Genesis 28:5 Then Isaac sent Jacob on his way, and he went to Paddan Aram, to Laban son of Bethuel the Aramean, the brother of Rebekah, who was the mother of Jacob and Esau.
There is nothing quite as appealing as something you cannot have. This maxim appears as true in Esau’s time as it is today. Esau saw that Jacob pleased their mother and father with his actions. Esau then decides to take a non-Canaanite wife from his Uncle Ishmael’s daughters. But what is he hoping to gain?
Genesis 28:6-7 Now Esau learned that Isaac had blessed Jacob and had sent him to Paddan Aram to take a wife from there, and that when he blessed him he commanded him, “Do not marry a Canaanite woman,” and that Jacob had obeyed his father and mother and had gone to Paddan Aram.
This situation brings to mind Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters….” Instead of trying to please his parents, Esau should be trying to please God. We all should. Instead of trying to get accolades from fellow humans, our only concern should be bringing God glory in our thoughts, words, and actions. Help me, Jesus.
Genesis 28:8 Esau then realized how displeasing the Canaanite women were to his father Isaac;
Precious Savior, I know that I need to live Colossians 3:23, that I need to work at all things as though working for You alone, not for human masters. I know that I need to squash the human tendency for pride, for wanting recognition and accolades for my accomplishments. Help me, Jesus. Help me. Amen.
Genesis 28:9 so he went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Ishmael son of Abraham, in addition to the wives he already had.
Have a blessed day.