Once in a while we encounter passages in the bible that are a little odd; out of place. We know the bible is inspired. When we encounter these oddities, we should pay special attention.
This is true in Genesis 25, when Jacob prepares lentil soup and gives some to Esau.
The Shemites of Abrahams era followed a mourning custom called Shiva. Shiva is a seven-day period of mourning calling for prayer, humility and rest. There were also special foods eaten that remind the mourners of the circular pattern of life. Eggs and lentils, both having round shapes, were traditional.
The mourners, immediate family of the deceased, were prohibited from any work during Shiva, including cooking. This prohibition did not include grandchildren. Since Abraham had just died, his grandchildren could prepare the food for Isaac and Rebecca during their Shiva.
Jacob was following the cultural tradition by supporting his parents, Esau was not. Esau chose instead to follow his own passion for hunting. (We must note the only other named hunter in the bible was Nimrod, who tried to take God’s rightful place in heaven). These events clearly establish God’s motives in choosing Jacob as the righteous inheritor of Abrahams covenant, not the elder Esau. We are here reminded that our God is not arbitrary, but deliberate.
This is true in Genesis 25, when Jacob prepares lentil soup and gives some to Esau.
The Shemites of Abrahams era followed a mourning custom called Shiva. Shiva is a seven-day period of mourning calling for prayer, humility and rest. There were also special foods eaten that remind the mourners of the circular pattern of life. Eggs and lentils, both having round shapes, were traditional.
The mourners, immediate family of the deceased, were prohibited from any work during Shiva, including cooking. This prohibition did not include grandchildren. Since Abraham had just died, his grandchildren could prepare the food for Isaac and Rebecca during their Shiva.
Jacob was following the cultural tradition by supporting his parents, Esau was not. Esau chose instead to follow his own passion for hunting. (We must note the only other named hunter in the bible was Nimrod, who tried to take God’s rightful place in heaven). These events clearly establish God’s motives in choosing Jacob as the righteous inheritor of Abrahams covenant, not the elder Esau. We are here reminded that our God is not arbitrary, but deliberate.
