1930 Young Mens Corner - page 3

THE BIRTHRIGHT AND THE BLESSING

GENESIS

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PART II.

Young Men’s Corner Eleventh Series.

January, 1930

" Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in t h a t they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so."  (Acts 17. 11).

CONTENTS.

PAGE

The generations of Ishmael and Isaac, and the Birthright.

Genesis 25. 12-34

1

Isaac and Abimelech.  Genesis 26. 1-35

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Remarks by J.M 13

THE GENERATIONS OF ISHMAEL AND ISAAC AND

THE BIRTHRIGHT.--GENESIS 25. 12-34.

FROM CROSSFORD.--We know that the answer of God to Rebe-kah’s inquiry not only shews His foreknowledge, but also, according to Romans 9. 11-13, the words contain what to us is somewhat difficult to understand, viz., His electing grace.

Doubtless Esau as a man possessed qualities that appealed to others.  He had gained a place in Isaac’s heart, which even his union with two Hittite women did not destroy.  His popularity is proved by the fact that later he went before no less than 400 men.  A free open life was his choice with no concern for spiritual matters.  The great promises of God had never reached his heart, he was a "profane "

person as God saw him.  [The word in the original is Belelos, from Belos = a threshold, and signifies what is open or accessible to all. Note how in 1 Timothy 1. 9 it is associated with unholy (impious).  The couplets here run " the lawless and unruly, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane."  A profane person treats sacred things as though they were common and such a course leads a person to become a despiser of God.  It is the opposite of what is expressed in the prayer the Lord taught His disciples, " Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name."--J.M.] [The derivation of this word " profane " is interesting : " Pro " meaning " before " or possibly " outside," and " fanum" meaning " a temple."  Thus, through various stages, it has come to mean " acting or speaking in contempt of sacred things." Many outside the House of God to-day are guilty of this profanity. Let us take heed.--Jas. M.]  Probably Esau had looked back in his mind to the days when Abraham had received promises with regard to the land, and the increase of his seed, and in unbelief had concluded that the word of God had come to nought.