Were Ishmael and Esau part of the covenant promise between Abraham and Yahweh? As direct descendants of Abraham did they not deserve to partake in the promise given? Some might think so. But as the Scriptures tell us, they did not gain the inheritance of the promise.
Why would this happen and can it happen to us today? Can we fall short in gaining inheritance as well?
The Torah gives us a picture into the character of both of these men.
Ishmael—These are the years of Ishmael. . . and was gathered to his people. They settled in Havilah, . . . he settled in defiance of all his relatives. (Gen. 25:17-18)
Esau—Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew; and he ate and drank . . . , thus Esau despised his birthright. (Gen. 25:34)
Esau—Esau bore a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him. . . and he said to himself—I will kill my brother Jacob. (Gen. 27:41)
Esau married two Hittite women bringing grief to his parents. (Gen. 26:35)
Esau, “tries to please Jacob” by going to Ishmael to marry one of his daughters by the name of Mahalath. Her name means, “dancing a sad song.” (Gen. 28:6-9)
Their characteristics are pretty clear: Defiance, despising, grudge carrier, murderer, bearer of grief and dancing sad songs.
Throughout the Torah, we see clear differences between Isaac (son of inheritance) and Ishmael (son of Hagar). We also see the difference between Jacob (to be named Israel) and Esau (the man despised by God). In each case they represent two nations or two belief systems that are contrary to each other. The distinction centers on the actions and reactions of man.
Some may believe that Yahweh should have been more fair to these men. But, do we decide for God? It seems to me that He has His own purposes and reason.
Consider the words of Apostle Paul:
“But it is not as though the word of God has failed, for they are not all Israel who are descendants of Israel, neither are they all children because they are Abraham’s descendants, Through Isaac your descendants will be named.” That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants.” Romans 9:6-9,
For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and compassion on whom I have compassion.” So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy. Romans 9: 15-16
On November 3, we saw our nation embrace representatives that promote values contrary to Biblical principles. Will this affect our children? Will our generations be able to withstand the onslaught? How will we respond to this type of warfare? Will we be an independent hunter like Esau seeking only our immediate needs? Will we become a wild donkey like Ishmael and settle in defiance? Will we accept the thought that God’s ways are higher than our ways?
I believe Yahweh wants us to live a “kingdom life” even in the midst of chaos. He doesn’t want us to disregard our inheritance. He wants us to appreciate our inheritance. Here as some key thoughts about living a Kingdom Life in the inheritance of the Promise, Yeshua our Messiah:
1. Know whom you serve. “For it is He who opens the eyes of the blind. . . and thwarts the way of the wicked.” Ps. 146:8-9
2. Plan for the future in the midst of destruction. “I know the plans I have for you, declares YHWH, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
3. Help others. “The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and kind in all His deeds.” Ps. 145:17
4. Walk in faith—the “assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Heb. 11;1-2
5. Stand up for what you believe. “Blessed is the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.” Ps. 144:1-2
6. Love again, support again, and show hospitality. “. . . the one who loves God should love his brother also.” I Jn. 4:18-21
True spiritual life begins to live when we reject our old flesh driven life. This miracle begins as soon as we put on the garments of the Messiah. Accept your inheritance.
“For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes.” Jn. 5:21
Be blessed, Rollyn