Esau

Esau is a biblical figure known as the elder twin brother of Jacob in the Hebrew Bible. The sons of Isaac, Esau and Jacob's rivalry is told in Genesis 25-28, with Esau eventually selling his birthright to Jacob and Jacob receiving Isaac's blessing that was intended for Esau. Esau is also known as Edom, and the Edomites were believed to be his descendants.

Birth and family

Esau and Jacob were the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah. Esau, the firstborn, was described as "red and hairy", and his name means "hairy" in Hebrew. His brother Jacob was born clutching Esau's heel, and his name means "he grasps the heel" or "he deceives".

Esau's birthright

In Genesis 25:29-34, Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for a "mess of pottage" (a meal of lentils). This event is used to illustrate Esau's disregard for his birthright as the firstborn, and his focus on immediate physical satisfaction.

Isaac's blessing

In Genesis 27, Rebekah helps Jacob to deceive Isaac and receive the blessing that Isaac intended for Esau. This event leads to Esau's hatred of Jacob and Jacob's subsequent flight to live with Laban, Rebekah's brother.

Esau's descendants

Esau is also known as Edom, and the Edomites, who lived in the region of Edom (south of the Dead Sea), were believed to be his descendants. The Edomites were often in conflict with the Israelites in the biblical narrative.

See also

• Jacob
• Isaac
• Rebekah
• Edomites

Esau Resources
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