Lesson 21B Genesis 2527

Lesson 21B Genesis 2527The Birthright

Seminary CourtThe Case of Esau v. JacobThe Case of Esau v. JacobThe claim?Jacob twice tricked Esau, first out of the birthright, and then out of the birthright blessingProsecution Opening StatementJacob received the birthright and blessing under suspicious circumstancesHe is not the firstborn sonHe does not deserve the birthrightDefense Opening StatementEsau was never meant to have the birthright; we were simply fulfilling the will of the Lord.Birthright blessing is a privilege, not a right.Prosecution 1st Witness - JacobAt the time of the first incident (Gen 25:29), what were you doing?Who came to visit you? What was his state?And you offered him food. In exchange for what?Why did he give his birthright to you? (25:32)So, you were basically threatening him with his life?Prosecution 2nd Witness - EsauWould you please tell the jury who is older, you or Jacob?And in Gen 25:28, how did your father, Isaac, feel about you, compared to your brother?What did your father ask you to do in Gen 27:4?And what did you find out when you came back? (Gen 27:35)Prosecution 3rd Witness - RebekahSo, Esau left to go get venison for his father, so he could receive the blessing. And you knew this, didnt you?What did you tell Jacob to do while he was gone? (Gen 27:9-10)But Esau is a hairy man! Surely Isaac, as old and blind as he way, could tell the difference. How did you get around this?(27:13)And was it really venison that Jacob gave him? (Gen 27:9)Lets ReviewThe Prosecution RestsDefense 1st Witness - Esau Who did you marry? (Gen 26:34-35)And were they daughters of Canaan, outside the covenant?How did you feel about your birthright? (Gen 25:34) Lets say you didnt want to sell your birthright to Jacob. Do you think he would have really let you, his own brother, die of hunger? Wasnt it really that you simply desired worldly pleasures more than spiritual blessings?

Defense 2nd Witness - RebekahFirst of all, I am so sorry you have been cast in such a poor lightTell me, did you receive a revelation from the Lord while you were pregnant with twins? (Gen 25:23)Who did He say would serve who?And this was before they were born? Do you believe in foreordination?

Defense 3rd Witness - IsaacWill you please read from the scriptures, in the book of Matthew 16:19?I just have one question. If the priesthood allows you bind and loose on earth, why didnt you simply undo your blessing after you found out you had given it to Jacob instead of Esau?Wasnt it meant for Jacob all along?Closing StatementThe Defense Rests Has the Jury reached a verdict?A few other things to remember:We dont know the whole story, many things have been lost. Remember the story of CainEven if Jacob and Rebekahs acts were mistakes and not the best way to go about things, it doesnt change the outcome and the foreordination of Jacob as the recipient of the covenant.There are some lessons to be learned from these storiesWhat is the birthright?Think back to Abrahams covenant.The priesthood promiseIf the birthright is the priesthood, what are the requirements?WorthinessReceive it from someone who has it already (and is worthy)Laying on of handsBruce R McConkieIt appears that anciently under the Patriarchal Order certain special blessings, rights, powers, and privilegescollectively called the birthright passed from the father to his firstborn son. ( Gen. 43:33 .) In later ages special blessings and prerogatives have been poured out upon all the worthy descendants of some who gained special blessings and birthrights anciently. ( 3 Ne. 20:2527 .) Justification for this system, in large part, lies in the pre-existent preparation and training of those born in the lines destined to inherit preferential endowments.

So, if Jacob was meant to have the birthright, why wasnt he born first?Are there other examples of younger sons receiving the birthright blessings?Seth (Gen 4:25) after Abel diedIsaac instead of IshmaelJoseph instead of RuebenEphraim instead of Manasseh (Gen 48)Nephi over Laman (1 Ne 2:22)The Lord is teaching us a lesson here, that the genetics are less important than worthiness.

The Birthright (The Priesthood)A sacred covenantBased on our worthinessNot a right, should not be treated as such.D&C 121:37Unrighteous dominion takes away that blessingNotebook IdeasJacob was flawed, but still blessed with the continuation of the covenant. How does this help you interpret your own standing with the Lord?Why is it so important that the Priesthood is held by those who are worthy?Law and OrderTelevision's Greatest HitsVol.7 Cable Ready, track 53Blues84036.305