I have always loved birth narratives - the details of how newborns come into this world. This explains why I am intrigued by the delivery of the most famous twins of the Bible - Esau and Jacob. Here is the account from Genesis 25:"When Rebekah's days to give birth were completed, behold, there were twins in her womb. The first came out red, all his body like a hairy cloak, so they called his name Esau. Afterward his brother came out with his hand holding Esau's heel, so his name was called Jacob."
What a fascinating drama was unfolding even at the time of their birth. Firstborn sons in this Ancient Near-Eastern culture were given special privileges and a better inheritance, so it was crucial to determine, in the case of two infant sons, which was the first one out. The fact that Esau was the older son, but that Jacob was literally "on his heel," was very important.
It's also amazing the choice of names given to these two boys. Esau means "hairy," which obviously makes sense given his initial appearance. And Jacob means "heel," also logical because of his hold on his older brother. But there is more to this name than just a physical correlation to the birth story.
"Jacob not only resembles the Hebrew term for 'heel' but also has the connotation of 'deceiver.' To grasp someone by the heel was apparently a figure of speech meaning 'to deceive.' The motif of deception appears in a number of episodes associated with Jacob." (ESV Study Bible)
While Jacob was known for committing various acts of deception, later on in Genesis his name was changed by God to "Israel," which means "he strives with God." Again, from the ESV Study Bible:
"The renaming of Jacob brings to a climax a lifetime of struggling with others. Through all of this, Jacob has finally come to realize the importance of being blessed by God. The events of the preceding years have changed Jacob. The God of his father has now become his God."
So what's in a name? Nothing without the blessing of God. How wonderful it is, then, for us to have the name of Christians. We have been granted special privileges and an incredible inheritance - heaven itself. Amen to that!
Your timing of this post is interesting as Katherine was just a couple of days ago asking me why they tied a scarlet thread around Esau's wrist. I think I'll have her read this and give her more insight.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Jeanette
This brought to mind a promise that Jesus has made to us who persevere it's in Revelations;
ReplyDeleteRevelation 2:17
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.
I have often wondered what my name will be and how our names will reflect our new, heavenly bodies.
Just one more thing for the body of Christ to look forward to as we journey through this land, homeward bound. DS