Craig Posted January 24, 2010 Report Share Posted January 24, 2010 Q1. Why does the New Testament condemn Esau for selling his birthright? (Hebrews 12:16-17) What did selling the birthright represent? What does this transaction say about Esau's character and values? What does it reveal bout Jacob's character and values? The New Testament condemns Esau's behavior because he lost his inheritance, which included God's gracious promises, by despising it and valuing the pleasure of immediate gratification of food. He exercised no self-control or discipline. In selling his birthright he lost the ability to become the future leader of his family and all that came with it. This transaction indicates that Esau was spiritually and morally shallow. He went for immediate self-gratification over patiently waiting for his problem of hunger to be resolved properly. In haste he sold his birthright away. He had no wisdom. Jacob improperly took advantage of his brother. He had core value/ethical issues. At that time he also left something to desired. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda Stanley Posted January 24, 2010 Report Share Posted January 24, 2010 Esau did think he could please his dad,go get the game and prepare a meal to then receive his birthright .I really don't know what he was thinking.The birthright was really already his.He was not very strong minded to think the stew he was to prepare would in turn give him his birth right from his father.Then Jacob his brother insisted on having his fathers blessing for himself and took advantage of his brother's hunger,buying his birthright for a plate of stew.Jacob had a demanding spirit,which is a sin deep within ones heart.Some people will do anything to get what they want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pearl Posted January 24, 2010 Report Share Posted January 24, 2010 Esau showed that he cared more about the flesh than spiritual matters because of his choice to sell something so important, his (birthright). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommaA827 Posted January 25, 2010 Report Share Posted January 25, 2010 Q1. Why does the New Testament condemn Esau for selling his birthright? (Hebrews 12:16-17) What did selling the birthright represent? What does this transaction say about Esau's character and values? What does it reveal bout Jacob's character and values? i think it condems esau for selling his birthright because he love worldly pursuits more than the will of God. esau's problem is he didn't treasure his inheritance. if you think about it we only get rid of stuff we no longer value or when we value something else more. by esau doing what he loved he lost sight of God's will for his life. and when push came to shove he let his discomfort do his deciding for him and all while doing what he loved. i think the Bible records these stories so we can learn from them and so we can avoid pitfalls. moral of the story: resist living for the here and now by selling out tommorow for a bowl of lentil soup. bowl of lentils = instant gratification. eternal life = eternal life. bottom line is it all depends on what you treasure. something to think about, fs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sylverd Posted January 26, 2010 Report Share Posted January 26, 2010 Q1. Why does the New Testament condemn Esau for selling his birthright? (Hebrews 12:16-17) What did selling the birthright represent? What does this transaction say about Esau's character and values? What does it reveal bout Jacob's character and values? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sylverd Posted January 26, 2010 Report Share Posted January 26, 2010 Q1. Why does the New Testament condemn Esau for selling his birthright? (Hebrews 12:16-17) What did selling the birthright represent? What does this transaction say about Esau's character and values? What does it reveal bout Jacob's character and values? Selling the birth right represented I believe the covenant that we have with those we love and who love us. Issac was raised knowing his faith and wanting to share that faith with his children. I believe because the firstborn child is first, he inherits all the promises that go with that. I think Esau just didnt "get" it. His mind was mainly focused on the tangible things of his life. I also believe that God already knew that, as Psalm 139 so beautifully states, "You knit me together in my mother's womb" God informed Rebekah in order fulfill that prophecy. Indeed Jacob is the father of Isreael! Jacob's wants to be obedient to God and his character may be a trifle suspect but his heart is always in the right place!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie Posted January 27, 2010 Report Share Posted January 27, 2010 Q1. Why does the New Testament condemn Esau for selling his birthright? (Hebrews 12:16-17) What did selling the birthright represent? What does this transaction say about Esau's character and values? What does it reveal bout Jacob's character and values? For selling his birthright was disrespectful, godless, it showed that Esau was selfish thinking only of himself and rejected his birthright Jacob is no better then Esau he took advantage of Esau Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kerryanne Posted January 27, 2010 Report Share Posted January 27, 2010 Q1. Why does the New Testament condemn Esau for selling his birthright? (Hebrews 12:16-17) What did selling the birthright represent? What does this transaction say about Esau's character and values? What does it reveal bout Jacob's character and values? Hello Pastor Ralph Question 1 A consequence has a price to pay. Esua selling his birthright shows us that some decisions and sin in our lives has a lasting consequence. Selling the birthright represents giving up your inherited position and leadership in the family. Esua does not give thought towards the future nor the consequence that it has upon his life or anyone elses life. Esua is impulsive and impatient. He did not have respect and honour for the position he held as the oldest son. Jacobss character shows a selfish character. Jacob did not value Esaus position and his authority as the first son. He did not love his brother with the respect and honour due to him as the oldest son. