and even became antagonistic.  Jacob was ambitious and persevering.  Esau was frank and generous but shallow and unappreciative of the best things.  The birthright carried with it two advantages:  (1) The headship of the family. (2) A double portion of the inheritance (Dt. 21:15-17).  Jacob set great value upon it, while Esau preferred a good dinner.  Isaac’s latter days were made dark because of the relation of these sons.

Stories Concerning Jacob.  These are calculated to show that Jacob was clever and far-sighted and was willing to employ any mean, honorable or dishonorable, to gratify his ambition.  They also show his suffering for his unfair acts and his final change to a new man.  His deception of his father resulted in his becoming a fugitive from home and never again seeing his mother who aided him in his treachery.  He was treated by Laban just as he himself had treated his brother.  For twenty years he was deprived of the quiet and friendly life of his old home.

While away he had some religious experiences that made him a new man.  His vision at Bethel taught him that Jehovah his God was also caring for him though in a strange land.  He may have thought that Jehovah dwelt only among the people of his nation and that on leaving home he was also going beyond the protection of God.  As a result he erected here a sanctuary that became sacred to all the Hebrews.

His struggle at the brook Jabbok made Jacob a new man.  He had all along depended on his own wits.  Now he is ready to return to his brother and show sorrow for his conduct.  The incident is parallel to the struggle which a repentant man must wage against his lower nature.  When the struggle is over he is a new man, a prince of god.  Religion had become real to him and his whole future career is built on a new plan.  He is still inventive and ambitious and persevering but is God’s man doing God’s will.

In connection with Jacob we have also the lessons concerning Esau.  He was a man intent upon immediate physical enjoyment; an idle drifter without spiritual ideals.  From his character and that of the Edomites, his descendants, there is taught the lesson that such an unambitious man or nation will always become degenerate and prove a failure.  God himself cannot make a man out of an idle drifter.

The Stories About Joseph.  The moral value of these stories is very great.  They are told in a charm that is felt by all.  The literary power and unity is remarkable.  There is seen in them ideals of integrity and truthfulness.  He is cheerful and uncomplaining and no adversity could destroy his ambitions.  The study of this section will well reward a frequent review of it.