Esau, the elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, is a prominent biblical figure whose life is marked by instances of sinful anger. His account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where his actions and emotions provide a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of unchecked anger.

Background

Esau was the twin brother of Jacob, and as the firstborn, he was entitled to the birthright, a significant inheritance that included leadership of the family and a double portion of the estate. However, Esau's impulsive nature and lack of spiritual discernment led him to despise his birthright. In a moment of weakness, he sold it to Jacob for a bowl of stew (Genesis 25:29-34).

Esau's Anger

The most notable instance of Esau's sinful anger occurs after Jacob, with the help of their mother Rebekah, deceitfully receives the blessing from their father Isaac, which was intended for Esau. Upon discovering the deception, Esau's reaction is one of intense anger and a desire for revenge. Genesis 27:41 states, "Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau determined in his heart: 'The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.'"

Esau's anger is characterized by several sinful elements:

1. Grudge Holding: Esau's anger festers into a grudge, demonstrating an unwillingness to forgive. This bitterness is contrary to biblical teachings that emphasize forgiveness and reconciliation (Ephesians 4:31-32).

2. Desire for Revenge: His intention to kill Jacob reveals a heart consumed by vengeance, which is condemned in Scripture. Romans 12:19 instructs, "Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'"

3. Impulsivity: Esau's impulsive nature, seen earlier in his life when he sold his birthright, is again evident in his rash vow to kill Jacob. This lack of self-control is a hallmark of sinful anger.

Consequences

Esau's anger had significant consequences for his life and family. His threat forced Jacob to flee to Haran, causing a long separation between the brothers and strife within the family. This division highlights the destructive power of anger when it is allowed to take root and grow unchecked.

Reconciliation

Despite his initial sinful anger, Esau's later actions suggest a change of heart. When Jacob returns to Canaan years later, Esau meets him with a surprising display of forgiveness and reconciliation. Genesis 33:4 records, "But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept." This moment of reconciliation serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for healing and restoration, even after deep-seated anger and conflict.

Esau's account serves as a warning about the dangers of sinful anger and the importance of seeking forgiveness and reconciliation. His life illustrates the biblical truth that unchecked anger can lead to destructive actions and broken relationships, but it also offers hope that reconciliation is possible through humility and forgiveness.Genesis 27:45
Until your brother's anger turn away from you, and he forget that which you have done to him: then I will send, and fetch you from there: why should I be deprived also of you both in one day?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Praying Saints of the Old Testaments
... when Jacob met him next day, Esau's anger had entirely ... remarkable change in the heart
of Esau is satisfactory ... from God they departed, however sinful they might ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/i praying saints of the.htm

"The Time of Trouble. "
... humiliation, repentance, and self-surrender, this sinful, erring mortal ... feared to
encounter his brother's anger; for the ... sin; he had moved upon Esau to march ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /39 the time of trouble.htm

The Time of Trouble
... humiliation, repentance, and self-surrender, this sinful, erring mortal ... feared to
encounter his brother's anger, for the ... sin; he had moved upon Esau to march ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 39 the time of.htm

Moab is My Washpot
... is but a mess of potage for Esau, and nothing ... we cannot altogether separate ourselves
from the sinful, for then ... Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/moab is my washpot.htm

Elijah --Passionate in Prayer
... heart"the most love and the most hate; the most anger and the ... Esau wrestled with
wild beasts. ... be drawn off the things of this deceitful and sinful world: and ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/vi elijahpassionate in prayer.htm

Of Predestination
... If there was any prerogative, Esau the eldest had it ... a glorious being; and that he
have a sinful and miserable ... he might show the power of his anger; you may ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xv of predestination.htm

The Fourth Season,
... prudence when expecting to meet his angry brother Esau. ... evil of suffering; but as
this sinful fear has ... spiritual channels; to turn natural anger into spiritual ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/iv the fourth season.htm

Chapter iv
... at this point does not imply that a sinful man of ... was more than a momentary flash
of anger that revealed ... Again Esau's development is sketched 36:1-37:1; then ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter iv.htm

Acts 17:26 "One Blood. "
... Abraham, Lot, Sodom and Gomorrah, Isaac, Jacob, Esau, are all ... But to tell sinful,
dying men and women, with the ... ought to put away from us anger, wrath, malice ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter vi acts 17 26 one.htm

The Life of John Nisbet of Hardhill.
... mount Zion, and to judge the mount of Esau; and then ... that hold it lawful to meddle
with sinful things; for ... what has been done to provoke him to anger, in not ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of john nisbet.htm

How can I know for sure that my anger is righteous indignation? | GotQuestions.org

Was Jesus ever angry? | GotQuestions.org

Does God get angry? | GotQuestions.org

Anger: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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