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The birthright was a tradition in which the firstborn son received a large portion of their father's land and wealth after his passing. It was promised to the firstborn every time.

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Although Esau promised his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of food, Jacob was not certain he would receive it. This was until Rebekah decided to help. She came up with the idea of how to trick Isaac into giving the birthright to Jacob. This was a tough choice for Jacob as he knew his brother had promised the birthright to him, but he had to trick his father in order to get it.
The quote “the ends justify the means” can be applied here. Jacob felt that it was necessary to trick his father, despite his condition. This was a difficult choice, and it test Jacob’s own morals.

Additionally, some argue that the original deal was a display of Jacob’s morals. When Jacob traded a bowl of food for his brother’s birthright, he knew he was getting the better end of the deal. He questioned if Esau even deserved the birthright if he was willing to trade it so easily.

Rebekah also experienced a dilemma. She was faced with the choice of helping her favourite son, Jacob, receive the birthright that he questionably obtained, or to be truthful to her husband and ensure that Esau received the birthright that was originally his.

What Jacob and Rebekah did was not illegal during that time, although many would not consider it to be honourable.

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One afternoon, after a long morning of hunting and gathering, Esau returned home where he found Jacob making food for himself. Esau was very hungry and tired and asked his brother to make him some food. Jacob said no and offered to trade his food for Esau's birthright. Without little thought, Esau agreed.

Years later, Isaac became very weak and felt that he would soon pass. His eyesight was almost gone and he laid in bed most days. Realizing that his time was coming, Isaac wanted to give Esau his birthright before he passed. He told his wife, Rebekah to find Esau and tell him to hunt an animal and cook it for him, then he would receive his birthright.

Esau was out hunting and Rebekah went to Jacob instead. She told him what Isaac had said. Jacob got an animal from the flock and killed it, Rebekah then cooked it just like Esau normally does. Rebekah then put sheep fur on Jacob and took him to Isaac. Once there, Jacob pretended to be Esau and talked like him. Isaac reached out and felt the fur, and thought it was Esau. Isaac then gave Jacob the birthright.

Esau returned from hunting with his meal for Isaac but it was too late. After learning of this trick, Esau begs for his father to take back the birthright from Jacob and give it to him. Isaac refuses and instead gives Esau an inferior blessing. In the time that follows, Esau vows to kill his brother for tricking and deceiving him. Rebekah helps Jacob escape and go to a distant land. Many years later, the two brothers eventually meet again at the burial of their Father. However, this reunion is believed to not be genuine.

Both of the brothers became fathers of nations, and God changed Jacob’s name to Israel. He became the father of the 12 tribes of Israel. Esau on the other hand was to so fortunate. His descendants were the Edomites and that nation plagued Israel for many years until being judged by God.

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Jacob: One of the brothers. Jacob was unlike his brother and was very quiet. Instead of hunting he would rather stay at home. Jacob was a peaceful and smart boy.
Esau: Esau was a very strong and tough boy. He was a good a hunter and a hard worker. Esau often brought food home for his family to eat.
Isaac: Isaac was the father of the two boys.
Rebekah: Rebekah was the mother of Esau and Jacob and the wife of Isaac.

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In a way, the bowl of food can symbolize all the temporary short term pleasures that temp us. Although the food looked good and Esau was hungry, it was a short term decision.

The birthright represents long term goals or promises. Although the temptations to abandon these paths may seem numerous, it is important to remain on track. Had Esau realized just how important and precious the birthright was, he may not have traded it for a bowl of food.

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A successful lawyer named Isaac is dying of cancer. He has two sons, Jake, and Logan which are both grow ups who took very different paths in life. Jake followed in his fathers footsteps and is in school to be a lawyer, while Logan dropped out of school and likes to party. Even tho Logan uses his fathers money rather then work, Isaac still loves him because he is his first son.  Isaac want to leave a majority of his wealth and his large home, in New York to Logan. This makes Jake upset as he feels his brother will spend the money foolishly while Jake works for his money. One night Logan comes to Jake and asks for money, Logan says its for food but Jake knows Logan will use the money to party with. Jake  says he will give him the money if when their father dies Logan will give him the money Logan will get from there fathers will. Logan quickly agrees without much thought. Later on when Isaac is a much worse condition and is barley able to communicate Jake makes the tough choice to trick his father as Logan is not the most trustworthy person and will likely not keep his word. Jake pretends to be his brother and tells Isaac he does not want the money and thinks Jake should get it. In Isaacs condition he is in no place to argue with who he thinks is his oldest son.

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The actions taken by Esau were considered “ungodly”. He traded away his birthright for short-term physical pleasure, a bowl of food.