Topical Bible: Malice: Esau

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Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction

Esau, the elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of malice and its consequences. His account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where he is depicted as a man of the field, a skillful hunter, and the twin brother of Jacob. The dynamics between Esau and Jacob, marked by rivalry and conflict, provide a profound exploration of malice, forgiveness, and divine providence.

Biblical Account

Esau's life is intricately tied to the themes of birthright and blessing, which are central to understanding the malice that arises between him and Jacob. In Genesis 25:29-34, Esau sells his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew, demonstrating a lack of regard for his inheritance. The Berean Standard Bible states, "So Esau despised his birthright" (Genesis 25:34). This act sets the stage for future conflict and resentment.

The tension escalates in Genesis 27, where Jacob, with the help of Rebekah, deceives Isaac and receives the blessing intended for Esau. When Esau discovers the deception, his response is one of deep-seated malice and a desire for revenge. Genesis 27:41 records, "Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, 'The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.'"

Theological Implications

Esau's malice towards Jacob is a poignant example of how unchecked emotions can lead to destructive intentions. His grudge against Jacob is not merely a personal vendetta but also a reflection of the spiritual consequences of despising one's God-given inheritance. The New Testament further comments on Esau's character in Hebrews 12:16-17 , warning believers not to be "immoral or godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright."

Reconciliation and Legacy

Despite the malice that characterized much of their relationship, the account of Esau and Jacob does not end in perpetual enmity. In Genesis 33, the brothers meet again after many years, and Esau's demeanor has changed. Instead of seeking revenge, Esau embraces Jacob, demonstrating a remarkable transformation. Genesis 33:4 states, "But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept."

This reconciliation highlights the possibility of overcoming malice through forgiveness and grace. Esau's ability to let go of his grudge and embrace his brother serves as a testament to the power of reconciliation and the healing of broken relationships.

Conclusion

Esau's account is a complex narrative that explores the depths of human emotion, the consequences of malice, and the potential for redemption. His life serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of despising one's spiritual inheritance and harboring grudges, while also offering hope for reconciliation and the restoration of familial bonds.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 27:41
And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Conflict.
... the many be defiled; lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who
for ... The one bitterness in the life of our Lord Himself was the malice of the ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xiv conflict.htm

Whether all Sins are Taken Away by Penance?
... Reply to Objection 1: Esau did not truly repent. ... or, if by the blasphemy against
the Holy Ghost, we understand sin committed through certain malice, this means ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether all sins are taken 2.htm

Ephesians iv. 31
... and there is no greater hindrance to prudence than wickedness, and malice, and
hollowness. ... Jacob was a guileless man, yet he overcame the treacherous Esau. ...
/.../homily xv ephesians iv 31.htm

Scenes in the Lives of the Patriarchs.
... aged man, but it was a fruitless lament, He was inflexible, and Esau wept aloud ... To
show to the universe Satan's lying malice, his loyal subject's holy character ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/scenes in the lives of.htm

Psalm XLVII.
... in understanding:" and again he proposeth it to imitate, "Howbeit in malice be ye ...
Esau and Jacob were two brothers; in their mother's womb both struggled, and ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xlvii.htm

Conclusion.
... your "priority:" always do I recognise the savour of Esau, the hunter of ... against
the world's [1124] power, against the spiritualities of malice." Against these ...
/.../tertullian/on fasting in opposition to the psychics/chapter xvii conclusion.htm

Quotations from Athanasius' Defense of his Flight. '
... if they reproach those who succeed in secreting themselves from the malice of their ...
they say to Jacob's retreat from the rage of his brother Esau, [487] and to ...
/.../chapter viii quotations from athanasius defense.htm

Treatise x. On Jealousy and Envy.
... nothing more carefully watched, than being taken captive by envy and malice, that
none ... And that Esau was hostile to his brother Jacob, arose from jealousy also. ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise x on jealousy and.htm

"And if any Man Sin, we have an Advocate with the Father,",
... the true and real inclinations of the heart to wickedness, to passion, pride,
uncleanness, malice, envy, and ... It hath the voice of Jacob, but the hands of Esau. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxiv and if any.htm

The Fourth Season,
... was Jacob's fear, and such his prudence when expecting to meet his angry brother
Esau. ... say, "Return unto thy rest, O my soul." This truth will malice you cease ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/iv the fourth season.htm