What material wealth was Jacob promised when he received the blessing?
When Jacob received the blessing, he was promised a double portion of his father Isaac’s wealth—two shares of the estate, while the other son received one share. That wealth consisted of flocks, herds, and servants, and the family line also had gold and silver, as Abraham did.
Les explains that the blessing was the material side of the picture, distinct from the birthright. Under the material blessing, the eldest son would receive a double portion. If there were three sons, the estate was divided into four parts, with the oldest getting two parts and the others one each. In Isaac’s case, with two sons, the estate would be divided into three parts: the eldest would get two and the other one. So Jacob, having received the blessing, was promised a double portion of Isaac’s wealth. Esau was upset because he lost that double portion. Les notes these people were wealthy for their time, having flocks, herds, and servants, and even Abraham had a good collection of gold and silver. The blessing also meant Jacob was in the line of the Messiah, though that meant nothing to Esau.