Did Esau Despise His Birthright or The Birthright?

Most English translations indicate that Esau despised his birthright (Genesis 25:34). But in actuality, the Hebrew Bible, the Bible that Jesus read, studied, and quoted, expresses something different. It takes us in a different direction, one firmly anchored in the larger story of God’s redemption. The Hebrew Bible reads, “Esau despised THE birthright.” What birthright is THE birthright?

Tim ColeApril 26, 2020Esau, Genesi 25:34, Birthright, Murder, Lying, Jacob, John 8:31, The Devil, Seed of the serpent, seed of the woman

Cain and Saul: Seed of the Serpent

Cain and Saul—representatives of the seed of the woman, display anger, jealousy, envy, and homicidal tendencies toward men who are depicted as forerunners of the ultimate seed of the woman, Jesus Christ (Genesis 3:15). The first man, Cain, displays his connection to the serpent at worship. The second character, Saul, displays his serpent characteristics at home.

Tim ColeFebruary 19, 2020Cain, Abel, Saul, Seed of the serpent, seed of the woman, Genesis 3:15, 1 Samuel, King Saul, King David, homicide, jealousy

Seed of the Serpent and the Seed of the Woman

Have you ever considered why the tallest men in First Samuel were decapitated? Why did the tallest guys lose their heads? Off with their heads! Well, the biblical author is making a theological point that we must not miss. He is showing us how one of the greatest promises ever made by God in Scripture is fulfilled. They lose their heads so that we do no lose hope.