Topical Encyclopedia Esau, the elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of his relationships and marriages. Known for his impulsive nature and as the twin brother of Jacob, Esau's choices in marriage are noteworthy and have theological implications within the biblical text.Esau's polygamous relationships are first mentioned in Genesis 26:34-35: "When Esau was forty years old, he took as wives Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Basemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite. And they were a source of grief to Isaac and Rebekah." This passage highlights Esau's decision to marry Canaanite women, which was contrary to the desires of his parents and the covenantal expectations set by God for the descendants of Abraham. The marriages to Judith and Basemath, both Hittites, were seen as a departure from the covenantal lineage, as the Canaanites were often associated with idolatry and practices contrary to the worship of Yahweh. Esau's choice of wives is further expanded in Genesis 28:8-9: "So Esau realized that the daughters of Canaan were displeasing to his father Isaac, and he went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Abraham’s son Ishmael, in addition to the wives he already had." In an attempt to appease his parents, Esau marries Mahalath, a daughter of Ishmael, Abraham's other son. This marriage, while still outside the direct line of the covenant, reflects Esau's awareness of his parents' disapproval and his attempt to align more closely with the broader Abrahamic family. Esau's polygamy is indicative of his character and priorities. His marriages to multiple women, particularly those outside the covenant community, underscore a pattern of decisions driven by immediate desires rather than spiritual discernment or adherence to the covenantal promises given to his grandfather Abraham. This aspect of Esau's life is often contrasted with his brother Jacob, who, despite his own flaws, ultimately aligns himself with the covenantal promises through his marriages and descendants. The narrative of Esau's polygamy serves as a backdrop to the broader themes of covenant faithfulness and the consequences of choices that deviate from divine instructions. His marriages are not merely personal decisions but are woven into the larger tapestry of God's redemptive history, illustrating the tension between human will and divine purpose. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 26:34And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite: Nave's Topical Index Genesis 28:9 Genesis 36:2,3 Library The Israelites Index of Subjects. Abel, 124, 136, 193, 414. Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... Resources Who was Jacob in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does Israel mean in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the difference between a blessing and a birthright (Genesis 25)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Esau is Defrauded of his Father's Blessing by Jacob Esau with Jacob, Buries his Father Esau: His Marriage To, a Grief to Isaac and Rebekah Esau: His Name Used to Denote his Descendants and Their Country Esau: Hostility of Descendants of, Toward the Descendants of Jacob Esau: Meets Jacob on the Return of the Latter from Haran Esau: Mount of Edom, Called Mount of Esau Esau: Sells his Birthright for a Single Meal Related Terms |
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