Topical Bible: Riches: Examples of Wicked Men Possessing: Esau

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Esau, the elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, is a prominent biblical figure whose life and choices provide a cautionary tale about the possession of riches and the spiritual pitfalls that can accompany them. Esau's narrative is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where his actions and decisions reveal a character often driven by immediate desires rather than spiritual discernment.

Esau is described as a skillful hunter and a man of the field, contrasting with his twin brother Jacob, who is depicted as a quiet man dwelling in tents (Genesis 25:27). Esau's impulsive nature is famously illustrated in the account of him selling his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew. "Look, I am about to die," Esau said. "What good is a birthright to me?" (Genesis 25:32). This transaction highlights Esau's disregard for the spiritual and long-term significance of his birthright, prioritizing immediate physical satisfaction over lasting spiritual inheritance.

Esau's wealth and possessions are further noted when he meets Jacob after many years of separation. By this time, Esau has become a prosperous man, with a large family and substantial livestock. Genesis 33:9 records Esau's words to Jacob, "I have plenty, my brother. Keep what belongs to you." This statement reflects Esau's material abundance, yet it also underscores a life that, despite its wealth, lacks the covenantal blessings that Jacob received.

The New Testament provides additional insight into Esau's character. In Hebrews 12:16-17 , Esau is described as "immoral or godless," emphasizing his failure to value spiritual matters. The passage warns believers not to be like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. This portrayal cements Esau's legacy as one who, despite his material wealth, is spiritually impoverished due to his choices.

Esau's marriages to Canaanite women further illustrate his disregard for the spiritual heritage of his family. Genesis 26:34-35 notes that Esau's marriages were a source of grief to Isaac and Rebekah, indicating a departure from the covenantal path that his family was called to follow.

In summary, Esau's life serves as an example of a man who possessed great material wealth but failed to prioritize spiritual values. His account is a reminder of the dangers of allowing immediate desires and worldly riches to overshadow the eternal blessings and responsibilities that come with a covenant relationship with God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 36:7
For their riches were more than that they might dwell together; and the land wherein they were strangers could not bear them because of their cattle.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... 951]142; of injuries: Moses, Noah, Joseph, examples of, [952 ... in what sense said to
"prove" men's faith, and to ... the heart," [1044]152; allows the wicked only for ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

Sixth Proposition of Arminius
... is manifest from a comparison of natural examples, since this ... glory that He might
demonstrate the riches of His ... since he, in the sins of wicked men, aids by ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/sixth proposition of arminius.htm

Of Faith. The Definition of It. Its Peculiar Properties.
... not promise us length of days, riches and honors ... the blessing for him by a wicked
stratagem; deceives ... These examples certainly show that error is often mingled ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 2 of faith the.htm

Christian Behavior
... without strength; enemies in their minds by wicked works, and ... soul doth indeed consider
the greatness and riches of the ... to the Lord, and not to men; the master ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... As regards the examples of righteousness found among the acts ... both groans now among
the ungodly and wicked, to whose ... glory could have been paid by men to their ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
... than to 'dwell in the tents of the wicked' (Matthew 15 ... 6. Now, when he talketh with
God or men, how doth ... He knew that spiritual riches lay there but he did not ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the acceptable sacrifice.htm

The Theology of St. Hilary of Poitiers.
... Examples of such reasoning, more or less extravagant, might be ... is necessary; error
begins when men grow inquisitive ... But They are not Two as possessing one nature ...
/.../chapter ii the theology of st.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... virginity and of single marriages derived from examples in the ... For these are the
riches, and these the ornaments of ... the words "if only the young men have kept ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... disturbed, letted, or discouraged from dancing, either men or women ... the deceitfulness
and treachery of my own wicked heart ... his own mind as to his possessing faith ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm