The Tribune

By Rev Dr J Emmett Weir

IS it correct to suggest that Jacob stole the birthright of Esau? Was the place of the burial of Rachel the same as the birth of Christ? If so, what was its original name? What is the prophetic connection between the reconciliation of Esau and Jacob…and 9/11? Is prosperity always the result of divine blessing?

If you are intrigued by any of the above questions then you must read Dr Leslie Minus’ new publication, “Ya’akhov – Jacob, The Human Code of God for Christian Success.”

This slim but meaty volume by is not easily classified or described. At 27 pages it is not long enough to be called a book, but it is too profound in content to be lightly classified as a booklet. It may best be described as a religious research paper.

It is well recognised that the constant reading of Holy Scripture is the key to understanding the meaning of its many texts. In other words, you may read a particular text many, many times and still find new meaning every time you study it carefully. This has been the experience of Dr Minus, who here invites the reader to join him in a careful study of the Jacob/Joseph sagas (Genesis 25-50).

Here is how he introduces this invitation to engage in careful study of a comparatively well-known Biblical text: “Although I had read the Book of Genesis many times over the past 50 years, it only occurred to me recently, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to carefully focus on the life of Jacob.”

That Dr Minus is qualified to carry out a detailed and creative study of the Bible, especially the Old Testament, there can be no doubt. An eminent educator and Bible scholar, Dr Minus is the founding principle of Alpha Omega Christian School in Freeport. He is also the president of the National Comprehensive Institute and serves as a lecturer of Hebrew at the Bethany Bible & Training Institute.

Commenting on the story of Isaac and Rebekah and their sons Esau and Jacob, Dr Minus observes that “parental favouritism has its consequences”.

After 20 years struggling with infertility, Rebekah, after the prayers of Isaac and divine intervention became pregnant with twin boys who had little or no physical and dispositional similarity. As a matter of fact, they were “as different as cheese and chalk”. For Esau, the elder by but a few minutes, was a robust, hairy hunter and his father’s favourite, while Jacob, a domestic personality “was mommy’s favourite,” Dr Minus writes.

To elicit and maintain interest in this familiar episode, Dr Minus uses innovative expressions, catchphrases and vivid illustrations, which incite the imagination.

In this deft literary skill, Dr Minus succeeds brilliantly.

Note how he describes the incident in which the hungry Esau sold his birthright to his younger brother: “Only after his hunger went away after a scrumptious meal did Esau realise that he had given away something so valuable.”

Here, Dr Minus makes the point that Esau exchanged something lasting and valuable for that which was temporary – hunger. Jacob did not “steal” it from him. Esau lost it through his own indiscretion and lack of a proper perspective. This interpretation is confirmed in the New Testament comment evaluation: “Esau despised his birthright.”

Dr Minus asserts that while it may be argued that Esau forfeited his birthright by his own indiscretion and short-sightedness, there can be no doubt that he lost the coveted “irrevocable blessing for divine protection, prosperity, and progress” through the deception of his mother, who favoured his brother.

Fast-forward to September 11, 2001. The World Trade Centre in New York City was destroyed on Yom Kippur (the holiest day in the Jewish calendar), 5760 CE (the same date as 9/11, 2001 AD).

“The twin towers which were destroyed were a symbol of the twin boys, Jacob and Esau,” states Dr Minus. “The four planes which were hijacked corresponded to the four ‘wives’ of Jacob. The two airports revealed the duality that even connected to the name of Jacob (Ya’akhov). The year 5760 is a multiple of 40x44, thereby revealing the difference of 40 years between 5760 and 5800. Within this 40-year period, the world would undergo unexpected political changes in all of the nations of the world, the rise of Ethiopian leadership in the United States, the rise of women to lead the world in politics and finance. From mega nations to miniscule nations, the hand of God would be evident. God will use the upheavals of nature to bring people to faith in Jesus Christ.”

Throughout this study, the matter of the relationship between divine blessings and prosperity is constantly raised by Dr Minus.

He points out that when Jacob was reconciled to his brother, he had over 5,000 animals in his possession. Today, he would be ranked as a millionaire, if not a multi-millionaire. Jacob, who received his father’s blessing, divine blessing through a devout man of God, eventually became a multi-millionaire. His blessings included not only many progeny but a lot of money. In today’s world this matter is one of tremendous relevance. People really want to know whether divine blessings will bring material prosperity. Recently, it was revealed that less than a hundred of the world’s billionaires have as much wealth as all the Third World countries combined. It is no small wonder that those churches which preach a gospel of prosperity are attracting so many who hope that their profession of religious faith will lead to material prosperity. What do you think? Carefully read and reflect on Dr Minus’ illuminating research on Genesis 25-50 and you should come to your own answer to this intriguing, most relevant matter.

“Ya’akhov – Jacob: The Human Code of God for Christian Success” is available at Bethel Books & Stationers and Alpha Omega Christian School in Freeport for $10. Call 443-1436 for inquiries.