January 31, 2023

Two nations, one womb

Genesis 25

Saegan Cheyenne Cockerham
Tuesday's Devo

January 31, 2023

Tuesday's Devo

January 31, 2023

Tuesday's Devo

January 31, 2023

Tuesday's Devo

January 31, 2023

Big Idea

We can trust God when we don't know how things will turn out.

Key Verse | Genesis 25:23

And the LORD said to her,

"Two nations are in your womb,
and two peoples from within you shall be divided;
the one shall be stronger than the other,
the older shall serve the younger."

Genesis 25

Abraham's Death and His Descendants

1 Abraham took another wife, whose name was Keturah. 2 She bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. 3 Jokshan fathered Sheba and Dedan. The sons of Dedan were Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim. 4 The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah. 5 Abraham gave all he had to Isaac. 6 But to the sons of his concubines Abraham gave gifts, and while he was still living he sent them away from his son Isaac, eastward to the east country.

7 These are the days of the years of Abraham's life, 175 years. 8 Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years, and was gathered to his people. 9 Isaac and Ishmael his sons buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, east of Mamre, 10 the field that Abraham purchased from the Hittites. There Abraham was buried, with Sarah his wife. 11 After the death of Abraham, God blessed Isaac his son. And Isaac settled at Beer-lahai-roi.

12 These are the generations of Ishmael, Abraham's son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah's servant, bore to Abraham. 13 These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, named in the order of their birth: Nebaioth, the firstborn of Ishmael; and Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, 14 Mishma, Dumah, Massa, 15 Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. 16 These are the sons of Ishmael and these are their names, by their villages and by their encampments, twelve princes according to their tribes. 17 (These are the years of the life of Ishmael: 137 years. He breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his people.) 18 They settled from Havilah to Shur, which is opposite Egypt in the direction of Assyria. He settled 1 25:18 Hebrew fell over against all his kinsmen.

The Birth of Esau and Jacob

19 These are the generations of Isaac, Abraham's son: Abraham fathered Isaac, 20 and Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean of Paddan-aram, the sister of Laban the Aramean, to be his wife. 21 And Isaac prayed to the LORD for his wife, because she was barren. And the LORD granted his prayer, and Rebekah his wife conceived. 22 The children struggled together within her, and she said, “If it is thus, why is this happening to me?” 2 25:22 Or why do I live? So she went to inquire of the LORD. 23 And the LORD said to her,

“Two nations are in your womb,
    and two peoples from within you 3 25:23 Or from birth shall be divided;
the one shall be stronger than the other,
    the older shall serve the younger.”

24 When her days to give birth were completed, behold, there were twins in her womb. 25 The first came out red, all his body like a hairy cloak, so they called his name Esau. 26 Afterward his brother came out with his hand holding Esau's heel, so his name was called Jacob. 4 25:26 Jacob means He takes by the heel, or He cheats Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them.

27 When the boys grew up, Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man, dwelling in tents. 28 Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob.

Esau Sells His Birthright

29 Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted. 30 And Esau said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!” (Therefore his name was called Edom. 5 25:30 Edom sounds like the Hebrew for red ) 31 Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright now.” 32 Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” 33 Jacob said, “Swear to me now.” So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.

Footnotes

[1] 25:18 Hebrew fell
[2] 25:22 Or why do I live?
[3] 25:23 Or from birth
[4] 25:26 Jacob means He takes by the heel, or He cheats
[5] 25:30 Edom sounds like the Hebrew for red

"Esau… what about his nation?"

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Genesis 25

When we read our key verse, there is something crucial we need to understand. God's words to Rebekah are reemphasizing a promise that He had made to Abraham. We see early on in this chapter that Abraham has died; it could leave one wondering, "Well, what about the covenant?"

In Genesis 12:2 God promised Abraham that He would make him a great nation. In Genesis 17:2 God covenanted with Abraham that He would multiply him greatly. It is important that we understand these two things before moving forward because they show us that God is on the move. He is moving His promises forward, and we see evidence of this through Abraham's descendants, which are described in Genesis 25.

Reading Genesis 25:23, I couldn't help but wonder, "How are God's words any comfort to Rebekah?" To empathize with Rebekah, we have to take note of the fact that this woman hasn't been able to conceive a child for 20 years; and now that she has, she is experiencing what seems like an abnormal pregnancy. Her words in Genesis 25:22 lead us to believe she was afraid. 

Being pregnant myself, and with it being my first pregnancy, every little thing makes me wonder if everything is okay. I can't imagine Rebekah's feelings back then, with no way to know what was going on within her. Not only does God explain to her what was going on within her, but He also reemphasizes His promise made to Abraham.

What does this mean for us? 

1. We can lean on the truth that God KEEPS His promises and that what He says WILL come to pass. His Word can be trusted and is without error. 

2. Because of sin we see division. Division within ourselves (e.g., flesh and spirit, which we see in Galatians 5:17), and division between the ways of God and the ways of the world (see 1 John 2:15-17). Just like these two brothers symbolize two nations that will be divided, we still see division in the present day. But remember Point #1! Because of that, we have hope.

