The International KJV Lesson Commentary Sunday School Lesson

November 4

Lesson 10 (KJV)

Siblings’ Rivalry

Devotional Reading: Matthew 16:13–20

Background Scripture: Genesis 25:19–34

Genesis 25:19–34

19 And these are the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son: Abraham begat Isaac:

20 And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram, the sister to Laban the Syrian.

21 And Isaac intreated the Lord for his wife, because she was barren: and the Lord was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.

22 And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the Lord.

23 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.

24 And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.

25 And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.

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.

27 And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.

28 And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob.

29 And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint:

30 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom.

31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.

32 And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?

33 And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob.

34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.

Key Verse

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

God’s World and God’s People

Unit 3: God Blesses and Re-creates Regardless

Lessons 10–13

Lesson Aims

After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:

1. Summarize the account of Rebekah’s pregnancy, the birth of her twin boys, and the account of how Jacob obtained the birthright from Esau.

2. Explain what contributed to the sibling rivalry between Jacob and Esau and which influences today create such rivalries.

3. Take the first step to resolve a family rivalry.

Lesson Outline

Introduction

A. Lucy and Jacob

B. Lesson Context

I. Distressed Mother (Genesis 25:19–23)

A. Big Picture (vv. 19, 20)

B. Barrenness (v. 21)

C. Battle (vv. 22, 23)

II. Distinctive Boys (Genesis 25:24–28)

A. Esau’s Birth (vv. 24, 25)

B. Jacob’s Birth (v. 26)

When Siblings Struggle

C. Boys’ Preferences (v. 27)

D. Parents’ Preferences (v. 28)

What Makes Children Different?

III. Despised Birthright (Genesis 25:29–34)

A. Offer Given (vv. 29–31)

B. Offer Accepted (vv. 32–34)

Conclusion

A. The Real Rivalry

B. Prayer

C. Thought to Remember

HOW TO SAY IT

Aram	Air-um.
Bethuel	Beh-thew-el.
Esau	Ee-saw.
Hagar	Hay-gar.
Haran	Hair-un.
Isaac	Eye-zuk.
Jacob	Jay-kub.
Laban	Lay-bun.
Mesopotamia	Mes-uh-puh-tay-me-uh.
Nahor	Nay-hor.
Padanaram	Pay-dan-a-ram.
Rebekah	Reh-bek-uh.

What Do You Think? How can we ensure that life’s difficulties drive us closer to God rather than further from Him? Digging Deeper Analyze motives and spiritual maturity of Bible characters who made wrong choices in this regard (Matthew 13:20, 21; 26:69–75; etc.).

What Do You Think? What are some reliable ways to discern God’s will or purpose in times of confusion? Digging Deeper Consider the distinction between what God generally requires of everyone (from Scripture) and what God may want specifically from a particular person in a given context.

Visual for Lesson 10. Start a discussion by pointing to this visual as you ask, “What’s at the heart of sibling rivalry?”

What Do You Think? How can parents ensure they do not exhibit favoritism regarding their children? Digging Deeper Consider both dos and don’ts.

What Do You Think? How can we ensure that our decisions are driven by a sense of right and wrong rather than self-gratification? Digging Deeper Distinguish between those who make selfish choices intentionally and those who do so because of ignorance or blind spots.

What Do You Think? What can we do to protect ourselves from those who use our weakness to take advantage? Digging Deeper Consider how Psalm 55:20, 21; Proverbs 7:21; Romans 16:17, 18; 2 Timothy 3:6; 1 John 2:18–27; and 3:7–10 help identify characteristics and tactics of manipulative personalities.

Thought to Remember

Live for the Master, not for the moment.

Involvement Learning

Enhance your lesson with KJV Bible Student.

Boatman, Charles R. et al. “Siblings’ Rivalry.” The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2018–2019. Ed. Ronald L. Nickelson et al. Vol. 66. Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing, 2018. 87–88. Print.