Why did Rebeccah favor Jacob over Esau?

Isaac and Rebecca were the parents of Esau and Jacob. Esau and Jacob were twins but Esau had emerged first and therefore was considered the first-born. When Isaac was dying he wished to bless Esau (Genesis 27:3-4). read more

Rebecca instructed Jacob to dress up like Esau and pretend to be him in order to receive the blessing (Genesis 25: 6-17). Jacob did so. Esau when he heard that the blessing had been given to Jacob instead of him cried out. Isaac told him that the blessing to Jacob would go into effect despite the way it had been obtained. read more

In these instances, the prophet Malachi and the apostle Paul are using the name “Esau” to refer to the Edomites, who were the descendants of Esau. Isaac and Rebekah had two sons, Esau and Jacob. God chose Jacob (whom He later renamed “Israel”) to be the father of His chosen people, the Israelites. read more