Esau who was Jacob’s Twin Brother

Esau in The Bible

Esau was the twin brother of Jacob and Esau’s father’s name was Isaac, the son of Abraham. Esau’s mother’s name was Rebecca. Moreover, Esau was born when Isaac was 60 years old. When Esau was born, his color was red. ‏Both were twin brothers but their hobbies were completely different. Esau was very fond of hunting and spent most of his time outside the house. While Jacob, he stayed at home. Esau used to hunt and bring home and Isaac was very happy. Isaac’s wife Rebecca loved Jacob more, while Isaac loved Esau more. There were many disagreements between the two because there was an incident in their lives that forced Esau to give the right of his firstborn to Jacob, in addition to that Jacob also cheated his father and took his blessing.

Verse

“But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.”  (Genesis 33:4)

Profession and Personality

When Rebecca was pregnant, she found out that she had two children in her womb, Jacob and Esau. Both Jacob and Esau were twins, but Esau was slightly older than Jacob. Jacob did not work hard, but Esau liked to work. These two brothers were totally different from each other. Esau was a brave man because he was fond of hunting, so he became a powerful man by mastering hunting. On the other hand, his brother used to stay at home. The father loved the elder son and the mother loved the younger son and with this mother’s love, Jacob committed many abuses.

Verse

The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the Lord.

The Lord said to her:

“Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” (Genesis 25:22-23)

Seize of Blessings & birthright

Esau was very kind hearted and loved his brother, father and mother very much. Once he came home exhausted from hunting and asked for food. At that time Jacob was cooking. Taking advantage of this time, Jacob asked Esau to give me his birthright. I will give food. Because Esau was very hungry, he accepted the deal. Another time Jacob betrayed Esau when his father Isaac was about to give a blessing to Esau. Jacob’s mother planned that Isaac’s eyesight was weak. Jacob, you become Esau and go in front of him and take the blessing. Jacob did so and stole Esau’s blessing. Esau was very angry. When he found out that it was Jacob’s act, Esau thought of killing Jacob.

Verse

“Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished.  He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom.) Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.” “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?” But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright.” (Genesis 25:29-34)

Reference: (Genesis 27:1-29)

Esau’s Marriage And Descendants

Esau had 3 marriages. Esau’s descendants lived in an area called Edom. In the beginning, he had two marriages of his own free will, both of them were non-religious women, on which Esau’s parents were dismayed. Later Esau married another woman who was the daughter of Ishmael and her name was Mahalath.

Verse

“Now Esau learned that Isaac had blessed Jacob and had sent him to Paddan Aram to take a wife from there, and that when he blessed him he commanded him, “Do not marry a Canaanite woman,” and that Jacob had obeyed his father and mother and had gone to Paddan Aram. Esau then realized how displeasing the Canaanite women were to his father Isaac;  so he went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Ishmael son of Abraham, in addition to the wives he already had.”  (Genesis 28:6-9)

Reconciliation of Esau With Jacob

Esau and Jacob’s hatred did not last long. When Jacob found out that Esau wanted to kill me, he ran away and settled in the Haran area. After a long time, he wanted to meet his family, because he was afraid that Esau would be angry with him and kill him. Therefore, Jacob sent gifts to Esau, and when they met, Esau also forgave him and ended their quarrels.

Verse

Jacob looked up and there was Esau, coming with his four hundred men; so he divided the children among Leah, Rachel and the two female servants. He put the female servants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph in the rear. He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.” (Genesis 33:1-4)

Esau’s Death

The Holy Bible does not mention the death of Jesus. The last mention happened when Esau and Jacob buried their father, and later Esau and his descendants settled in the region of Edom and became the founders there.

Verse

“Then he breathed his last and died and was gathered to his people, old and full of years. And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.” (Genesis 35:29)

Frequently Asked Questions

Esau has red color of skin and hair. Esau was very fond of hunting and spent most of his time outside the house.

Jacob seizes Esau’s birthright and stole his blessing.

Because he wanted to be a first born and this thing has a great role in inheritance.

Romans are the descendants of Esau today.

Esau was very fond of hunting and spent most of his time outside the house. Esau brought these hunting at home. Isaac loves him due to his hunting skills.

Conclusion

If we read the story of Esau and Jacob, then we know that there can be great differences even in blood relations, but we should always learn to forgive each other’s mistakes and move forward. The second lesson is that Esau lost many things in his life, such as his birthright and blessing, yet he created a generation that later founded a region. This shows that one should always forgive others despite difficult situations.

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