19 Now these are the records of the generations of Isaac , Abraham's son : Abraham became the father of Isaac ; 20 and Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah , the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean of Paddan-aram , the sister of Laban the Aramean , to be his wife . 21 Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife , because she was barren ; and the Lord answered him and Rebekah his wife conceived . 22 But the children struggled together within her; and she said , "If it is so , why then am I this way?" So she went to inquire of the Lord . 23 The Lord said to her, " Two nations are in your womb ; And two peoples will be separated from your body ; And one people shall be stronger than the other ; And the older shall serve the younger ." 24 When her days to be delivered were fulfilled , behold , there were twins in her womb . 25 Now the first came forth red , all over like a hairy garment ; and they named e him Esau . 26 Afterward his brother came forth with his hand holding on to Esau's heel , so his name was called Jacob ; and Isaac was sixty years old when she gave birth to them.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 25:19-26
Commentary on Genesis 25:19-26
(Read Genesis 25:19-26)
Isaac seems not to have been much tried, but to have spent his days in quietness. Jacob and Esau were prayed for; their parents, after being long childless, obtained them by prayer. The fulfilment of God's promise is always sure, yet it is often slow. The faith of believers is tried, their patience exercised, and mercies long waited for are more welcome when they come. Isaac and Rebekah kept in view the promise of all nations being blessed in their posterity, therefore were not only desirous of children, but anxious concerning every thing which seemed to mark their future character. In all our doubts we should inquire of the Lord by prayer. In many of our conflicts with sin and temptation, we may adopt Rebekah's words, "If it be so, why am I thus?" If a child of God, why so careless or carnal? If not a child of God, why so afraid of, or so burdened with sin?