Good Morning.
So when her days were fulfilled for her to give birth, indeed there were twins in her womb. And the first came out red. He was like a hairy garment all over; so they called his name Esau. (Genesis 25:24-25)
Until these children were born, it seems that Rebekah was the only one who knew that she was carrying twins. Actually, Rebekah knew much more. She knew that the eldest, contrary to the custom of the day, was not the one chosen to lead the family. She knew through prophecy that distinction had been promised to the younger. So one wonders what when through her mind when her first born son, Esau, appeared.
As the Bible describes his debut, Esau must have been quite the sight. He emerged from the womb with a red or ruddy complexion. The Hebrew word used to describe his appearance is אדמוני admoni and is related to the words for “blood” and the “ground.” The Scripture points out that Esau possessed a love of hunting and would not have shied away at the shedding of blood. His descendants, known as Edom, were infamous for being one of Israel’s main antagonists who sought to shed the blood of Israelites. Their hostility was so intense that God determined, in the end, they will be judged because of this murderous nature (Ezekiel 35:5-6). It would seem that the Bible’s description of his physical appearance hinted at his spiritual disposition — the ruddy Esau was earthy (carnal) and bloodthirsty.
However, I do not believe that Esau was born to be bad; none of us are. All of us, like Esau, come into this world with a carnal nature but that doesn’t mean we have to give into that carnal nature.” For example, when Samuel found the shepherd boy, David, to anoint him as king of Israel, he is described as being admoni or “ruddy.
“Now he was ruddy (admoni) with bright eyes, and good-looking.” (1 Samuel 16:12)
The difference between the two is that, for the most part, David ruled his nature rather than allowing his nature to rule him. And so it must be with us; we came into the world with a carnal nature inclined to seek for instant gratification of our flesh. As followers of the Son of David, the Messiah, we have been given the power and authority to overrule our carnal nature and be those who are “after God’s own heart.” We are not bound to be good or evil by our status in this world but we are bound to choose between the two. The choice we make will most definitely have an impact on this world. Let’s choose to do good and serve our Father with all of our heart.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
Recent Comments