Topical Bible: Wicked Children: Esau

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Topical Encyclopedia

Esau, the elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of his relationship with his twin brother, Jacob. His account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where he is depicted as a man of the field, a skillful hunter, and the favored son of Isaac. Despite these attributes, Esau's life is marked by decisions and actions that have led to his characterization as a "wicked child" in the biblical tradition.

Birth and Early Life

Esau and Jacob's birth is recorded in Genesis 25:24-26. Even before their birth, the Lord revealed to Rebekah that "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 25:23). This prophecy set the stage for the tumultuous relationship between the brothers.

Despising the Birthright

One of the most significant events in Esau's life is his decision to sell his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew. Genesis 25:29-34 recounts this transaction, highlighting Esau's impulsive nature and disregard for the spiritual and familial significance of his birthright. The text states, "So Esau despised his birthright" (Genesis 25:34), indicating a profound lack of appreciation for the blessings and responsibilities that came with being the firstborn.

Marriage to Canaanite Women

Esau's choice of wives further exemplifies his disregard for the covenantal values of his family. Genesis 26:34-35 notes that Esau married Judith and Basemath, both Hittite women, which "brought grief to Isaac and Rebekah" (Genesis 26:35). This decision not only caused familial strife but also demonstrated Esau's indifference to the Abrahamic covenant, which emphasized separation from the surrounding pagan cultures.

Loss of the Blessing

The culmination of Esau's narrative of wickedness is found in Genesis 27, where Jacob, with Rebekah's assistance, deceives Isaac into bestowing the patriarchal blessing upon him instead of Esau. Although Esau later seeks the blessing with tears, it is irrevocably given to Jacob. Esau's reaction is one of bitterness and anger, as he vows to kill Jacob once Isaac has passed away (Genesis 27:41).

Legacy and Descendants

Esau's descendants, the Edomites, are frequently depicted in the Bible as adversaries of Israel. The prophet Obadiah, for instance, pronounces judgment against Edom for their violence against Jacob's descendants (Obadiah 1:10-14). This enmity between the two nations is seen as a continuation of the conflict between Esau and Jacob.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, Esau is mentioned in Hebrews 12:16-17 as a warning against godlessness and immorality. The passage describes Esau as "profane" for selling his birthright and notes that he found no place for repentance, even though he sought the blessing with tears. This portrayal underscores the spiritual consequences of Esau's choices and serves as an admonition to believers to value their spiritual inheritance.

Esau's life, marked by impulsive decisions and a lack of spiritual discernment, serves as a cautionary tale within the biblical narrative. His actions and their repercussions highlight the importance of valuing one's spiritual heritage and the consequences of disregarding divine promises and responsibilities.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 26:34,35
And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Story of Jacob
... their children also to pray to idols; so that those who came from Esau, the people
who were his descendants, lost all knowledge of God, and became very wicked. ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of jacob.htm

Chapter xxxvi
... 36:21) ""gazelle"; Alvan (v. Genesis 36:23)""wicked"; Shepho ""bald ... cave dwellers"),
who occupied the land before the children of Esau overcame them (cf ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvi.htm

Demonstration v. --Of Wars.
... 733] And David said:"I saw the wicked exalted and ... and Jacob received the birthright
and blessings of Esau. And the children of Jacob gloried over Joseph, and ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration v of wars.htm

Whether the Judicial Precepts Regarding Foreigners were Framed in ...
... 8:8): "All my words are just, there is nothing wicked nor perverse ... whom they were
born and educated, and the Idumeans, the children of Esau, Jacob's brother ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the judicial precepts regarding.htm

Adoption
... in others, shows an unsound heart; like Esau, who obeyed ... is imperious and rebels;
therefore, God's children need the ... As wicked men are led by the evil spirit ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/4 adoption.htm

Ninth Proposition of Arminius
... race from Adam is one mass of sinful and wicked being, among ... I might do with truth,
that Jacob and Esau are to ... the former being the type of the children of the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/ninth proposition of arminius.htm

Book 1 Footnotes:
... [24] I see no proper wicked intention in ... when he answered her inquiry, "before the
children were born ... than the other people; and the elder, Esau, should serve ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 1 footnotes .htm

The Testament of Benjamin Concerning a Pure Mind.
... a good mind, my children, then will both wicked men be ... ones of the Gentiles, even
as He reproved Esau among the ... and became as they that were no children in the ...
/.../xii the testament of benjamin concerning.htm

On the World and the Movements of Rational Creatures, Whether Good ...
... a soul of an evil nature is destined for a wicked nation, and ... the Apostle Paul, in
discussing the case of Jacob and Esau, says: "For the children being not ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter ix on the world and.htm

Psalm CXXXVII.
... from carnal men, from those who imitate Esau, who are ... How did the children of Edom,
that is, carnal men ... another Psalm, "The words of the wicked have prevailed ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxxvii.htm