Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction: Esau is a significant figure in the Bible, known for being the elder twin brother of Jacob and the firstborn son of Isaac and Rebekah. His account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where he is depicted as a man of the field, a skillful hunter, and a person of impulsive nature. Esau's life and choices have profound implications for the history of Israel and the unfolding of God's covenant promises.
Birth and Early Life: Esau and Jacob's birth is recorded in
Genesis 25. Rebekah, their mother, experienced a difficult pregnancy and sought the Lord, who revealed to her that "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). Esau was born first, described as red and hairy, which led to his name, meaning "hairy" or "rough."
Character and Lifestyle: Esau is portrayed as a man of the outdoors, a hunter who favored the open country. In contrast, Jacob is described as a quiet man who stayed among the tents (
Genesis 25:27). Esau's impulsive nature is highlighted in the account of him selling his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew. Famished from the field, Esau exclaimed, "Look, I am about to die... What good is a birthright to me?" (
Genesis 25:32). This decision demonstrated a lack of regard for the spiritual and familial responsibilities associated with the birthright.
Marriage and Family: Esau's choice of wives further illustrates his impulsive nature and disregard for his family's values. He married two Hittite women, Judith and Basemath, which caused grief to Isaac and Rebekah (
Genesis 26:34-35). Later, in an attempt to please his parents, Esau married Mahalath, a daughter of Ishmael, but this decision also reflected his lack of understanding of God's covenant promises.
The Blessing and Its Aftermath: The pivotal moment in Esau's life occurs when Isaac, in his old age, intends to bless him. Rebekah and Jacob deceive Isaac, resulting in Jacob receiving the blessing meant for Esau. When Esau discovers the deception, he is heartbroken and pleads with his father, "Bless me—me too, my father!" (
Genesis 27:34). Isaac's response confirms the irrevocable nature of the blessing, and Esau's future is marked by servitude to his brother, though he is promised eventual freedom (
Genesis 27:39-40).
Reconciliation with Jacob: Despite the bitterness and anger Esau felt towards Jacob, the brothers eventually reconcile. In
Genesis 33, Esau meets Jacob with a forgiving heart, embracing him and weeping. This moment of reconciliation is a testament to Esau's capacity for forgiveness and the restoration of familial bonds.
Legacy and Descendants: Esau is the progenitor of the Edomites, a nation that often found itself in conflict with Israel. The Bible records that Esau settled in the hill country of Seir, and his descendants became known as the Edomites (
Genesis 36:8-9). The relationship between Israel and Edom is complex, marked by both kinship and conflict throughout biblical history.
Conclusion: Esau's life serves as a narrative of choices and consequences, highlighting themes of impulsivity, familial strife, and eventual reconciliation. His account is a reminder of the importance of valuing spiritual inheritance and the enduring impact of personal decisions on future generations.
Nave's Topical Index
Genesis 28:6-9When Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob, and sent him away to Padanaram, to take him a wife from there; and that as he blessed him he gave him a charge, saying, You shall not take a wife of the daughers of Canaan;
Nave's Topical Index
Library
Jacob and Esau
... in order to get rid of this ugly text, say, it does not mean Esau and Jacob; it
means the nation; it means Jacob's children and Esau's children; it means the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/jacob and esau.htm
Meeting a Brother who had Been Wronged
... When Esau looked up and saw the women and the children, he said, "Who are these
with you?" Jacob answered, "The children whom God has so kindly given me." Then ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/meeting a brother who had.htm
Jacob and Esau
... The Lord will be more sharp and severe with you than with Esau. ... and keep your faith
safe, as good seed in his garner, for the use of your children after you ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon vi jacob and esau.htm
The Twofold Wrestle --God's with Jacob and Jacob's with God
... threw him into a panic, notwithstanding the vision of the camp of angels by the
side of his defenceless caravan of women and children. Esau had received his ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the twofold wrestlegods with jacob.htm
How Jacob Deceived his Father
... to Jehovah for his wife, because she had no children; and Jehovah heard his prayer,
and Rebekah became the mother of twin boys. They named one Esau and the ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/how jacob deceived his father.htm
Concerning the Meeting of Jacob and Esau.
... went up to his brother Esau, and bowed down to him, who had no evil design upon
him, but saluted him; and asked him about the company of the children and of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 20 concerning the meeting.htm
Chapter xxxiii
... 5. Esau's eyes fall upon the women and the children immediately before
him"the handmaidens and their offspring. He may well inquire ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiii.htm
The Story of Jacob
... and water to drink. Isaac and his wife Rebekah had two children. The older
was named Esau and the younger Jacob. Esau was a man ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of jacob.htm
Chapter xxxvi
... here, without a doubt, it signifies a person, the ancestor of the Horites ("cave
dwellers"), who occupied the land before the children of Esau overcame them (cf ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvi.htm
Jacob's Dream
... Rebekah, she sent for her younger son Jacob and said to him, "Your brother, Esau,
is going ... The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your children. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/jacobs dream.htm
Resources
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