau provides profound insight into God's sovereignty, human choices, and the unfolding of His divine plan. This lesson examines their story as recorded in Genesis, explores the meaning of their names, explains why God "hated" Esau (Malachi 1:2-3; Romans 9:13), and identifies the modern identity of Esau's descendants, including references to Ezekiel 38 and the prophetic connection to "red" ("Roosh") as it pertains to modern Russia. Using the authorized KJV Bible, Strong's Concordance, Smith's Bible Dictionary, and Bullinger's Companion Bible, this lesson will provide an accurate and contextual understanding of these pivotal biblical figures.
1. Jacob and Esau: The Birth and Struggle
**Scripture Reference:** Genesis 25:19-34 📖
**Context:** Isaac and Rebekah were childless until God answered Isaac's prayers, and Rebekah conceived twins. The Bible describes the children struggling within her womb (Genesis 25:22), leading her to inquire of the Lord.
**God's Response:** “Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23).
Translation of the Names:
**Esau:** Derived from Strong’s H6215 (“Ṣēʿû”), meaning “hairy.” Esau’s name reflects his physical appearance at birth (Genesis 25:25).
**Jacob:** Derived from Strong’s H3290 (“Yaʿăqôb”), meaning “supplanter” or “he who grabs the heel.” This is significant in describing his actions during birth and later in life (Genesis 25:26).
**Symbolism of the Struggle:** According to Bullinger’s Companion Bible, this struggle foreshadows the ongoing enmity between their descendants and the spiritual principles of election and rejection.
2. The Birthright and Blessing
**Scripture Reference:** Genesis 27:1-40
*Esau Sells His Birthright:* Esau, driven by immediate physical needs, sells his birthright to Jacob for a meal (Genesis 25:29-34). His disregard for spiritual blessings demonstrates a carnal mindset and a lack of appreciation for God's covenant. This act of devaluing his birthright contributed to why God "hated" Esau (Malachi 1:2-3).
*The Deception for the Blessing:** Jacob, with Rebekah’s guidance, deceives Isaac to receive the blessing meant for Esau. While the method was flawed, the outcome aligned with God’s sovereign plan (Genesis 27).
*Significance:** The birthright represented a double portion of inheritance and spiritual leadership. Esau’s despising of it reveals his lack of spiritual discernment (Hebrews 12:16-17).
3. Why Did God Hate Esau?
**Scripture References:** Malachi 1:2-3; Romans 9:10-13; Ezekiel 38
**Malachi’s Prophecy:** God declares, “I loved Jacob, and I hated Esau” (Malachi 1:2-3). The terms "love" and "hate" here denote divine election and rejection rather than personal animosity.
**Romans 9:11-13 Explanation:** Paul explains that God’s choice was based on His purpose and not human works or merit. This emphasizes God's sovereignty in election.
**Esau’s Actions:** Esau’s marriages to Canaanite women (Genesis 26:34-35), his disregard for his birthright, and his descendants' hostility toward Israel reveal his rebellious heart against God’s covenant.
**Connection to Red (“Roosh”):** The term "red," associated with Esau (Genesis 25:30), is prophetically significant. Using Strong’s H123, “Edom” means red, symbolizing his physical traits and a broader spiritual identity. According to Ezekiel 38, the term “Roosh” has been interpreted by some biblical scholars to refer to Russia, identifying a possible modern descendant or symbolic connection to Esau’s line.
4. The Nation of Edom: Esau’s Descendants
**Edom’s Origin:** Esau is the father of the Edomites (Genesis 36:1, 9). The name Edom (Strong’s H123) means “red,” referencing Esau’s red pottage and physical characteristics.
**Edom’s Location:** The Edomites settled in Mount Seir (Genesis 36:8). This region is located southeast of Israel, in modern-day Jordan.
**Prophetic Fulfillment:** Edom’s enmity against Israel is documented in passages like Obadiah 1 and Ezekiel 35. In Ezekiel 38, the "chief prince of Meshech and Tubal" (interpreted by some as Russia, or “Roosh”) may be linked to Esau’s descendants, highlighting an end-time prophecy concerning Edom’s symbolic representation.
5. Spiritual Lessons from Jacob and Esau
**God’s Sovereignty:** The story highlights that God’s plans transcend human actions. Jacob’s election demonstrates God’s grace and purpose.
**Despising Spiritual Blessings:** Esau’s disregard for his birthright serves as a warning against valuing temporary satisfaction over eternal promises. His act of trading his inheritance for a bowl of pottage epitomizes a carnal, short-sighted perspective.
**Reconciliation:** Despite their early enmity, Jacob and Esau reconciled later in life (Genesis 33). This teaches the importance of forgiveness and restoration.
Conclusion:
The story of Jacob and Esau is a profound example of God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. While Esau’s rejection reflects his own choices, Jacob’s election highlights God’s purpose. The prophetic connection between Edom and modern nations, such as Russia (“Roosh”), offers deeper insight into the unfolding of God’s divine plan. Understanding their story through accurate scriptural interpretation helps us discern God’s plan for humanity and the spiritual truths that shape our faith.
This particular story is part of the prophesy of the two superpowers at that time. which was The United States (Jacob) and The (USSR) Soviet Union (Esau). The Soviet Union's fall from power was also prophesied. Documented in the manuscripts. I will begin, with God's will, to present brief bible lessons taken from the original Hebrew manuscripts. I am in the process of developing the video version of this lesson. Stay tuned