Two Very Different Brothers

Long ago, Isaac and Rebekah loved God and cared for one another. For many years they hoped for children, so they prayed together for a child and trusted that God heard them.

God answered their prayer. Rebekah learned that she was going to have not one, but two baby boys! The babies moved so strongly inside her that she asked God what it meant.

God told Rebekah that the two boys would grow into two great families. The older boy would one day serve the younger. Rebekah kept those surprising words in her heart.

When the twins were born, the first baby was reddish and covered with soft hair. They named him Esau. The second baby came out holding his brother’s heel. They named him Jacob.

Although they were twins, the boys grew to be very different. Esau loved the open country. He enjoyed running over the hills, following animal tracks, and feeling the wind on his face.

Jacob preferred staying near the family tents. He listened carefully, helped with the animals, and learned how to prepare food. Isaac enjoyed hearing Esau’s stories from the countryside, while Rebekah understood Jacob’s quiet ways. Both sons were deeply loved.

Because Esau had been born first, he had something called a birthright. It was a special family responsibility and blessing. One day he would help lead and care for the family and receive an important part of what his father owned.

A birthright was not a toy or a prize for just one day. It was a precious gift meant for the future.

The birthright also carried a spiritual responsibility: helping the family know God and remember his promises.

That blessing also reminded the brothers of God’s promises. Receiving it meant learning to trust him and care for others.

Jacob and Esau were different, but neither had to become like the other to be loved. Both had much to learn about the value of God’s gifts and about treating each other kindly.