Difference between revisions of "Esau" - New World Encyclopedia
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| − | + | [[Image:Jacob-and-esau.jpg|thumb|250px|Esau welcome Jacob back to Canaan]] | |
| − | '''Esau''' ([[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] {{hebrew|עֵשָׂו}}, | + | '''Esau''' ([[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] {{hebrew|עֵשָׂו}}, '''Esav''', ) was the oldest son of [[Isaac]] and [[Rebekah]] and the twin brother of [[Jacob]] in the [[Hebrew Bible|biblical]] [[Book of Genesis]]. Although he was the elder son and thus stood first in the line of inheritance from Isaac, Esau sold his birthright to Jacob and was later cheated out of receiving Isaac's blessing when Jacob and Rebekeh conspired to deceive Isaac into unknowingly bestowing his blessing on Jacob instead. He planned to kill Jacob once Isaac died, but Rebekah wisely arrange for her younger son to flee to her relatives in Haran. Esau became a wealthy man in his right, and when Jacob returned 21 years later, Esau forgave him and welcomed him. |
| + | In biblical tradition, Esau is considered to be the father of the Edomites, a semitic people living east of the Jordan in the land of Canaan. | ||
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| + | ==Biblical Account== | ||
The Bible depicts Esau as a hunter who prefers the outdoor life, qualities that distinguished him from his brother.<ref name="oxford"/> Esau is also considered to be the ancestor of the [[Edomites]].<ref name="oxford"/> | The Bible depicts Esau as a hunter who prefers the outdoor life, qualities that distinguished him from his brother.<ref name="oxford"/> Esau is also considered to be the ancestor of the [[Edomites]].<ref name="oxford"/> | ||
In the Book of Genesis, Esau is frequently shown being supplanted by his younger twin Jacob. | In the Book of Genesis, Esau is frequently shown being supplanted by his younger twin Jacob. | ||
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There are many Biblical references to hostility between the people of Israel and the people of Edom (e.g., [[2 Samuel]] 8:12-14; [[2 Kings]] 8:20-22; [[Psalm]] 137:7), and it is possible that some of the narrative of Genesis is intended to explain the origins and justification of that hostility. | There are many Biblical references to hostility between the people of Israel and the people of Edom (e.g., [[2 Samuel]] 8:12-14; [[2 Kings]] 8:20-22; [[Psalm]] 137:7), and it is possible that some of the narrative of Genesis is intended to explain the origins and justification of that hostility. | ||
==Esau's name== | ==Esau's name== | ||
| − | Esau's name in [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] means "hairy", and, according to Genesis 25:25, it is a reference to his hairiness at birth. He is also called "[[Edom]]", which means red. Genesis relates this directly to his selling his birthright for some "red stuff" (Gen. 25:30). | + | Esau's name in [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] means "hairy", and, according to Genesis 25:25, it is a reference to his hairiness at birth. He is also called "[[Edom]]", which means red. Genesis relates this directly to his selling his birthright for some "red stuff" (Gen. 25:30). However, Genesis also makes a point of mentioning that he was red when he emerged from the womb (Gen 25:25). However, this may be an example of [[retroactive nomenclature]], as the land which was supposedly inhabited by his descendants, Edom, contains a great abundance of red rock, and most scholars believe that the name of the land is a topographical reference. |
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
Revision as of 13:58, 17 March 2007
Esau (Hebrew עֵשָׂו, Esav, ) was the oldest son of Isaac and Rebekah and the twin brother of Jacob in the biblical Book of Genesis. Although he was the elder son and thus stood first in the line of inheritance from Isaac, Esau sold his birthright to Jacob and was later cheated out of receiving Isaac's blessing when Jacob and Rebekeh conspired to deceive Isaac into unknowingly bestowing his blessing on Jacob instead. He planned to kill Jacob once Isaac died, but Rebekah wisely arrange for her younger son to flee to her relatives in Haran. Esau became a wealthy man in his right, and when Jacob returned 21 years later, Esau forgave him and welcomed him. In biblical tradition, Esau is considered to be the father of the Edomites, a semitic people living east of the Jordan in the land of Canaan.
Biblical Account
The Bible depicts Esau as a hunter who prefers the outdoor life, qualities that distinguished him from his brother.[1] Esau is also considered to be the ancestor of the Edomites.[1] In the Book of Genesis, Esau is frequently shown being supplanted by his younger twin Jacob. In Genesis 25:19-25, narrates Esau's birth. He emerges from the womb with Jacob grasping his heel. Genesis 25:29-34 shows him willingly and foolishly selling his birthright to Jacob[1] in exchange for for a "mess of pottage" (meal of lentils). It could be noted that Esau was in danger of starving to death. In Genesis 27:1-40, Jacob uses deception to trick their father Isaac into giving him (Jacob) the blessing normally due to the eldest, instead of giving it to Esau. Genesis Chapters 32-33 tell of Jacob and Esau being reconciled. Genesis Chapter 36 lists the descendants of Esau. His death is not recounted in the Bible. There is also mention of Esau marrying Canaanite wives, and, upon realizing that this displeased his parents, his cousin Mahalath, the daughter of Ishmael (Gen 27:6-9). There are many Biblical references to hostility between the people of Israel and the people of Edom (e.g., 2 Samuel 8:12-14; 2 Kings 8:20-22; Psalm 137:7), and it is possible that some of the narrative of Genesis is intended to explain the origins and justification of that hostility.
Esau's name
Esau's name in Hebrew means "hairy", and, according to Genesis 25:25, it is a reference to his hairiness at birth. He is also called "Edom", which means red. Genesis relates this directly to his selling his birthright for some "red stuff" (Gen. 25:30). However, Genesis also makes a point of mentioning that he was red when he emerged from the womb (Gen 25:25). However, this may be an example of retroactive nomenclature, as the land which was supposedly inhabited by his descendants, Edom, contains a great abundance of red rock, and most scholars believe that the name of the land is a topographical reference.
Notes
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Metzeger, Bruce M. (ed) and , Michael D. Coogan (ed) (1993). The Oxford Companion to the Bible. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-504645-5.
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