Bible Discussion Thread

And again, the story of Jacob and Esau is referred to again in Hebrews 12:14-17, where believers are exhorted to pursue peace with all people and holiness, warned to avoid any root of bitterness from springing up to cause trouble, which defiles many and leads many to become fornicators and/or profane like Esau. The text in Hebrews goes on to tell how Esau sold his birthright for a morsel of food, and then later, wanted to have the inheritance back with its blessing but he was rejected due to his lack of repentance. From these N.T. Scripture we can consider that Esau di not wish to follow the ways of Isaac and his grandfather, Abraham. He wanted to run his own life his way. He is described as a fornicator and profane. This may be literally so or figuratively so, or both. Either way, Esau was rejected by God as the heir of the promise for reasons God knew in His perfect wisdom inn election of some to be vessels of his wrath an others to be vessels of his mercy. ( Romans 9:22-24) I suggest reading the whole section in Romans 9:1-33.

So, apparently God in his foreknowledge elected Jacob the heir of the promise, and Esau, in his free will choice to depart from the way of faith of his father and grandfather, was not elected. For me, I do not wrestle much with this matter, as I trust God's way and wisdom. If I was an unbeliever and read these Scriptures, I would be disturbed and either reject God or seek how to be saved, which depends, ultimately, on God's foreknowledge and election. God will never turn away a contrite heart who desires to be saved. He will make a way for this person to hear the gospel and give faith to believe by grace. Jacob was not a perfect brother, by any means. But, would become a man of God as he grew in grace and knowledge of God in his lifetime. I am reminded that later in history, God will identify himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They were elected and blessed by God despite their failings, but acted on the faith God seeded in them