Differences among and between covenants, roles and service by the descendants of Abraham are the focus, today. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Stephen Glansberg” (Level 1 with 7 points, a member since May 19, 2014) posted the following:
Why does the Bible say God blessed Abraham's descendants but Arabs(via Ishmael) have never been blessed?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And Isaac answered and said unto Esau, Behold, I have made him thy lord, and all his brethren have I given to him for servants; and with corn and wine have I sustained him: and what shall I do now unto thee, my son? And Esau said unto his father, Hast thou but one blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, O my father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept. And Isaac his father answered and said unto him, Behold, thy dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above; And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck. And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob. (Genesis 47: 37-41, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Guarantee of Heaven? (03/22/2014); The Bible is Unchanging? (03/23/2014); The Head Not The Tail? (10/21/2013); Stronger Tests for the Strong? (10/22/2013); The Bible and Genealogy (09/10/2013); Why GOD Does Not Tell All (09/11/2013); Accomplished in Christ? (01/16/2013); The Need to Purify Heaven (01/17/2013); Blessings, Curses and Woes (10/03/2012); After We Die? (10/04/2012)
“Stephen Glansberg”, may I share the following points from the perspective of a Christian believer:
(1.) Both Isaac and Ishmael are blessed through Abraham, however, neither their blessings nor their inheritance are the same. Both sons are circumcised, and marked as being in covenant with GOD. However, Isaac is accounted as the first born and primary heir to whom is given the double portion. The primary son is supplied to complete the unfinished business of the deceased, and to serve as a living memorial to his name.
(2.) Jacob and Esau are to be seen in the same way as Isaac and Ishmael. Both are blessed, however, the greater portion is to Jacob; and pertains to the spiritual promises of GOD, not simply to their prosperity and material wealth. Given the indifference of Esau to his birthright concerning things of the spirit, he became disqualified as the next Patriarch and the bearer of priesthood from heaven that was bestowed upon Adam, and continued in Abraham.
(3.) The nation of Israel is identified as a “firstborn” son to GOD, and thus is marked to serve in a divine plan for the full recovery of mankind from sin. Israel was to be an incarnation of GOD, and the social vehicle to introduce and establish Messiah in the earth.
There is a lot more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Careful study shows the process of GOD follows a clear pattern. Thus, the covenants through Moses are reinforced in David from the tribe of Judah, rather than in Saul of Benjamin. Terms are introduced wherein covenant expression by GOD, and divine law for created beings and living creatures are shown to have been temporal, and must become elevated as immutable, perpetual, spiritual and unchanging.). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith, meekness, and readiness to receive the promise of the Father and Pentecost.
For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. (Hebrews 13: 14-15, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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