Week 33, Day 2: Favoritism in the Home

Today’s Reading:  Genesis 27:1-46

Some thoughts from the reading…

In this chapter, we see the results of favoritism in the family.  Remember, we were told that Rebekah loved Jacob, but Isaac loved Esau.  Because they each loved one of their sons more than the other, they caused great distress in their home.  Rebekah worked with Jacob to deceive Isaac, and steal the blessing that rightfully belonged to Esau.  Now, Jacob had stolen both the birthright and the blessing that belonged to Esau.  Of course, Esau was angry about what had been done to him, and determined that he would kill his brother, as soon as his father was dead.

This caused Jacob to have to flee from Esau, and he would be gone for many years.  We will see his travels and exploits over the next several chapters.  The favoritism that was shown between these sons caused a turmoil that would last for hundreds of years.  In fact, the later prophets would still be discussing the turmoil between Edom (the descendants of Esau) and Israel (the descendants of Jacob).

There is a warning in this account for parents.  They should not show favoritism to their children as they are raising them, else they can cause great problems within their own families.  These problems may last for many years, and cause irreparable damage to the relationship between siblings, and even between children and parents.  This type of favoritism is often shown in different ways.  Perhaps one parent likes sons better than daughters, or vice versa.  Perhaps, like with Isaac and Rebekah, one child is chosen over another.  This may manifest itself in a double standard in how the children are treated.  Is one child punished for an action, and another allowed to do it without recourse?  Is one child required to do chores and participate in the work of the family home while another is allowed to do whatever they desire?

Many parents may not even realize they are showing favoritism in their families.  But, it can be sure that the children know when it is present!  It is sad to see siblings that are shown favoritism use it against their own siblings.  This can cause damage in relationships that will never be fixed between both parents and siblings.  This type of favoritism often continues on for many generations, causing problems among even extended families.  Parents must be very careful to make sure that they are treating their children the with the same care and concern, and love.

Question: How might favoritism in a family be detrimental to the spiritual development of children?

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