Jacob and Esau Begin

Genesis 25:19–34

With Abraham's story closing, Genesis turns to Isaac's family and the next generation of promise tension. Rebekah is barren at first, then conceives twins after Isaac prays. Before birth, God announces that two nations are in her womb and that the older will serve the younger. The rest of the passage shows early signs of that tension as Jacob and Esau grow into sharply different dispositions.

The Oracle Before Birth

Rebekah's pregnancy is difficult. She goes to inquire of the Lord, and He tells her:

"Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger." — Genesis 25:23 (ESV)

God's oracle frames the story before either twin acts. Paul's later use of this narrative in Romans 9 highlights divine election language that precedes the twins' deeds, a text that has shaped centuries of theological debate. The promise is not based on what the twins will do; it is announced before they are born.

The Twins Are Born

Esau is born first, red and hairy. Jacob is born grasping Esau's heel. The names are significant: Esau means "hairy," and Jacob means "he grasps the heel" or "he supplants."

As they grow, their temperaments diverge sharply. Esau becomes a hunter of the field, a man of the outdoors. Jacob is described as dwelling in tents, a quieter, more domestic figure. Isaac favors Esau because he eats of his game. Rebekah favors Jacob.

Family favoritism becomes a structural problem in the Jacob-Esau cycle. The parents are divided in their preferences, setting up future conflict.

The Birthright Traded

One day, Esau returns from the field exhausted. Jacob is cooking a stew. Esau says: "Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!"

Jacob responds: "First sell me your birthright."

Esau says: "I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?" He swears an oath and sells his birthright to Jacob for bread and lentil stew.

The narrator closes with a strong assessment: "Thus Esau despised his birthright."

Hebrews 12 interprets Esau's decision as spiritually shortsighted, treating the event as warning against trading enduring blessing for temporary gratification. The issue is not hunger alone, but disregard for long-term covenant inheritance in favor of immediate relief.

Birthright language in Genesis includes spiritual and covenant significance. The birthright is not merely a larger share of inheritance; it is the right to carry forward the covenant promises. Esau trades this for a meal.

What to Notice

God's election precedes human action. The oracle is announced before the twins are born, before they have done anything good or bad. The promise is not based on merit.
Family favoritism creates structural problems. Isaac and Rebekah favor different sons, setting up conflict that will persist through the narrative.
Birthright carries covenant significance. The birthright is not merely material inheritance; it is the right to carry forward God's covenant promises.
The narrator evaluates Esau's choice. The text does not leave the trade neutral. It explicitly says Esau despised his birthright. The narrator is making a moral judgment.
Jacob's ambition is mixed morally. Calvin underscores that Jacob is not presented as a pure hero. He takes advantage of his brother's exhaustion. He is chosen within a flawed family system.