This story builds on the strife that began when Jacob and Esau were in the womb. God told Rebekah there were not just two babies in her, but two nations, one stronger than the other, and the older would serve the younger. Esau was a hairy beast of a hunter and Isaac loved him because he ate his food; but Jacob was a blameless man, loved by Rebekah for his character. Esau despised and sold his birthright for a cup of soup, which Jacob rightly bought. Now Isaac is willing to disobey the Lord. Only by understanding the broad teaching of Scripture and recognizing the faithfulness of Rebekah and Jacob will this story of righteous deception make sense.