Genesis 28:5-9

2008.Oct.10 17:50

Missing the Point

Read Genesis 28:5-9 | Full Chapter

Isaac then sent Jacob to stay with Rebekah's brother Laban, the son of Bethuel the Aramean. Esau found out that his father Isaac had blessed Jacob and had warned him not to marry any of the Canaanite women. He also learned that Jacob had been sent to find a wife in northern Syria and that he had obeyed his father and mother. Esau already had several wives, but he realized at last how much his father hated the Canaanite women. So he married Ishmael's daughter Mahalath, who was the sister of Nebaioth and the granddaughter of Abraham.
(Genesis 28:5-9, CEV)

Esau starts to clue in that his parents did not want him marrying a woman from Canaan. Too late, though, because he has already done so at least twice. Now, while I agree that Esau needs to honor his parents and should certainly have sought their advice in his marital decisions, it’s a little funky that this grown, married man–who has apparently not much cared in the past–is trying so hard to win his parents’ favor.

The solution chosen by Esau is not to follow his brother to Laban’s home, which is probably a wise abstention, but to marry one of his paternal cousins, Mahalath, daughter of Ishmael (and, the Bible notes for us, sister of Nebaioth, whoever that is. I’d look it up, but alas, I am without internet connection today).

But I think the point Esau continues to miss is obedience. He doesn’t so much see (reading between the lines) that Jacob “obeyed his father and mother,” but rather the results of a particular act of obedience. Esau, I think, is still trying to find a good equation or system for pleasing others and getting through life. But he does appear interested in lifestyle changes, in placing correct values on things, in continually honoring his parents, in obeying Yahweh and his elders (where appropriate regarding the elders). Esau wants one off, quicky solutions. Which have nothing to do with the kingdom of God.