it that is of special interest. He probably spent most of his life in
a quiet home near, or in Hebron. This has been taken to suggest that
he was of a quiet and retiring disposition. He was not a man of energy
and force of character such as Abraham, his father, but he had all his
father's reverence for God. His faith in God was rewarded with a
renewal of the promises which Abraham had received.

Among the incidents of his life that should be noted are the
following: (1) His experience on Mount Moriah, when his father in
obedience to God prepared to sacrifice him in worship. Such sacrifice
was common in Babylonia, Phoenicia and Canaan. The submission to his
father's will and evident obedience to the divine will indicated would
seem to point to his faith in God. While he does not mention the
matter himself and it is not referred to again in this section, the
experience must have had much influence on his whole career. (2) The
second notable event of his life was his marriage. In this story there
is preserved the ancient customs of his father's provision for the
marriage of the son. The story also shows the overruling influence of
deity in his marriage. The whole experience was calculated to show his
sincere relation to God who was leading. (3) The birth of his twin
sons Esau and Jacob. They were so different in type that their
descendants for centuries showed a like difference and even became
antagonistic. Jacob was ambitious and persevering. Esau was frank and
generous but shallow and unappreciative of the best things. The
birthright carried with it two advantages: (1) The headship of the
family. (2) A double portion of the inheritance (Dt. 21:15-17). Jacob
set great value upon it, while Esau preferred a good dinner. Isaac's
latter days were made dark because of the relation of these sons.

Stories Concerning Jacob. These are calculated to show that Jacob was