The Life of Jacob (25:19–36:43): Like Sarah, Rebekah is unable to bear children. Isaac’s prayers reverse this situation, however (25:21). Rebekah conceives and gives birth to twins, Esau and Jacob. Unlike Sarah, Rebekah is addressed directly by God (25:23). It is Rebekah who is given the startling prophecy that of the two children she is carrying, the older (Esau) will serve the younger (Jacob). This is a departure from the normal procedure, where priority went to the firstborn. That the prophecy is made before the birth of t…