This month's memory verse

We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

– John 1:45b

Discussion Questions

1. Knowing that God's words are inerrant (without error) and that He keeps His promises, what does that mean for us? How does that make you view the Word of God? 

2. In what ways do you see division within yourself, as in Galatians 5:17?

3. Have you ever faced opposition in your own life from the world while trying to walk by the Spirit?

4. What can we implement in our daily lives to help us stay anchored in the promises of God? Do you think daily disciplines are vital? (Why or why not?) 

Respond to Today's Passage

Sign In to Respond
HS

Hugh Stephenson

GM Saegan! Thanks for all the ways you serve us! And thanks for a thought-provoking devo. Q1. It means that sometimes I need to be patient. I know all God’s 7,487 promises are true. But I also know that Isaiah 55:8-9 is true. At times He calls me to the patience of Job. Many times, He answers right away. Often, He calls me forward when I don’t want to go. Jesus is my perfect model in those moments, (Luke 22:42). Q2 & Q3. How many ways? How many words do I have left? Ephesians 6:10-20 edifies and equips me for the daily battle. Q4. A pastor notes- “Meet with God in the morning so that you’ll be ready for Goliath the rest of the day.”
HS

Hugh Stephenson

One pastor asks this- What is your red stew/mess of pottage? OUCH! What choices/tradeoffs do I make that mirrors Esau? What gives me a quick temporal reward but pushes out/sacrifices/diminishes my spiritual/eternal rewards? -As a child of great Depression era parents, I have a deep fear of poverty instilled in me. I trade spiritual time for work time just about every day. -For decades I traded two dimensional relationships online via porn, social media, chat rooms etc - rather than the real-life ones with real people. -same time periods… I chose passive retreat from others rather than active engagement with them. -I chose outside activities that were fun and entertaining rather then the daily hard work of marriage and parenting -hunting trips over spiritual retreats
HS

Hugh Stephenson

As I’ve learned too many times, all these bad choices have bad consequences. Sometimes tragic ones. I want God to back me up or bail me out. Because He loves me, He always says no.
SF

Shawn Foster

Good morning, Thank you for a terrific devotional! 1. At a minimum we have assurances of our salvation, answered prayer, forgiveness, guidance, victory over sin. Makes me see the word as a treasure chest of truth to be savored. 2. In what ways do you see division within yourself, as in Galatians 5:17? The spirit wants me to glorify God by serving others, the flesh wants to take a nap and then glorify self. 3. Have you ever faced opposition in your own life from the world while trying to walk by the Spirit? Yes, but it seems less like outright opposition and more like subtle temptations. Our culture wants to draw us into materialism, self seeking, pride, envy and all sorts of destructive sin. 4. What can we implement in our daily lives to help us stay anchored in the promises of God? Do you think daily disciplines are vital? (Why or why not?) Yes, the daily disciplines are vital. We can meditate on his promises in scripture-renewing our minds to test, approve and know his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2. Amen?!
MS

Michael Scaman

Abraham's grandchildren were presented as persons struggling, wrestling in the womb. Presenting a pre born as a person is not unique to the old testament as 3rd trimesters John leaped for joy over 1st trimester Jesus. Mom and Dad get very different visions for their children. Dad liked the man's man who hunts. Mom liked the boy who hNGA round the twnt and cooks but mom had a revelation from God that the dad seems to not know or is dismissive of. The older will serve the younger. Even in Jesus day the older was not serving the younger. The Herod's were Idumeans from Esau and things were not as they were imagined. The older had power over th younger in Jesus day with Herrod ruling. But in Jesus God throws his sandal at the Herods and knows them off the pages of history forever. ( As per 2 Psalms but happened in the book of Acts ) One thing that does happen after Esau's big mean traded for his birthright... God sends a famine... It wasn't worth it.
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thank you, Saegan! I love how the text describes the two brothers, both ends of the masculinity spectrum: Esau the rough-and-tumble, physical and outdoorsy one, and Jacob the sensitive, creative, hang-around-the-tents (read: house) one. Two totally legit expressions of masculinity! And, just like today, there is a disconnect between the two expressions because that’s the effect of sin on human relationships. It messes things up. I’m grateful for this chapter because it teaches us that God’s good creation of masculinity as a range—a spectrum—should be embraced and celebrated. But today’s culture freaks out over stereotypes. If a sensitive/artistic boy or young man isn’t supported in the kind of masculinity God chose for him, our culture tells him he’s either gay or (far more likely each day) that he’s transgender.
SB

Sue Bohlin

We need voices, especially the voices of men, reassuring them that just like Jacob, who became the father of twelve tribes, and just like David, who was a phenomenal king as well as poet and musician, we need the masculine expression of that end of the masculinity spectrum. It’s a GOOD thing, a God thing, a way to bring honor and glory to God!
CL

