Barnabas, Epistle of Barnabas 13

Let us see whether this people or the first one inherits, and whether the covenant belongs to us or to them. Listen, then, to what the Scripture says about the people: Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife Rebekah because she was barren, and she conceived (Genesis 25:21). Then Rebekah went to inquire of the Lord, and the Lord said to her, "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23). You ought to understand who Isaac is and who Rebekah is, and on whose behalf he showed that this people is greater than that one. In another prophecy Jacob speaks more clearly to his son Joseph, saying, "Behold, the Lord has not deprived me of seeing your face; bring me your sons so that I may bless them" (Genesis 48:11). And he brought Ephraim and Manasseh, wanting Manasseh to be blessed because he was the older; for Joseph brought him to his father Jacob's right hand. But Jacob saw a type by the Spirit of the people in between, and what did he say? He crossed his hands and put his right hand on the head of Ephraim, the second and younger, and blessed him (Genesis 48:14). Joseph said to Jacob, "Put your right hand on the head of Manasseh, for he is my firstborn son" (Genesis 48:18). Jacob said to Joseph, "I know, my son, I know; but the greater shall serve the lesser, and this one also shall be blessed" (Genesis 48:19). See on whom he has placed his hand, making this people first and heir of the covenant. If then we are still reminded through Abraham, we lack the perfect knowledge of ours. What then does he say to Abraham when he was counted righteous through faith while still alone? "Behold, I have made you, Abraham, father of the nations who believe through uncircumcision in God" (Genesis 17:5).