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).
CONCLUSION:
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. His life reminds us to value spiritual inheritance, control our desires, and choose forgiveness over revenge.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to value my spiritual inheritance above earthly things.
2. Father, grant me the wisdom to make godly decisions.
3. Lord, remove every root of bitterness and unforgiveness in my heart.
4. Father, give me patience to wait for Your perfect plan for my life.
5. Lord, help me to walk in obedience and avoid careless mistakes.
