Why Did God Love Jacob and Hate Esau?
“He will choose our inheritance for us, The excellence of Jacob whom He loves. Selah.” (Psa. 47:4)
“The Lord will restore the excellence of Jacob.” (Nah. 2:2)
Why did God say "Jacob I have loved?" Why did two prophets say that God was going to restore the "excellence of Jacob?" (Nah. 2:2, Psa. 47:4). In three visitations, Jacob recognized the presence of God.
1) When he was going to Haran, he saw something other people could not see. He saw a ladder with angels ascending and descending (Gen. 28:11-17). He said, “How awesome is this place!” He called it BETHEL meaning “The House of God.”
2) When the angels met him as he returned from Laban. (Gen. 32:1-2) He called that place MAHANAIM meaning “God’s Camp”
3) When he was on his way to meet his brother, he wrestled with the Lord all night. God said, "Let me go." Jacob said, "I will let you go until you bless me!" He stayed engaged with God even though his hip went out of joint and he was in great pain, he would not let go of the Lord!
God then said, "What is your name?" Jacob said, "My name is one who has hold of the heel and won't let go." (He came out of his mother's womb holding his brother's heel)
Because of this excellence, God changed his name to Israel ("Prince") and said, “For you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed.” (Gen. 32:22-28). He called the name of that place PENIEL meaning “face to face with God.”
What is your name?
(Click here to listen to a message on this topic on my Firm Foundation Podcast)
