The birth of Jacob the son of Isaac

Genesis 25:20-26. Isaac married Rebekah in 2025BC. They eventually, twenty years, later had twin boys, Esau and Jacob.

Jacob was the younger twin of Esau. From Jacob, whose name was later changed by God to Israel, and from his sons came the twelve tribes of Israel.

Jacob was Rebekah’s favorite son whereas Esau was Isaac’s favorite son. Start of family problems right here.

Isaac ordered Jacob, the younger twin of Esau, to take a wife among the daughters of Laban, his mother’s brother. Remember Esau the older twin had gone against his father’s wishes in marrying a Canaanite girl.

Background Reading: – Jacob Isaac’s son

20 Isaac was forty years old when he married Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel, the Aramean from Paddan-aram and sister of Laban the Aramean. 21 Later, Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, since she was unable to conceive children, and the LORD responded to him—his wife Rebekah became pregnant.

22 But when the infants kept on wrestling each other inside her womb, she asked herself, “Why is this happening?” So she asked the LORD for an explanation.

23 “Two nations are in your womb,” the LORD responded, “and two separate people will emerge. One people will be the stronger, and the older one will serve the younger.”

24 Sure enough, when her due date arrived, she delivered twin sons. 25 The first son came out reddish—his entire body was covered with hair—so they named him Esau. 26 After that, his brother came out with his hand clutching Esau’s heel, so they named him Jacob. Isaac was 60 years old when they were born.
Genesis 25:20-26

More Information:

Jacob was the younger twin of Esau. His name in Hebrew means: the supplanter because he was born gripping Esau’s heel. Later in life he tricked his brother, Esau, out of his birthright.

After an encounter with God, Jacob’s name was changed to Israel, which means: The Prince of God.

Key Thoughts:
The unhappiness produced by family troubles.
The transforming power of fellowship with God.
Prophetic faith.


Other slides in this module: