I have a question about today's reading from Genesis: why did Abraham take another wife after Sarah died? Particularly as one of the sons was Midian whose offspring, the Midianites, later in the history of the Israelites was an enemy to Israel? There is no word from God to tell him to take another wife. This is a decision made 'in the flesh' without asking God.

The sons of Isaac and Rebekah are named after characteristics at their birth - Esau is called 'Red' because he 'cometh out all red like a hairy coat' and Jacob 'grabber' because 'his hand is taking hold on Esau's heel.'

Life after the death of Sarah appears to have become more worldly.

And conflicts arise: between Jacob and Esau, and also a separation between the favour felt by Isaac and Rebekah towards their two sons - 'Isaac loveth Esau for his hunting [is] in his mout ...