Genesis 25-27 New Century Version

After a little absence, I am back with three more chapters of the Bible. Because of copyright issues, I realize that I have to regularly change the version of the Bible that I read. Today's passages are from the New Century Version. I have included some random notes below.

Today's reading of Genesis 25 is from the New Century Version. It gave me pause at the end of the chapter, where Esau states that "his father's wealth won't do him any good if he dies." That is an interesting translation. I don't read Hebrew, but the birthright issue was about more than money in my opinion. The birthright came with a particular blessing from God that Jacob coveted. It wasn't merely money that Esau despised but the blessing of God, even the covenant of God, which is why it was displeasing to God.

I find it interesting that a time of famine stirred up Isaac's hunger, leading to a covenant with God. Abraham also wanted a child, which led him into a covenant with God.
Genesis 26
It is painful to see the callousness with which men treat women in the Old Testament. To this day, women are treated extremely poorly throughout the Middle East, India, Asia, and Africa. Women get abused in the West, of course; all people get abused everywhere because all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But nowhere in the world have women gained more honor, respect, equality, and dignity than in the West. Jesus and the Church have done more for the cause of women's rights, dignity, honor, and respect than any figure in history.

Abimelech did not have what we would call Christian convictions concerning sexual relationships as many in the West today imagine. Abimelech had already been cursed by Isaac's God when, in the past, he took Isaac's mother as a wife, not knowing she was Abraham's wife. Abimilech's whole tribe came under a curse at that time. Abimelech's warning was because he didn't want any more curses like that. The "sin" Abimelech referenced is the sin of bringing a curse on your people.

Genesis 27
Isaac answered, "I gave Jacob the power to be master over you, and all his brothers will be his servants. And I kept him strong with grain and new wine. There is nothing left to give you, my son." Genesis 27:37 NCV

I find this translation interesting here. Isaac was handing out blessings- words, and yet they could be used up! Was there truly "nothing left to give" Esau? Once Issac made Jacob's brothers his slaves or servants, he couldn't reverse it. The Western world does not view the power of words with the seriousness of Isaac.