So far, we
have had Cain and Esau demonstrate to us that the first-born son is not always
the best one. The Bible is very carefully starting a pattern, one that we will
see continued with Jacob’s many sons. To the Hebrews, it is more important that
the person most deserving, the one who works the hardest be the one to inherit,
regardless of birth order.
At the same
time, however, they’re carefully maintaining this tradition. The narratives
provide a rationale for changing the tradition on a case-by-case basis, but
with a little more evidence, the idea of primogeniture (things passing to the
first-born) is something that will pass from the Hebrew system.
Again, it
may seem like Jacob and Rebekah are underhanded, but it shows the importance of
intelligence and cunning in safeguarding the family legacy. Esau’s carefree and
responsibility-free attitude towards life is not enough. Simply by accepting
Jacob’s price demonstrates that he is not fit for inheriting the bulk of
Isaac’s property, especially as he doesn’t know the first thing about an
agrarian lifestyle.