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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadMatthew Poole Commentary - Genesis 25:31 - 25:31
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
1805
i.e. Speedily, without delay. So this Hebrew word is used 1Sa_2:16 9:13,27 2Ch_18:4. The birthright then had divers singular privileges; as,
1. Dignity and authority over his brethren, Gen_4:7 27:29,37 49:3.
2. A double portion, Deu_21:17 1Ch_5:1.
3. A special blessing from his father, Gen_27:4.
4. The priesthood and chief government of the affairs of the church in his father’s absence, or sickness, and after his death, Num_8:16,17, &c.
5. The first-born was a special type, both of Christ, who was to be a first-born; and of the church, which is called God’s first-born, as Exo_4:22; and of the great privileges of the church, particularly of adoption and eternal life. See Heb_12:23. And therefore he is justly called profane, Heb_12:16, for slighting so sacred and glorious a privilege.
Quest.
1. Could the birthright be lost?
Answ. Yes. See Gen_4:7 1Ch_5:1.
Quest.
2. Did Jacob well in this matter?
Answ. No; because he tempted his brother to an act of profaneness and folly, and so was guilty of his sin. And though God had designed and promised this privilege to him, yet he should have waited till God had executed his promise in his own way, as David did till God gave him possession of Saul’s kingdom; and not have anticipated God, and snatched it by an irregular act of his own, as Jeroboam did the kingdom from Rehoboam.