Page:A Jewish Interpretation of the Book of Genesis (Morgenstern, 1919, jewishinterpreta00morg).pdf/243

 The Birthright But

become worthy of the birthright, he had of the base impulses which promj)ted him

l)efore he could

be purified

first to

to

225

employ such ignoble means.

The compilers

of the Jacob story have done their work and have displayed artistic powers of the highest order. With a few masterful strokes they have depicted the two characters most effectively. The Jacob story does not stand by itself. It is the continuation of the Abraham and Isaac well,

The birthright is the connecting link. God's word Abraham and his descendants must be fulfilled. The birthright of Abraham and Isaac must descend to that son who is the better fitted for it. The compilers of the Jacob stories.

to

drawn

two characters with this one thought is simple, and stamped him as and hopeless for the acceptance and fulfillment of the

story have in

mind.

unfit

the

Esau's character

of the birthright. He is a materialist through and through, without the slightest possibility of such change of character as might fit him for the birthright. obligations

On forces

the other hand, Jacob's character

are

already struggling within him

If the evil, selfish, deceitful

his

the

more

Two

complex.

for the

nature prevail, Jacob

is

very powers to become a curse to mankind.

by

ship,

is

mastery. destined

But

if

spiritual side of his nature, his ambition for leader-

power, and honor, can be purified of

can be applied to proper ends, he

is

its

selfishness,

and

destined to become a

and truly worthy of the birthright At the present moment the evil nature is in the ascendancy, and the prospects of his regeneration seem dark and hopeless. The episode of the birthright, and its blessing unto mankind,

of his fathers.

most and dramatic introduction to the whole storv of Jacob's purification and preparation for the real birthright. sequel, the episode of the father's blessing, constitute a

efifective

A As

word

of caution here.

In presenting the story of Jacob care

be taken not to excuse nor seek to justify Jacob's conduct. Jews, traditional descendants of the patriarchs, and also because

slionld