Topical Bible: Hatred: Esau

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Introduction

Hatred is a powerful and destructive emotion that is frequently addressed in the Bible. One of the most notable biblical figures associated with hatred is Esau, the elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the twin brother of Jacob. The account of Esau and Jacob is a complex narrative that explores themes of sibling rivalry, deception, and the consequences of hatred.

Biblical Background

Esau's account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis. He is described as a skillful hunter and a man of the field, while his brother Jacob is portrayed as a quiet man dwelling in tents (Genesis 25:27). The tension between Esau and Jacob begins even before their birth, as Rebekah is told by the LORD, "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).

The Birthright and Blessing

The animosity between Esau and Jacob is exacerbated by two pivotal events: the selling of Esau's birthright and the stealing of his blessing. In Genesis 25:29-34, Esau sells his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew, demonstrating a lack of regard for his inheritance. Later, in Genesis 27, Jacob, with the help of his mother Rebekah, deceives their father Isaac into giving him the blessing intended for Esau. This act of deception ignites Esau's hatred towards Jacob.

Esau's Hatred

Esau's response to Jacob's deceit is one of intense hatred. Genesis 27:41 states, "Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau determined in his heart: 'The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.'" This declaration of intent to kill Jacob underscores the depth of Esau's hatred and the potential for violence that such emotions can provoke.

Reconciliation

Despite the deep-seated hatred, the narrative of Esau and Jacob does not end in violence. Years later, in Genesis 33, the brothers meet again. Jacob, fearing Esau's wrath, approaches him with gifts and humility. However, Esau surprises Jacob by running to meet him, embracing him, and kissing him. The two brothers weep together, signifying a moment of reconciliation and the overcoming of past hatred.

Theological Implications

The account of Esau and Jacob serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of hatred and the importance of reconciliation. It highlights the consequences of favoritism, deception, and the failure to value one's spiritual inheritance. Furthermore, it illustrates the possibility of forgiveness and the restoration of broken relationships through humility and repentance.

Conclusion

While the narrative of Esau and Jacob is rooted in historical and familial conflict, it offers timeless lessons on the dangers of hatred and the power of reconciliation. The account encourages believers to seek peace and forgiveness, reflecting the transformative love of God in their relationships.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 27:41
And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Celsus, Moreover, Sneers at the "Hatred" of Esau to Which...
... Chapter XLVI. Celsus, moreover, sneers at the "hatred" of Esau to which?
Celsus, moreover, sneers at the "hatred" of Esau (to ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xlvi celsus moreover sneers.htm

The Testament of Gad Concerning Hatred.
... And though a man become rich by evil means, even as Esau the brother of ... Put away,
therefore, hatred from your souls, and love one another with uprightness of ...
/.../the testaments of the twelve patriarchs/ix the testament of gad concerning.htm

2 Timothy iii. 7-Jan
... Lest there be any fornicator or profane person as Esau." (Hebrews 12 ... men will undergo
watchings, and journeyings and continual perils, and hatred, and hostility ...
/.../homily vii 2 timothy iii.htm

The Prophecy of Obadiah.
... That there is none remaining to the house of Esau (and to all who are like ... But the
characteristic of Edom is his hatred against the kingdom of God,"and that ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophecy of obadiah.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... CHAPTER 1. How Esau And Jacob, Isaac's Sons Divided Their Habitation; ... 3. How Joseph
Was Thus Sold By His Brethren Into Egypt, By Reason Of Their Hatred To Him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Ninth Proposition of Arminius
... hatred as its cause, as he prefixes love to election. Then, I conclude, according
to the theory of Augustine, that what is affirmed in the case of Esau and ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/ninth proposition of arminius.htm

Man's Passions and God's Purpose
... remembered his own early crimes against Esau. He might have seen that his unwise
fondness for the son of his Rachel had led to the brothers' hatred, though he ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/mans passions and gods purpose.htm

Hebrews xii. 14
... it has nothing sweet, all are bitter, all unpleasant, all full of hatred and
abomination. ... "Lest there be any fornicator: or profane person, as Esau, who for ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxi hebrews xii 14.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
... In verse 13 God's love to Jacob and His hatred to Esau are declared. ... What, but as
in the case of Esau, why hast thou made me an object of "hatred"? ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter five the sovereignty of.htm

Questions.
... xxvii.39, 40. 10. By what names were the descendants of Esau called? 11. ... 10. What
terrible massacre did Saul commit in his hatred of David? 11. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm