The Covenant Divide

8 January

And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger. Genesis 25:23

SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Deuteronomy 2:1-8

God says that the contention between the twin brothers in Rebekah's womb implies something far greater than itself; it means that there will be discord between the brothers and their posterity. The expression, two nations are in thy womb, is emphatic.Since Jacob and Esau were twins, and therefore of one blood, their mother did not suppose that they would become so separated that they would become heads of two, distinct nations. Yet God declares that dissension will take place between these brothers who were by nature joined together.

Second, he describes what will happen to their progeny. One nation will have victory over the other because they cannot be equal. The cause of the contest between them is because one is chosen by God and the other rejected. The reprobate gives way reluctantly to the godly, so it necessarily follows that the children of God must undergo many troubles and contests because of their adoption.

Third, the Lord affirms that the order of nature will be inverted. The younger son will be victor over the elder. This victory does not simply refer to earthly riches and wealth. Rather, this oracle teaches Isaac and Rebekah that the covenant of salvation will not be made with both brothers and their people but will be reserved only for the posterity of Jacob. In the beginning, the covenant promise is general and refers to all the seed of Abraham. Now it is restricted to one part of that seed.

FOR MEDITATION: The gospel of Jesus Christ still divides brothers. Sadly, this division often perpetuates itself through the generations, creating separate nations- some of which support Christianity while others are hostile to it. What a responsibility this gives us to present the gospel to succeeding generations of both nations! How can we fulfill this responsibility more?

John Calvin

365 Days with Calvin

Selected and Edited by Joel R. Beeke