Repeated phrases:
(1) Stew v.29, red stuff v.30, Edom v.30, lentil stew v.34
(NET)Esau’s descendants would eventually be called Edom. Edom was the place where they lived, so-named probably because of the reddish nature of the hills
(2) Famished v.29, I am starving v.30, about to die v.32
(3) Birthright v.31, 32, 34
Esau sold his birthright when he was hungry. The red stew was more important than the birthright. Remember, the blessings of Abraham as the theme from chapter 12 to here. That was the most important blessing. The word "despised" was used the first time in the bible since here.
He did despised the birthright at that point only, and later on he really wanted that.
(NET) And sold his birthright. There is evidence from Hurrian culture that rights of inheritance were occasionally sold or transferred. Here Esau is portrayed as a profane person who would at the moment rather have a meal than the right to inherit. He will soon forget this trade and seek his father’s blessing in spite of it.
Summary and reflection:
1. Esau was a person who just thought in short term. He wanted to satisfied his need right the way and could not hold his desire. He gave up something even he himself later on regarded as very important.
In what are we are like Esau and just wants to satisfy our desire immediately without careful thinking? When we are mad and burst into anger?
2. From 25: 22, Rebekah and the reader of Genesis had already knew that Esau would serve Jacob. From today's passage we knew why. God did chose some people before we were born, but humans are also responsible for our sins.
Do not blame anyone, including your parents, for your short comings. It is interesting to talk about our backgrounds and understand our past. However, psychology or this world want to teach us that our faults are due to our parents or our families. Are we going to play the blame game? Or we will be responsible and ask God for forgiveness of our sins?
Audrey
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