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maddog Posted January 27, 2010 Report Share Posted January 27, 2010 Q1. Why does the New Testament condemn Esau for selling his birthright? (Hebrews 12:16-17) What did selling the birthright represent? What does this transaction say about Esau's character and values? What does it reveal bout Jacob's character and values? All of us have a birthright, an inheritance, to eternal life. We can "sell" our birthright when we embrace the "World" at the expence of the promises of God. We need to control our fleshly cravings and seek after a higher calling. Esau was not hungry "to death" but answered the carnal, immediate fulfilling, of his greedy flesh. Jacob was conniving and a momma's boy who followed his mother's instructions, since he was told that he would be the patriach of the family. He was an oppotunist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gann Posted January 27, 2010 Report Share Posted January 27, 2010 Q1. Why does the New Testament condemn Esau for selling his birthright? (Hebrews 12:16-17) Esau was too quick to sell out for the desires of the flesh, instead of being patient and waiting on the Lord. What did selling the birthright represent? Esau selling his birthright represents our soul when we sell out to satan for the desires of the flesh or of the things of this world. What does this transaction say about Esau's character and values? This transaction shows just how weak Esau was in the flesh and how he was looking at the present values and not on the long term values of his life or soul. What does it reveal bout Jacob's character and values? This lets us know that Jacob was looking out for the future for his self and all that he could get out of it. Jacob was looking ahead and was willing to do what ever it took to plan for his future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anneshaw Posted January 31, 2010 Report Share Posted January 31, 2010 Q1. Why does the New Testament condemn Esau for selling his birthright? (Hebrews 12:16-17) What did selling the birthright represent? What does this transaction say about Esau's character and values? What does it reveal bout Jacob's character and values? The words used in this passage are strong words of condemnation of Esau Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandpagrandpa Posted February 1, 2010 Report Share Posted February 1, 2010 Q1. (Hebrews 12:16-17) What did selling the birthright represent? What does this transaction say about Esau's character and values? What does it reveal bout Jacob's character and values? Why does the New Testament condemn Esau for selling his birthright? It represented sin and our giving in to tempatations. What did selling the birthright represent? Immediate gratification, separating ourselves from Christ. What does this transaction say about Esau's character and values? Esau has no values as he is only interested in the needs he can obtain now. What does it reveal bout Jacob's character and values? Jacob jumps at opportunities as he sees the value in waiting for what could be his as well as being proud in who he is and in the relationships he holds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PATCH Posted February 2, 2010 Report Share Posted February 2, 2010 Q1. Why does the New Testament condemn Esau for selling his birthright? (Hebrews 12:16-17) What did selling the birthright represent? What does this transaction say about Esau's character and values? What does it reveal bout Jacob's character and values? The birthright is the legal rights of the firstborn to a double portion of the inheritance. Obviously only one person in a family is entitled to the birthright and it is a priviledge to receive it. The NT condemns Esau for selling it because : 1) It shows he does not honour or value the birthright - it meant nothing to him or was of no or little significance 2) Bad enough he sold it, he got only a bowl of stew for it !!! Shows the value he attached to his birthright. 3) His flesh took control - in a weak moment he gave up something which was of utmost importance. When Esau sold his birthright he belittled it. He did not consider it valuable enough to keep it for himself or for his children. This transaction reveals a major weakness in Esau's character. He did not treasure what was most significant in his life and even in the lives of his descendents. Its like he gambled away their inheritance, when he faced temptation. He didnt care about his children and his childrens' future. Jacob, on the other hand, was devious and greedy. He moved with calculated precision when he saw that his brother was desperate and in need. He could easily have shared his stew with his brother. Instead he took away what was most important to his brother, elevating his own status and stripping his elder brother of his. His actions shows he would do whatever it takes to get what he wants. