Last week we looked at how God chose Jacob over Isaac’s firstborn son, Esau. Even though it was promised by God while the twins were in Rebekah’s womb, Jacob takes matters into own hands by buying the birthright for a bowl of soup. At this point in the story, we see Esau as shortsighted, living for the moment, while Jacob is scheming for the future. The birthright meant a double portion of Isaac’s estate, as well as becoming the new head of the family at Isaac’s death. But there was also a spiritual element to it: covenant blessing. 

Scripture: Genesis 27:1-40