In works of peace no less than in war he was great and successful. (Rogers, Hist. of Bab. and Assyr., Vol. II, pp. 244-5.) ESAU (e'sau), (Heb.VP, ay-sawv', hairy; Sept.
'Hera).
1. Name and Family. The origin and mean ing of the name are not quite free from am biguity.
(1) Name. Simon renders it pills opertus (covered with hair), and some such reason as this implies seems involved in the passage Gen. xxv: 25. Cruden, however, explains the name as mean ing one who does (qui facit), an actor or agent. 11 is surname of Edom (red) was given him, it appears (Gen. xxv :30) from the red pottage which he asked of Jacob, or, according to Gen. xxv :25, from the red color of the infant child.
(2) Family. Esau was the eldest son of 'Isaac, Abraham's son' (Gen. xxv :K) by Rebekah, 'the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padan-aram, the sister to Laban the Syrian.' The marriage remaining for some time (about nineteen years ; compare Xxv :20, 26) unproductive. Isaac en treated Jehovah, and she became pregnant. Led by peculiar feelings 'to inquire of Jehovah,' Re bekah was informed that she should give birth to twins whose fate would be as diverse as their character, and, what in those days was stranger still, that the elder should serve the younger. On occasion of her delivery the child that was born first was 'red, all over like an hairy garment ; and they called his name Esan.' Immediately after ward Jacob was born (B. C. between 2004 and 177o).
2. Personal History. in process of time the different natural endowments of the two boys be gan to display their effects in dissimilar aptitudes and pursuits. While Jacob was led by his less robust make and quiet disposition to fulfill the duties of a shepherd's life, and pass his days in and around his tent, Esau was impelled, by the ardent and lofty spirit which agitated his bosom, to seek in the toils, adventures and perils of the chase his occupation and sustenance; and, as is generally the case in natures like his, he gained high repute by his skill and daring.
(1) Sells His Birthright. A hunter's life is of necessity one of uncertainty as well as hard ship; days pass in which the greatest vigilance and the most strenuous exertions may fail even to find, much less capture, game. Esau had on one occasion experienced such a disappointment, and, wearied with his unproductive efforts, ex hausted for want of sustenance, and despairing of capturing any prey, he was fain to turn his steps to his father's house for succor in his extremity.
On reaching home he found his brother enjoying a carefully prepared dish of pottage, attracted by the odor of which he besought Jacob to allow him to share in the meal. His brother saw the exi gency in which Esau was, and determined not to let 'it pass unimproved. Accordingly he puts a price on the required food. Esau was the elder, and had, in consequence, immunities and privileges which were of high value. The sur render of these to himself Jacob makes the condi tion of his complying with Esau's petition. Urged by the cravings of hunger, alarmed even by the fear of instant death, Esau sold his birthright to his younger brother, confirming the contract by the sanction of an oath. Jacob, having thus got his price, supplied the famishing Esau with need ful refreshments.
(2) Marries. Arrived now at years of matur ity, Esau, when 40 years of age, married two wives, Judith add Bashemoth. Some unhappy feelings appear to have previously existed in the family ; for, while Esau was a favorite with his father, in consequence, it appears, of the presents of venison which the youth gave him, Jacob was regarded with special affection by the mother. These partialities and their natural consequences in unamiable feelings were increased and exag gerated by Esau's marriage. Even his father's preference of him may have been injuriously af fected. The way was in some measure smoothed for the transference of the coveted birthright to the younger son.
(3) Loses His Father's Blessing. The time for the fulfillment of the compact between the brothers at length arrived. Isaac is 'sick unto death.' His appetite, as well as his strength, hav ing failed, is only to be gratified by provocatives. He desires some savory venison and gives the requisite instructions to Esau, who accordingly proceeds in quest of it. On this Rebekah begins to feel that the critical time has come. If the hated Hittites are not to enter with her less fa vored son into possession of the family property, the sale of the birthright must now in some way be confirmed and consummated. One essential particular remained—the father's blessing. If this should he given to Esau all hope was gone; for this, like our modern wills, would deed the in heritance and the accompanying headship of the tribe to Esau and his wives.