Genesis 27:46 - Exposition

Rebekah, the disappointed.

"What good shall my life do me?" Rebekah as a mother doubtless promised herself much joy in her children. They grew up. Esau becomes wayward, Jacob becomes a wanderer. Rebekah yielded to favoritism ( Genesis 27:13 ), and schemed to carry her point. She cherished a treacherous spirit, and led Jacob to sin. She was ambitious not for herself, but for Jacob. This is like woman; she lives in others. She was reckless as to results, but when they came she found them bitter. "She loved Jacob more than truth, more than God." This was idolatry. No wonder she utters the exclamation, "What good shall my life do me?" She was a disappointed woman. Her favorite son was in hiding from the wrath of a wronged brother, and Esau was indifferent towards her and angry. If life is not to be a disappointment we must beware of—

I. UNSCRUPULOUS SCHEMING .

II. AFFECTIONS THAT CARE MORE FOR HAPPINESS THAN HONOR

III. OF IDOLATRY , COVETOUSNESS , AND NEGLECT OF GOD 'S CLAIMS .

IV. OF IGNORING THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS .

V. OF IGNORANCE AS TO THE TRUE ELEMENTS OF SUCCESS .

Rebekah began well. Her advent unto the encampment was a "comfort" to Isaac. She seems to have been "weary of life," and asks "what good it shall do her." Some who ask at this day "whether life is worth living" may find a suggestion in Rebekah's conduct as to the reason wherefore they ask the question.— M . P