Family dynamics are certainly are certainly front and centre
in this episode of biblical Dynasty. In
any family the issue of favourites is an underlying theme. The old comedy duo the Smothers Brothers
played this up with Tommy giving voice to the eternal cry ‘Mom always liked you
best’. In modern parenting theory even if you are
aware of preference for one child over others you are supposed to do everything
possible to disguise it and certainly not overtly show your true feeling – as difficult
as that may be at times.
Of course God – YHWH did not have compunction about showing
favouritism as we saw with Cain and Able.
I wonder if Cain was the early type of Tommy Smothers – God always liked
you best. However, for us mortals we do
not have that luxury – at least on a guilt free basis. Rebekah did not have any compunction in
plotting to ensure that her favourite Jacob received Isaac’s blessing.
It is easy to be critical of Rebekah from our 21st
Century perspective. However, putting
aside the obvious favouritism that Rebekah showed Jacob perhaps she chose as
she did because she knew her sons as only a mother can. She knew that Jacob was the one to fulfil the
covenant with YHWH. He had what it would
take to be the next step in the Abraham’s descendants who would be as numerous
as the stars in the heavens. In her mind Esau with his lack of foresight and
planning could not fulfill God’s plan for His chosen people. Given the benefit of hindsight can we say
that Rebekah chose badly or selfishly?
IN any case it is always nice when God’s will and our egos are
aligned. That can be dangerous but that
is another story.
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