ESAU AND JACOB. Isaac's wife Rebekah was barren, and he entreated the Lord in her behalf, and as a result she conceived (Gen., 25:21). Before they were born, the Lord selected Jacob as Isaac's successor in the Abrahamic promises (Gen., 25:21-23; Rom., 9:9-12). Jacob subsequently, (a) purchased the birthright of Esau (Gen., 25:24-34), (b) and also cheated him out of the patriarchal blessing (Gen., 27:1-40). Jacob was sent away to Haran (Gen., 27:41-46; 28:1-7). On this journey the two great promises were renewed to him (Gen., 13:1-3; 28:10-15). Esau settled in Mount Seir (Gen., 36:8; Deut., 2:1-5). Jacob remained in Padan-aram twenty years (Gen., 29:1-15; 31:36-41), and then returned to Canaan (Gen., 31:1-55; 35:27). Jacob was the father of the twelve patriarchs (Gen., 35:21-26; Acts, 7:8).

[CBC 17]