1/25/2012

Overlapping Generations


Did you know that Abraham was still alive when Jacob and Esau were born? For some reason I just realized that today. Check out out Genesis 25. Isaac was born when Abraham was 100 years old. (Gen. 21:5) Jacob and Esau were born to Isaac when he was 60 years old. (Gen. 25:26). Abraham died at 175 years old. (Gen. 25:7) Therefore, Abraham lived until Jacob and Esau were 15 or so. I guess I just assumed since we were told of Abraham’s death before Jacob and Esau’s birth that they happened in that order. I hadn’t taken the time to do the math!

Why is this significant? I have no idea. I just find it interesting to imagine young Jacob and Esau interacting with their full-of-faith grandfather. 

Have you ever noticed this before? Do you bring your imagination with you when read Scripture? 

8 comments:

Sara said...

Wow! That's fascinating! I hadn't realized it either. Thanks! :)

Anne Mateer said...

Whew! I'm so glad to hear that! After I posted this I wondered if everyone else knew this but me! I love digging in to the "timeline" in the Bible when we have little clues like ages to figure things out!

Lorraine said...

I hadn't ever realized that! I love reading the Bible because every time I find so much new stuff! God is definitely the best Author, isn't He? (: Oh, and by the way, I recently got your book and I am so excited to start reading it!! (:

Anne Mateer said...

Yes, Chemdiah, God is definitely the best author! :) I love that there are new insights with every reading of His word.

Bless you, sweet girl, for getting my book! I'm so humbled and pray you enjoy the story.

Regina Jennings said...

I didn't know that, either. Don't you wonder what the family dynamics were? Did the boys have to be quiet around grandpa? I bet he gathered them around and told them stories, don't you?

Anne Mateer said...

It's fun to think about, isn't it, Regina? And what about those 20 years that Isaac was praying for Rebekah to conceive? I'm sure Abraham was a huge encouragement to him. And two grandsons at once after the promises God had given him must have been exciting indeed! Don't you know he doted on them, the sons of his son of promise?

Lexi said...

Anne,

I read your book a month or so back (to tell the truth I read it twice) and I was in love. I would read late into the night, allowing the book to become me. It was absolutely fantastic. Then, I was going through the different blogs on blogger and I stumbled upon yours! I am so happy to find this blog! Thank you for your wonderful writing. It brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face!

God bless,

Lexi

Anne Mateer said...

Oh, Lexi, you sweet thing! You read it twice? You so made my day with that comment! I, too, am glad that you found my blog! Stop by anytime!