ESAU, the eldest son of Isaac, and twin brother of Jacob (Gen. xxv, 24-26). His name (which signifies rough, hairy) was due to his singular appearance at birth, being 'red, and all over like a hairy garment." The struggle for precedence between the brothers was fore shadowed the moment of their first appearance in the world. Esau, the father's favorite, be came a cunning hunter; Jacob, the favorite of the mother, became a peaceful shepherd. One day, as Esau returned famished from the chase, he found his brother preparing some lehtil pot tage, and asked for a share of it. Jacob, taking advantage of his brother's distress, offered him the pottage if he would give up his birthright. Although this meant yielding up the headship of the tribe and the greater share of the family property, Esau nevertheless consented. He was named Edom (red) in consequence, from the color of the pottage; and the name was given to the land he settled in. The next episode in
his history is when Jacob, instigated by his mother, personated Esau, and succeeded in get ting his father's covenant blessing. The in dignation of Esau at the base trick was natural; and Rebekah sent Jacob out of the way for a time, to escape his brother's vengeance. On his return from a protracted stay Jacob succeeded in mollifying Esau by presents and flattery. After a subsequent meeting of the brothers, on the death of their father, we hear no more of Esau.
Many biblical scholars are inclined to look upon this story of Esau and Jacob as symbolical of the relationship existing between the Israelites and the Edomites. The characteristics of the former are well represented by Jacob and those of the latter by Esau. Edom, which was older than Israel, was subjected by David. See EnoM.