Gud kender enden fra begyndelsen. Han vidste førend Jakob og Esau var blevet født, hvilken karakter begge ville udvikle. han vidste at Esau ikke ville få et lydigt hjerte. Han svarede på Rebekkas ængsteliges bønner og underrettede hende om at hun skulle føde to børn, og at den ældste skulle tjene den yngre. The first-born was entitled to peculiar advantages and special privileges; he possessed honor and authority, in the family and the tribe, next to that of the parents; he was regarded as especially consecrated to God, and was selected to fill the office of priest; and he received a double portion of the father's goods.