Chris Landry

GM Saegan…cool name! Fun fact: we are expecting twins and I can assure you the feelings that Rebekah had then (Genesis 25:22) are still legit feelings in 2022-2023!! That first trimester with twins definitely felt like a struggle within the womb. God’s blessing no doubt! Praying for another 3mo of healthy babies and mom. (Pray with us!) 1. The Word of God is the only Rock I have when I need direction or help. 2. JP is pushing a book out. Aptly titled, “Why do I Do What I Don’t Want To Do?” He had a quiz. My results were not shocking. The enemy will try to take me out with “self-importance.” Anyone else relate to this?? —— According to your answers, common vices that may cause you to stumble might be related to self-importance. If the enemy is going to take you out, he is going to use the very same strategy he has been using since the garden – stroking your pride and elevating your sense of self-grandeur. You might feel yourself struggling with pride, perception management, or busyness. Instead of these vices, I hope you will allow the Holy Spirit to grow virtues in you. I wrote Why Do I Do What I don’t Want to Do, to be a tool to help you through that process. In fact, the very first chapter is focused on replacing pride with humility. This is not a movement that is celebrated in today’s culture, but it is so important in the Christian walk. […] ———— Our flesh is SO easily divided. Hence the armor of God is so vital. Four main lures/tools of the enemy are: • Self-isolation • Self-importance • Self-destruction • Self-indulgence 4. Daily getting some scripture in my mind is one of the best ways that I can yield to Christ instead of Chris. (Pray for me!)
TS

Tonni Shook

Great devo Saegan. Whoa @ChrisLandry. I took JP’s book quiz as well. Result: Self-importance. What? I was appalled! Minutes before I read this devo, I found Re:Gen has an online quiz. Result: PRIDE. Lord Jesus help me. I’m fairly certain God is revealing some things in me, not only through these quizzes, but through Genesis 25. Ouch!
MS

Michael Sisson

Re: Gen 25:1 According to Jewish tradition, “Keturah” was Hagar by a new name. However, if Keturah bore Abraham six more children, it seems impossible she could be Hagar. Hagar would have been in her mid-sixties by the time Abraham wed again…certainly post-menopausal. However, it is interesting that Hagar’s son, Ishmael, was present at Abraham’s death. (Gen 25:9) Re: Gen 25:6 It’s interesting that the same man who was quite adamant about Isaac not being allowed to return east actually sent his last six sons eastward deliberately. Re: Gen 25:8 Genesis 25:8 (NASB) Abraham breathed his last and died in a ripe old age, an old man and >>>satisfied with life;<<< and he was gathered to his people. See Philippians 4:11-13. Re: Gen 25:9 After being cast out along with Hagar (Gen 21:14), it’s intriguing Ishmael was present at Abraham’s burial. Re: Gen 25:20 Isaac was FORTY when Abraham sought a wife for him. Re: Gen 25:25 Genesis 25:25 (NASB) Now the first came forth red, all over like a >>>hairy garment;<<< and they named him Esau. Esau was hairy like a goat. Typologically, this hints at the adversarial relationship he’d have with his brother, and that his descendants would have towards Israel. Typologically, this goat imagery can be found throughout scripture and is synonymous with opposing G-d and despising His Messiah. Esau became the father of the Edomites, eternal enemies of Israel (Ps 83:5-6; Eze 35:5; Amos 1:11; Ob 1:10). Many notable biblical villains were descended from Esau including: Eliphaz (“friend” of Job; father of Amalek), Amalek, Agag, Haman the Agagite, Doeg the Edomite, Herod the Great, Herod Antipas, and Herod Agrippa. Re: Gen 25:30 Isaac and Esau: Two men ruled by their stomachs. (See Gen 25:28; Gen 27:4) Re: Gen 25:34 Genesis 25:34 (NASB) Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew; and he ate and drank, and rose and went on his way. Thus >>>Esau despised his birthright.<<< (See also Heb 12:16) Too often, Jacob is accused of having taken advantage of Esau or employing chicanery to swindle Esau out of his birthright. Balderdash! “Esau despised his birthright.” Whereas, Jacob recognized the value of G-d’s promise, and was thus fairly awarded legal claim to it for the price Esau himself set. Esau selling the birthright he despised for “a mess of pottage,” is yet another link in a chain of examples throughout scripture of the far off, approaching Messiah (Num 24:17a) and His progenitors being unrecognized, undervalued, and despised.
MS

Michael Scaman

Abram (father) became Abraham (father of nations0 We see Abraham has 6 more sons with Keturah (his wife after Sarah died and after Isaac moved out married to Rebeccah) and he will become father of nations. (He will have an unknown number of daughters). We also see Abraham living to 175 which makes Isaac then about 75, the age Abraham was approximately when promised a child. The child now a man of that age.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. God is good. God can be trusted. We should talk to God about anything and everything. Knowing these ideas, my view of the Word of God is it is a priority and it is “a must read.” 2. I drove in the heavy ice to go to work versus listening to God and staying home. Driving on the ice was dangerous. 3. Yes 4. Prayer can be implemented into daily life to help people stay anchored in the promises of God. Daily disciplines are vital because they give you time to practice key ideas of God and time in which your value of God can become stronger.