Esau.—Son of Isaac. Sold his birthright to his brother (Gen. 25:27-34).
Jacob.—Son of Isaac. By a trick secured his father's parting blessing, to which Esau was entitled (Gen. 27:1-45). Journeyed in search of a wife, and married (Gen. 28:10 to 31:16). Returned and was forgiven by Esau (Gen. 31:17 to 33:20). His name changed to Israel and he became the father of the Jewish nation (Gen. 35:9-15). Had twelve sons, who become the heads of the Twelve Tribes of Israel (Gen. 35:23-27).
TIME.—1928 B. C. to the birth of Joseph, 1752 B. C.
PLACES.—Ur of Chaldees, Canaan, Egypt.
SIGNIFICANCE OF EVENTS.—With Abraham God began a course of dealings with man which continued for about two thousand years. Setting apart Abraham with his family was really the beginning of the chosen nation, although the national life did not begin until after the escape from Egypt (see [Lesson 5]).
Abraham, the Father of the Faithful
14. The Bible Deals Largely in Biographies.—If you know well the stories of the great Patriarchs, you know the best part of Genesis. Again, if you know the stories of Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Samuel, David, you will have mastered most of the history of Israel from Exodus through 2 Samuel. This is the reason why in these lessons we deal so largely with Bible biographies.
15. Abraham.—Abraham was one of the greatest men in all history. He was the founder of that people through whom we have received all of the Bible, excepting only what Luke, the beloved Physician, has given us. This of itself is no small distinction. But more. He is the great progenitor of him whom we know as the Messiah and the world's Redeemer.
16. Abraham and his Call.—The call came to him in his home in Ur of the Chaldees. Exactly in what way it came we are not told. It may have been an inward call, such as believers to this day have at times. Bear in mind that Abraham's ancestors were idolaters, and that the land in which he lived was totally idolatrous.