Genesis 25:26

And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac [was] threescore years old when she bare them.

And after {H310} that came {H3318} his brother {H251} out {H3318}, and his hand {H3027} took hold {H270} on Esau's {H6215} heel {H6119}; and his name {H8034} was called {H7121} Jacob {H3290}: and Isaac {H3327} was threescore {H8346} years {H8141} old {H1121} when she bare {H3205} them.

Then his brother emerged, with his hand holding 'Esav's heel, so he was called Ya'akov [he catches by the heel, he supplants]. Yitz'chak was sixty years old when she bore them.

After this, his brother came out grasping Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob. And Isaac was sixty years old when the twins were born.

And after that came forth his brother, and his hand had hold on Esau’s heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.

Commentary

Commentary on Genesis 25:26 (KJV)

Genesis 25:26 recounts the dramatic birth of Isaac and Rebekah's second son, Jacob, providing foundational insight into his character and the subsequent narrative of the patriarchs. This verse is pivotal, introducing one of the Bible's most complex and significant figures, whose life story is marked by struggle, transformation, and divine purpose.

Context

This verse follows the remarkable and long-awaited pregnancy of Rebekah, a period during which she experienced intense internal struggle from the twins within her womb. She consulted the Lord, and He revealed a prophecy concerning the two nations that would emerge from her, stating that "the elder shall serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23). The birth of Esau first, followed immediately by Jacob, sets the stage for the unfolding of this divine decree. Isaac's age of sixty years at their birth underscores the miraculous nature of their arrival, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham for numerous descendants.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Significance of Names: Jacob's name (Hebrew: Ya'akov, יַעֲקֹב) literally means "heel-grabber" or "supplanter." This name was given at birth due to his action of holding onto Esau's heel, serving as a prophetic indicator of his future character and his tendency to strive for advantage, as seen when he supplanted his brother's birthright and blessing.
  • Foreshadowing of Sibling Rivalry: The physical act of grasping Esau's heel immediately establishes a dynamic of competition and striving between the brothers. This act foreshadows the intense rivalry, deception, and eventual reconciliation that would define their relationship throughout their lives, impacting the trajectory of their respective nations.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Purpose: Despite the seemingly human act of Jacob grasping Esau's heel, the narrative subtly highlights God's overarching plan. The prophecy in Genesis 25:23 already indicated a reversal of natural birth order superiority. This suggests that God's purposes are at work, even through the imperfect, sometimes scheming, actions of individuals.
  • God's Faithfulness to His Covenant: The birth of the twins to Isaac and Rebekah, particularly given Isaac's age, is a powerful testament to God's continued faithfulness to the covenant promises made to Abraham regarding his descendants and the establishment of a great nation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "heel" is 'aqeb (עָקֵב), and the verb "to seize by the heel" or "to supplant" is 'aqab (עָקַב). Jacob's name, Ya'akov (יַעֲקֹב), is derived from this root. This linguistic connection is crucial for understanding the immediate and long-term significance of his birth and name. It's not merely a descriptive name but a prophetic one, encapsulating his early character and the trajectory of his life, which would later be transformed when God renamed him Israel.

Practical Application

Genesis 25:26 reminds us that our origins, even those seemingly defined by struggle or a particular characteristic, do not ultimately determine our destiny in God's plan. While Jacob's name and initial actions pointed to a life of striving and supplanting, God ultimately reshaped his character and used him mightily. This verse encourages us to consider:

  • The Power of Identity: How do we perceive ourselves, and how does God desire to redefine us? Like Jacob, we may have a "natural" identity, but God offers a "spiritual" one.
  • God's Use of Imperfect People: God often chooses and uses individuals with flaws and struggles to accomplish His divine purposes, demonstrating His grace and power.
  • Patience in Waiting for God's Promises: Isaac and Rebekah waited many years for these children, reinforcing the theme of God's perfect timing and faithfulness in fulfilling His word.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 27:36 (7 votes)

    And he said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he hath supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he hath taken away my blessing. And he said, Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me?

  • Hosea 12:3 (6 votes)

    He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God:

  • Genesis 38:28 (4 votes)

    And it came to pass, when she travailed, that [the one] put out [his] hand: and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, This came out first.

  • Genesis 38:30 (4 votes)

    And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and his name was called Zarah.