Esau Twin Brother of Jacob

Esau is born first of Isaac and Rebekah's twin sons, coming out red and hairy, so he is named Esau ('hairy'). His brother Jacob follows, grasping Esau's heel. Before birth, God revealed that the older would serve the younger.

Esau becomes a skillful hunter, a man of the open country. Isaac loves him because he enjoys eating the game Esau brings. Meanwhile, Jacob is quiet, staying among the tents and favored by Rebekah. The family divides around parental favoritism.

Esau returns from hunting, famished. Jacob offers stew in exchange for Esau's birthright. Esau agrees, swearing an oath to give up his rights as firstborn for a single meal. He eats, drinks, rises, and leaves, despising his birthright.

At forty years old, Esau marries two Hittite women: Judith and Basemath. These marriages bring grief to Isaac and Rebekah. Esau's disregard for his parents' values about marrying within the family of faith shows his spiritual indifference.

When blind Isaac prepares to bless Esau, Rebekah and Jacob scheme to steal the blessing. Jacob, disguised as Esau, receives the blessing of the firstborn. When Esau returns and discovers the deception, he weeps bitterly and begs for any blessing.

Isaac gives Esau a lesser blessing: he will live away from earth's richness, live by the sword, serve his brother, but eventually break free. Esau harbors murderous hatred and plans to kill Jacob after Isaac's death.

Learning that his Canaanite wives displease his parents, Esau marries Mahalath, daughter of Ishmael. This attempt to please his parents misses the point: he still does not understand the spiritual significance of the family blessing.

Twenty years later, Jacob returns from Haran. Esau comes to meet him with 400 men. Jacob sends gifts and prepares for conflict. But Esau runs to embrace Jacob, kisses him, and they weep together. Esau shows unexpected grace.

Esau settles in the hill country of Seir, later called Edom. His descendants become the Edomites. Jacob and Esau bury their father Isaac together, showing their reconciliation held. Their descendants, however, would become enemies.