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Antwan Posted February 2, 2010 Report Share Posted February 2, 2010 Q1. Why does the New Testament condemn Esau for selling his birthright? (Hebrews 12:16-17) What did selling the birthright represent? What does this transaction say about Esau's character and values? What does it reveal bout Jacob's character and values? I believe the author of Hebrews condemns Esau for the selling of his birthright because he gave up something sacred and longer lasting to fulfill something temporal and fleshly, and it is a warning to us not to do the same. What Esau's actions say about him is that he is more willing to live in the here and now; he is lead by his flesh and not by the Spirit. He doesn't think of the consequences of his actions. Jacob is no better at this time. Although he thinks a little more about what lies ahead in the future, he takes advantage of the weakness of his brother to gain what he wants. Although God chose him to be the line through which the world would be blessed, he took it upon himself to go out and claim that right through ill-gotten gains. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda bass Posted February 13, 2010 Report Share Posted February 13, 2010 Hebrews condemns Esau for selling his birthright because he valued a single meal as more important then his spiritual birthright. He esteemed the temporal as more important then the eternal. Not only was Esau willing to sell his birthright to Jacob for a single bowl of stew,he despised his birthright. He was willing trade away that what was spiritual for the momentary gratification of "the lu$t of the flesh." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miknikrik Posted February 16, 2010 Report Share Posted February 16, 2010 A birthright is a gift from God, and like all the gifts and blessings God has for us we sometimes have to wait for them. The problem with most people is, we want what we want when we want it. Often times we take matters into our own hands, not waiting on the promises of God and we do things that we regret later on in life. When we start to think and function in the Spirit of God then and only then will we learn to receive, accept and appreciate the gifts that are for us from God. This is the Esau in all of us. The Jacob in us also want what we want when we want it. We are covetous by nature, wanting what the other person has. When then take advantage of and manipulate them in such away that they would give us just what we wanted of theirs. BUT, when the Jacob in us starts to operate in the spirit of God, we too would wait on the Lord to bless us with the blessing He has just for us. Along with deceptive behavior comes consequences. just because Jacob received Esau's blessings, doesn't make him any less guilty of not doing unto others as you would others to do unto you. God will repay all men accordingly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
royk Posted February 21, 2010 Report Share Posted February 21, 2010 Q1. Why does the New Testament condemn Esau for selling his birthright? (Hebrews 12:16-17) What did selling the birthright represent? What does this transaction say about Esau's character and values? What does it reveal bout Jacob's character and values? Hebrews states that he was immoral or godless to traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal. I could say he was foolish. We today have traded our connection with God for some stupid things as well. We worship the stock market and $$$ somethings we are afraid our $$ will not be sufficient and we have no faith. Other times we watch TV and forget about God. Or we do things with other that are un Godly, or that displease god because we don't put/love him first. We have no right to criticize either Esau or Jacob. We are sinners!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie1Rose Posted February 21, 2010 Report Share Posted February 21, 2010 Q1. Why does the New Testament condemn Esau for selling his birthright? (Hebrews 12:16-17) What did selling the birthright represent? What does this transaction say about Esau's character and values? What does it reveal bout Jacob's character and values? The Message talks about trading God's life-long gift in order to satisfy a short term appetite. It calls it a syndrome, so many times words and actions carry irrevocable damage and ruin our inheritance for us and others. The Birthright was Esau's inheritance, everytime I sin I trade in part of my inheritance. Esau had no real spiritual understanding of his inheritance, it's meaning or blessing. It came second to the physical. Jacob was just after the main chance. He had no real thought or care for his brother, just for what he could get. Had he always been jealous, felt second best, envious, what was their upbringing like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glory Posted March 1, 2010 Report Share Posted March 1, 2010 ESAU WAS CONDEMNED FOR SELLING HIS BIRTHRIGHT BECAUSE HE WAS WILLING TO TRADE HIS BIRTHRIGHT FOR A MEAL, THUS HE WAS CALLED GODLESS IN THE BOOK OF HEBREWS.SELLING HIS BIRTHRIGHT REPRESENTED THAT HE WAS WILLING TO GIVE UP HIS LEGAL RIGHTS TO THE DOUBLE PORTION OF HIS INHERITANCE AS WELL AS LEADERSHIP OF THE FAMILY WHEN HIS FATHER DIED. HE WANTED INSTANT GRATIFICATION.ESAU WAS IMPATIENT AND WAS CONCERNED WITH THE PRESENT WHILE JACOB WAS MORE CONCERNED WITH HIS FUTURE.JACOB TOOK ADVANTAGE OF HIS BROTHER'S WEAKNESS AND BASICALLY MANIPULATED HIS BROTHER TO GET WHAT HE WANTED.ESAU SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN CONTENTED WITH THE OUTDOORS, HUNTING ANIMALS, ETC AND MAYBE WASNT SO MUCH CONCERNED ABOUT BIRTHRIGHT AND FAMILY DUTIES UNTIL IT WAS TOO LATE AND THEN HE COULDNT RETRIEVE THE BLESSING BECAUSE IT WAS ALREADY GIVEN TO JACOB.WE ALL NEED TO STOP AND THINK AND SEEK GOD'S WISDOM FIRST BEFORE WE MAKE CHOICES WE MAY LATER REGRET. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrD Posted March 8, 2010 Report Share Posted March 8, 2010 The NT condemns Esau for selling his birtright because it appears that Esau valued other things more than his relationship and responsibility to and with the Lord. . . Selling his birthright represented that he, Esau, had a greater consideration for what he could possess now (what he could see, hear, smell, taste or touch) than what was purpsed and planned for him by God. . . Matthew 6:19-34 (KJV) 19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. This transaction, the selling and purchasing of the birthright reveals much of what is memtioned above about these two brothers. . . ESAU - that he valued earthly things more than spiritual things. . . "What does it prophet a man to gain the whole world and then lose his Soul? What will a man give in exchange for his soul? JACOB - although he valued the spiritual things - he put more confidence in acquiring them by his own actions and plans tahn he did in trusting God to bring them about in his life. . .Hebrews 11:1-2 (KJV) 1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 10:35-39 (KJV) 35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
l.a. Posted March 27, 2010 Report Share Posted March 27, 2010 Q1. Why does the New Testament condemn Esau for selling his birthright? (Hebrews 12:16-17) What did selling the birthright represent? What does this transaction say about Esau's character and values? What does it reveal bout Jacob's character and values? I believe that the New Testament condemns Esau for selling his birth right because this was a possession that represented family honor. This position was to be held in high regard and was not. It was an act of disrespect for family traditions that were held sacred. Esau seemed to lack self control and vision; if he had thought of the significance of his birth right, he could have managed to go a couple of more hours without food. Jacob reveals that he is able to take advantage of his own brother for his own personal gain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
servant for Christ Posted April 19, 2010 Report Share Posted April 19, 2010 Q1. Why does the New Testament condemn Esau for selling his birthright? (Hebrews 12:16-17) What did selling the birthright represent? What does this transaction say about Esau's character and values? What does it reveal bout Jacob's character and values? Esau was considered a profane person. The profanity involves far mort than one's speech, it is a quality of one's life. The author sees this quality exemplified in Esau even though he was not a vile man. In fact, he was less of a crook than his brother Jacob. The author accurately focuses on the one area that revealed Esau as profane--the selling of his birthright. To "profane" is to regard something as unhallowed, to treat something sacred as common. Being totally concerned with his temporary and material needs, Esau gave them priority over his rights as the first born son and his responsibilities as heir to the blessing of the Abrahamic covenant. The result in Esau's life was that afterward, when he wanted the blessing, he was rejected. He repented with tears, but is was too late. Jacob thought more of the birthright than during what was right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Hyland Posted April 26, 2010 Report Share Posted April 26, 2010 Q1. Why does the New Testament condemn Esau for selling his birthright? (Hebrews 12:16-17) What did selling the birthright represent? What does this transaction say about Esau's character and values? What does it reveal bout Jacob's character and values? I believe it was because it was short-sighted. Esau chose something base over something valuable. In the New Testament I believe it is call to choose eternal life and to keep the bigger perspective (delayed gratification) over our day-to-day wants and desires. This transaction revealed a lot about the character of both men. The main difference being that Jacob saw the value in the birthright while Esau did not (until later that is). I think that instant gratification is very common and is said to be the greatest hindrance to success. It is unfortunate that we cannot always delay our gratification for something better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fiorisole Posted July 24, 2010 Report Share Posted July 24, 2010 The New Testament condemns Esau selling his birthright, because it shows Esau was more interested in material things, as soon as he could get them, rather than what the future would bring him. He wasn't eager to obey his father, until Isaac was near death. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngelOnLine Posted September 26, 2010 Report Share Posted September 26, 2010 Q1. Why does the New Testament condemn Esau for selling his birthright? (Hebrews 12:16-17) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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