The Way

genesis-25-nkjv

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Genesis 25

Abraham’s Death, Ishmael’s Descendants, and the Birth of Jacob and Esau

← Genesis 24 | Genesis 26 →

Full Text (NKJV) – Key Sections

Genesis 25:1-34 (Highlights)

Abraham again took a wife, and her name was Keturah. And she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah… Then Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac; but Abraham gave gifts to the sons of the concubines which Abraham had; and while he was still living he sent them away from Isaac his son, to the east country.

Abraham’s total lifespan was one hundred and seventy-five years. Then Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years, and was gathered to his people. And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah…

Now this is the genealogy of Ishmael, Abraham’s son… (twelve princes listed).

This is the genealogy of Isaac, Abraham’s son. Abraham begot Isaac. Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah as wife… Now Isaac pleaded with the Lord for his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord granted his plea, and Rebekah his wife conceived. But the children struggled together within her; and she said, “If all is well, why am I like this?” So she went to inquire of the Lord.

And the Lord said to her:

“Two nations are in your womb,
Two peoples shall be separated from your body;
One people shall be stronger than the other,
And the older shall serve the younger.”

So when her days were fulfilled for her to give birth, indeed there were twins in her womb. And the first came out red. He was like a hairy garment all over; so they called his name Esau. Afterward his brother came out, and his hand took hold of Esau’s heel; so his name was called Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them.

So the boys grew. And Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field; but Jacob was a mild man, dwelling in tents. And Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob.

Now Jacob cooked a stew; and Esau came in from the field, and he was weary. And Esau said to Jacob, “Please feed me with that same red stew, for I am weary.” Therefore his name was called Edom.

But Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright as of this day.”

And Esau said, “Look, I am about to die; so what is this birthright to me?”

Then Jacob said, “Swear to me as of this day.” So he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.

Bull’s Eye: How Genesis 25 Points to Yeshua

This chapter continues the line of promise while showing the contrast between flesh and faith:

  • Isaac receives the full inheritance as the child of promise.
  • Jacob (the younger) is chosen over Esau (the older), showing that God’s election is by grace, not human merit or birth order (Romans 9:10-13).
  • Esau sells his birthright for temporary satisfaction — despising what was valuable.

Yeshua is the true Heir of the birthright and the promised blessing.
Through faith in Him, we become heirs of the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob — not by natural descent, but by God’s sovereign grace.

Key Truth:
God’s purposes stand according to election, not works. Yeshua is the rightful Heir who secures the blessing for all who believe.

Cross-References