Genesis 25:24Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

To understand the exalted status of the priesthood during that time, it is noteworthy that Scripture does not mention 'the priest' responding to her. Instead, it indicates that she 'went to inquire of the Lord,' and Scripture continues, 'and the Lord said unto her,' meaning that He spoke through the priest: 'Thou hast two nations in thy womb.' In another passage, Scripture refers to the priest as an angel, highlighting that the priest conveys messages inspired by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Consequently, the Lord communicated to her through the priest, stating, 'Two nations are in thy womb, and two peoples shall emerge from your body; one will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.' This prophecy offered her a glimpse into future happenings.

Both Esau and Jacob were born of the same mother, Rebekah. The Lord Jesus Christ is envisioned as having been conceived by the Church as a virgin, symbolizing the spiritual rebirth of the two peoples. The intent of His arrival was to create “one new man, making peace, and in one body to reconcile both” in spirit, as stated in Scripture (Eph. 2:15-16). Thus, Esau and Jacob represent the two nations: Israel and those who come to faith in Christ.

She quickly made her way back home, as the time for childbirth had arrived, and Rebekah brought forth Esau and Jacob.

As the moment of her delivery approached, the children within her stirred restlessly, appearing to wrestle and jostle with one another, as if instinctively cautioning each other as they prepared to emerge from their mother’s womb. Rebekah pondered the meaning of this and questioned, “What could this possibly signify?” She sought understanding from God through fervent prayer, and the Lord responded through His messenger, revealing: “Two nations are in thy womb, and two peoples shall be separated from thy body; and one people shall be stronger than the other; and the elder shall serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23). Rebekah kept this divine revelation to herself, anticipating the unfolding of God’s promise.