Were Esau and Ishmael’s descendants considered Gentiles?

Question: We are studying Genesis 36 and the generations of Esau.  Several questions arose that have generated some good discussion, but we are needing some help. The questions asked “Were Esau and Ishmael’s families considered Gentiles? Or were they Jews?  We are a little confused about when the Jewish nation was established and when were…

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Were Jacob and Esau identical or fraternal twins?

Question: I overheard an argument concerning Esau and Jacob.  One was arguing that they were twins (Genesis 25:21ff) but not identical twins. What are your thoughts? Answer: Twins are when two children are born to one mother in the same birth. “So when her days were fulfilled for her to give birth, indeed there were twins in…

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Did God pick Jacob for salvation before or after he was born?

Question: In regards to your article “Predetermined Destiny”: First, after stating in paragraph five that God’s selection of Jacob was made before Jacob was born, you turn right around and say that God’s selection of Jacob was not made before he was born. Well, which is it? Did God pick Jacob before he was born,…

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How were Isaac and Jacob blessed?

Question: How were Isaac and Jacob blessed? Answer: In the times of the Old Testament children could inherit two things from their parents: property and a blessing. If your parents had three children, then on their death their property was divided four ways (one more than the number of living children). The eldest child generally…

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