From Eden to Egypt- Day 29

Genesis Record, The: A Scientific and Devotional Commentary on the Book of Beginnings

So when her days were fulfilled for her to give birth, indeed there were twins in her womb.

And the first came out red. He was like a hairy garment all over; so they called his name Esau.
Afterward his brother came out, and his hand took hold of Esau’s heel; so his name was called Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them. - Genesis 25:24-26 (NKJV)



Sermon by Spurgeon


The boys were born twins.  It doesn't say that they were identical twins, but the Word says: indeed there were twins in her womb.  One was hairy and red, most probably a ruddy color.  The other came out behind him, clasping to his twin brother's heel.  Henry Morris says that the other was "evidently light and smooth." Morris goes on to say: "The strikingly unusual appearance of the two boys is reflected in the names given them." Esau means "hairy."  Jacob is translated "supplanter" or literally, "heel-catcher."

Twin brothers were born.  It seems that these twins only shared the same parents and womb.  Esau and Jacob were even at odds, it appears, at birth.  We are not given any indication if there was a struggle throughout the pregnancy of their mother, but we do get a clear view of what occurs at their birth.  Hosea interprets this birth when he said: "He (Jacob) took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God" (Hosea 12:3).

We look at this particular birth beyond the birth of twins.  It is actually the birth of warring spirits.  See how these two brothers emerge over time.  see how they outdoorsman and hunter (Esau) compares to his herdsman brother (Jacob).  Watch as the story unfolds of these two brothers at odds.  Come to understand that their birth was an indication of things to come.