Jacob and Esau and the Birthright

Isaac, the son of Abraham, was forty years old when he married Rebekah (Genesis 25:20). Because Rebekah was barren, Isaac prayed to the Lord on her behalf, and the Lord granted his prayer so that Rebekah conceived. During her pregnancy, the children struggled together within her, leading her to inquire of the Lord. The Lord told her that two nations were in her womb and two peoples would be separated from her body; one would be stronger than the other, and the older would serve the younger (Genesis 25:23). The text does not say how much time passed before she gave birth.

When the days for her delivery were fulfilled, the first child came out red and hairy like a garment, and they named him Esau. His brother came out afterward with his hand grasping Esau's heel, and he was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when they were born (Genesis 25:26). As the boys grew, Esau became a skillful hunter and a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man who stayed among the tents. Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his venison, but Rebekah loved Jacob. The text does not say why Isaac preferred the taste of venison over other foods.

On a specific day, Jacob prepared a stew, and Esau arrived from the field in a state of exhaustion. Esau requested some of the red stew, noting his fatigue. Jacob replied by demanding that Esau sell him his birthright first. Esau stated that he was at the point of death and questioned the use of the birthright to him. Jacob then insisted that Esau swear an oath. Esau swore the oath and sold his birthright to Jacob (Genesis 25:33). Jacob provided Esau with bread and lentil stew; Esau ate, drank, rose up, and went his way. In this manner, Esau despised his birthright.