Sermon Central
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Character Study Of Esau Series
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 21, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Esau’s story is a lesson in priorities and choices. Though strong and skilled, his impulsiveness led to great losses. However, his ability to forgive Jacob shows that people can change.
CHARACTER STUDY OF ESAU – OLDER TWIN OF JACOB, ANCESTOR OF EDOMITES
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 25:29-34
"Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentils; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright."
Supporting Texts: Genesis 25:19-34, Genesis 27:1-46, Genesis 32:1-21, Genesis 36:1-43, Hebrews 12:16-17
INTRODUCTION:
Esau, the elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, was a man of great physical strength but poor spiritual discernment. He was a skilled hunter, yet he failed to value the spiritual inheritance God had given him. His story is a lesson on making wise choices, the consequences of short-term gratification, and the power of forgiveness.
1. ESAU’S BIRTH AND PROPHETIC DESTINY
Esau’s destiny was declared before his birth.
a) Struggled in the Womb – He and Jacob fought even before birth (Genesis 25:22).
b) Prophecy of Two Nations – God revealed that two nations were in Rebekah’s womb (Genesis 25:23).
c) Born First but Not Chosen – Esau was the firstborn, yet Jacob was favoured by God (Genesis 25:25-26).
d) Man of Physical Strength – He became a skillful hunter (Genesis 25:27).
e) Biblical Example: Ishmael, though the firstborn of Abraham, was not the child of promise (Genesis 17:18-21).
2. ESAU’S DESPISING OF HIS BIRTHRIGHT
Esau made a costly decision that affected his destiny.
a) Came Home Hungry – He returned from hunting and was weak (Genesis 25:29).
b) Jacob Offered Him Food – Jacob requested Esau’s birthright in exchange for food (Genesis 25:31).
c) Despised His Birthright – Esau valued temporary satisfaction over lasting blessings (Genesis 25:34).
d) Regretted Too Late – Though he later sought it, he could not recover what he lost (Hebrews 12:16-17).
e) Biblical Example: The prodigal son wasted his inheritance but was restored (Luke 15:11-24).
3. ESAU’S LOSS OF THE BLESSING
His careless decisions led to his greatest disappointment.
a) Isaac Planned to Bless Him – Isaac intended to give Esau the firstborn blessing (Genesis 27:1-4).
b) Rebekah and Jacob Deceived Isaac – Jacob, with his mother’s help, took the blessing (Genesis 27:6-29).
c) Esau’s Pain and Cry – Esau wept bitterly when he realized his loss (Genesis 27:34).
d) Received a Lesser Blessing – Isaac gave him a secondary blessing (Genesis 27:38-40).
e) Biblical Example: King Saul also lost his kingdom due to disobedience (1 Samuel 15:22-28).
4. ESAU’S BITTERNESS AND DESIRE FOR REVENGE
Esau struggled with anger and unforgiveness.
a) Hated Jacob for Stealing His Blessing – He planned to kill Jacob (Genesis 27:41).
b) Rebekah Sent Jacob Away – Jacob fled to Laban’s house for safety (Genesis 27:42-43).
c) Esau Married a Canaanite Woman – To spite his parents, he married outside the covenant (Genesis 28:8-9).
d) His Descendants Became the Edomites – The nation of Edom often opposed Israel (Genesis 36:1-9).
e) Biblical Example: Cain also became bitter and killed Abel (Genesis 4:8-11).
5. ESAU’S RECONCILIATION WITH JACOB
Despite his past, Esau later forgave Jacob.
a) Jacob Feared Meeting Esau – He sent gifts ahead to appease him (Genesis 32:3-5).
b) Esau Came with 400 Men – Jacob expected hostility (Genesis 32:6).
c) Esau Embraced Jacob – Instead of revenge, Esau forgave his brother (Genesis 33:4).
d) Peace Between Them – They reconciled and went their separate ways (Genesis 33:12-17).
e) Biblical Example: Joseph forgave his brothers despite their betrayal (Genesis 50:19-21).
6. STRENGTHS OF ESAU
Despite his failures, Esau had some admirable qualities.
a) A Skilled Hunter – He was hardworking and self-reliant (Genesis 25:27).
b) Loved by His Father – Isaac valued him highly (Genesis 25:28).
c) Strong and Fearless – He was a leader among his people (Genesis 36:6-8).
d) Forgave Jacob – Despite his loss, he chose peace over revenge (Genesis 33:4).
e) Biblical Example: David also showed forgiveness toward Saul (1 Samuel 24:10-12).
7. WEAKNESSES OF ESAU
Esau’s major flaws led to his downfall.
a) Despised His Birthright – He valued temporary pleasure over eternal blessings (Genesis 25:34).
b) Impulsive and Short-Sighted – He made decisions based on immediate needs (Genesis 25:32).
c) Easily Deceived – He did not recognise Jacob’s cunning ways (Genesis 27:35-36).
d) Married Against God’s Will – He took Canaanite wives who displeased his parents (Genesis 26:34-35).
e) Biblical Example: Samson also made poor decisions due to his desires (Judges 16:15-21).
8. LESSONS TO LEARN FROM ESAU
Esau’s life teaches valuable spiritual principles.
a) Value Spiritual Blessings – Never exchange eternal rewards for temporary pleasure (Hebrews 12:16).
b) Be Patient and Trust God – Impatience leads to costly mistakes (Romans 8:25).
c) Avoid Bitterness and Revenge – Forgiveness brings peace and restoration (Ephesians 4:31-32).
d) Seek God’s Will in Marriage – Choosing the right spouse is crucial for destiny (2 Corinthians 6:14).
e) Biblical Example: Paul valued spiritual blessings above all else (Philippians 3:8).
