Topical Bible: Murder: Esau

◄ Murder: 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 his relationship with his twin brother, Jacob. The account of Esau is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where themes of birthright, blessing, and familial conflict are explored. While Esau himself is not directly involved in an act of murder, his account is often associated with the potential for fratricide due to his intense anger and desire for revenge against Jacob.

Biblical Narrative

Esau's narrative begins in Genesis 25:24-34, where he is described as the firstborn of Isaac and Rebekah. Esau is characterized as a skillful hunter and a man of the field, in contrast to Jacob, who is described as a quiet man dwelling in tents. The tension between the brothers is introduced early on, as Jacob, taking advantage of Esau's hunger, persuades him to sell his birthright for a bowl of stew. This transaction sets the stage for future conflict.

The pivotal moment in Esau's account occurs in Genesis 27, when Jacob, with the help of his mother Rebekah, deceives Isaac and receives the blessing intended for Esau. Upon discovering the deception, Esau is filled with grief and anger. 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.'"

Thematic Exploration

The theme of murder in the context of Esau's account is primarily explored through his intent and the potential for fratricide. Esau's declaration of his intention to kill Jacob highlights the destructive power of anger and resentment. This moment serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked emotions and the importance of reconciliation.

Esau's anger is further compounded by the cultural and familial significance of the birthright and blessing. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the birthright conferred leadership and a double portion of the inheritance, while the blessing was a prophetic pronouncement of future prosperity and divine favor. Esau's loss of both to Jacob represents a profound personal and social injustice, fueling his desire for revenge.

Resolution and Reconciliation

Despite Esau's initial intent to murder Jacob, the narrative takes a redemptive turn. In Genesis 33, after years of separation, Jacob and Esau meet again. Jacob, fearing Esau's wrath, approaches him with humility and gifts. However, Esau's response is unexpected. Genesis 33:4 records, "But Esau ran to meet Jacob, embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept." This moment of reconciliation demonstrates the power of forgiveness and the possibility of healing broken relationships.

Conclusion

Esau's account, while not culminating in murder, serves as a profound exploration of the human capacity for anger, the desire for revenge, and the transformative power of forgiveness. Through Esau's journey, the biblical narrative underscores the importance of reconciliation and the potential for redemption even in the face of deep-seated conflict.

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

Jacob and Esau
... it, it is actually true that God did love Jacob, and did not love Esau. ... And more
memorable still, when his sons Levi and Simeon have committed murder in Shethem ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/jacob and esau.htm

Quoted in Jerome, Epist. 36, Ad Damasum, Num. xviii. (From Galland ...
... exhibited the fratricidal Jews by anticipation in Cain, makes the most manifest
disclosure of them now in Esau, showing also the time of the murder: "Let the ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/iii quoted in jerome epist.htm

Hebrews xii. 14
... he says, then, "follow after holiness: lest there be any, as Esau, profane": that ...
For as the grief of Cain was not of repentance, and the murder proved it; so ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxi hebrews xii 14.htm

The Pentateuch.
... made by God with the earth through Noah, and the law of murder; the confusion of ...
and Jacob; and the exclusion, first of Ishmael and afterwards of Esau, from a ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xix the pentateuch.htm

Scenes in the Lives of the Patriarchs.
... it was a fruitless lament, He was inflexible, and Esau wept aloud over his blasted
hopes; plotting at the same time, in his awakened enmity, the murder of Jacob ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/scenes in the lives of.htm

The Sins of Communities Noted and Punished.
... The murder of Abel was not punished solely on Cain, but also on his family ... Similar
were the consequences which followed the sins of Ham and Esau: But these more ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxix the sins of.htm

A Man Expects to Reap the Same Kind as He Sows.
... Jacob was the great loser in this transaction. When Esau returned he had to flee
for his life. ... He sowed murder and reaped it in his own family. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sowing and reaping/chapter iv a man expects.htm

John v. 6, 7
... Envy is the mother of murder. Through this Cain slew Abel his brother; through this
Esau (would have slain) Jacob, and his brethren Joseph, through this the ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxvii john v 6.htm

Man's Passions and God's Purpose
... Cain and Abel, Ishmael and Isaac, Esau and Jacob, and now the other ... The clumsy
contrivance for murder without criminality, which Reuben suggested, is an ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/mans passions and gods purpose.htm

Whether Every Lie is a Sin?
... Jacob also lied when he said that he was Esau, and yet he received a ... Therefore a
man may lawfully lie, to save another from committing murder, or another from ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether every lie is a.htm