Genesis | Reading Plan + Study QuestionsSample

GENESIS 25

THE DEATH + LEGACY OF ABRAHAM

Now that Sarah has died, Abraham gets married again to a woman named Keturah who gives him six more sons.

Abraham dies at the age of 175 and leaves his inheritance to Isaac. Isaac and Ishmael bury him in the cave of Machpelah where Sarah was buried. God blesses Isaac after Abraham’s death. Ishmael has twelve sons, as God had previously spoken.

Rebekah is barren, but Isaac prays to God asking for children, and God answers his prayers. Rebekah becomes pregnant with twin boys. Isaac and Rebekah’s children are fighting, even in the womb. God tells Rebekah, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger” (v.23).

Esau is born first, but Jacob arrives quickly after, holding on to Esau’s heel. Esau grows up as a skillful hunter, but Jacob is a quiet man. Isaac loved Esau, while Rebekah loved Jacob.

One day, Esau comes home famished and desperate for something to eat. Jacob convinces him to give up his birthright for a bowl of lentil stew—not a good trade, Esau! Esau gave into temporary desires instead of protecting what was valuable long-term.

STUDY QUESTIONS

• In Genesis 25:23, what did God tell Rebekah about her twin sons? How was this information counter-cultural?
• How were Jacob + Esau different? Did Esau make a good trade with Jacob?