REBEKAH’S WARNING

 

Thursday, April 6, 2023

 

REBEKAH’S WARNING

 

Gen 27:43-44

43 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice; and arise, flee thou to Laban my brother to Haran;

44 And tarry with him a few days, until thy brother's fury turn away; KJV

 

          Jacob had defrauded his brother, Esau, of both his inheritance and his birthright. One he bought with a bowl of beans and the other he stole with the help of his mother. The result was fury on the part of Esau. I suppose that is understandable.

 

          Rebekah, the mother who helped Jacob steal Esau’s blessing, advised her son to flee to grandpa’s house and hide out for a while until Esau cooled down a bit. Apparently, Rebekah had a good understanding of the nature of both boys. She knew Esau to be a hot-head and Jacob would not survive a fight with the robust Esau. Jacob was “smooth” while Esau was “hairy.”

 

          My Momma was a country philosopher and gave good advice, some of which I can’t repeat here. Rebekah’s warning was very good advice because “fury” is unsustainable. The Hebrew word “fury” means “poison” and refers to the fever brought on by the poison.  The word for “anger” refers to the “flaring of the nostrils.”

 

          If you are dealing with difficult people, it is sometimes best to just give them some space and some time. Cool heads think more clearly. If you are the hot head, the advice is the same. Give yourself some time to calm down.

 

          It is interesting to note that the outcome was orchestrated by God and that, later, when Jacob finally met Esau, they embraced.

 

Gen 33:4

4 And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept. KJV

 

Lord, I am glad that your children will one day meet and embrace … and possibly weep. Thank you for transforming difficult things into blessings. AMEN