Page:A Jewish Interpretation of the Book of Genesis (Morgenstern, 1919, jewishinterpreta00morg).pdf/241

 The Birthright uncertain

the

chances

of

chase;

the

223 eager

satisfy

to

the

moment, regardless of the cost; with no eye the future and no power to govern his incHnations or

appetites of the to

restrain his passion



rash, impetuous, vengeful, possibly even

cruel, or at least pitiless, as the pursuit of the chase

to

make him; and above

all

unspiritual,

else,

was apt

materialistic,

with no appreciation of the privilege of the birthright, but despising it because it could not fill his belly when hungry,

and only

And

laid obligations

Jacob was the

upon him.

man

of the tents, quiet and homeand therefore beloved of his mother; able to control his appetites and to govern his passions in order to secure a desired end; with a keen eye to the future, carefully weighing all chances, and deliberate and patient in the attainment

abiding,

of ambitions all admirable qualities indeed, provided they be applied to right aims and uses, and destining their possessor for great things either in good or evil, whichever he

might choose.

Unfortunately

at

this

moment Jacob

He combined them

these powers to base uses.

applied

with cold,

calculating selfishness, cunning, and deceit, pitiless disregard for the rights and sufferings of others, and ignoble willing-

ness to take advantage of their weakness, need, and indulgent love, in

order to secure his

own

selfish desires.

But one quality Jacob did possess, at present undeveloped, yet capable under proper unfolding and guidance of becoming productive of great good. the

Bible

thought

in

says;

and

the

story

it

itself,

This birthright was, as

''Esau despised his birthright",

implies

thereby,

that

we have

and develops

Jacob eagerly desired intimated,

this it.

not merely the

usual privilege of the firstborn, of a double portion of the paternal estate, and the right to act as the clan leader and priest,

but rather the spiritual heritage of being the servant

and messenger of God, and of bringing blessing unto all the families of the earth. For this God had called Abraham.

And

the Bible told that

Abraham had purposely

sent Ishmael