Bible Esau Family Tree
1. Abraham and Sarah (Esau’s Grandparents)
Abraham: The patriarch of Israel, chosen by God to be the father of many nations (Genesis 17:4).
Sarah: Abraham’s wife, who bore Isaac, the son of promise.
2. Isaac and Rebekah (Esau’s Parents)
Isaac: Son of Abraham and Sarah, he inherited God’s covenant promises and married Rebekah (Genesis 25:21).
Rebekah: Isaac’s wife, who bore twins, Esau and Jacob (Genesis 25:19-21).
3. Esau’s Wives
Judith
Basemath
Mahalath
4. Esau’s Children (By His Wives):
Eliphaz
Reuel
Jeush
Jalam
Korah
Nahath
Zeresh
Scriptures about Esau
Genesis 25:24-26: “When her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. And the first came out red, all his body like a hairy garment, so they called his name Esau. Afterward his brother came out, and his hand took hold of Esau’s heel, so his name was called Jacob.”
Genesis 25:29-34: “Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted. And Esau said to Jacob, ‘Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!’ Jacob said, ‘Sell me your birthright now.’ Esau said, ‘I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?’”
Genesis 26:34-35: “When Esau was forty years old, he took Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite to be his wife, and Basemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and they made life bitter for Isaac and Rebekah.”
Genesis 27:1-4: “When Isaac was old and his eyes were dim so that he could not see, he called Esau his older son and said to him, ‘My son.’ And he answered, ‘Here I am.’ He said, ‘Behold, I am old; I do not know the day of my death. Now then, take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me.'”
Genesis 27:30-36: “As soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob, when Jacob had scarcely gone out from the presence of Isaac, his father, Esau his brother came in from his hunting. He also prepared delicious food and brought it to his father. And he said to his father, ‘Let my father arise and eat of his son’s game, that you may bless me.'”
Genesis 27:41: “Now Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him. And Esau said to himself, ‘The days of mourning for my father are approaching; then I will kill my brother Jacob.'”
Genesis 28:6-9: “Now Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob and sent him away to Paddan-aram to take a wife from there, and that as he blessed him he directed him, ‘You must not take a wife from the Canaanite women,’ and that Jacob had obeyed his father and his mother and gone to Paddan-aram.”
Genesis 32:6-8: “And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, ‘We came to your brother Esau, and he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.’ Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed.”
Genesis 32:9-12: “And Jacob said, ‘O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O Lord who said to me, “Return to your country and to your kindred, that I may do you good.” I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant.'”
Genesis 33:1-4: “And Jacob lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, Esau was coming, and four hundred men with him. So he divided the children among Leah and Rachel and the two female servants. And he put the servants with their children in front, then Leah with her children, and Rachel and Joseph last of all.”
Genesis 33:8-10: “Esau said, ‘What do you mean by all this company that I met?’ Jacob answered, ‘To find favor in the sight of my lord.’ But Esau said, ‘I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself.'”
Genesis 36:1-2: “These are the generations of Esau (that is, Edom). Esau took his wives from the Canaanites: Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite, Aholibamah the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite.”
This passage introduces Esau’s descendants and the establishment of the Edomite nation.
Genesis 36:6-8: “Then Esau took his wives, his sons, his daughters, and all the members of his household, his livestock, all his beasts, and all his property that he had acquired in the land of Canaan. He went into a land away from his brother Jacob.”
Malachi 1:2-3: “I have loved you, says the Lord. But you say, ‘How have you loved us?’ Is not Esau Jacob’s brother, declares the Lord? Yet I have loved Jacob but Esau I have hated. I have laid waste his hill country and left his heritage to jackals of the desert.'”
Romans 9:13: “As it is written, ‘Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.'”
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1. Esau’s Birth and Early Life
In Genesis 25:24-26, Esau is born as the first of twins to Isaac and Rebekah. Esau comes out red and hairy, earning him the name “Esau,” which means “hairy.” His younger twin, Jacob, is grasping his heel, which is reflected in the meaning of Jacob’s name, “heel-grabber” or “supplanter.” This moment sets the stage for the rivalry between the brothers, as the prophecy given to Rebekah foretells that “the older will serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23).
2. Esau Sells His Birthright
One of the most famous stories about Esau is when he impulsively sells his birthright to Jacob in exchange for a bowl of stew. In Genesis 25:29-34, Esau, returning from hunting, finds himself famished and desires food. Jacob offers him the stew in exchange for Esau’s birthright as the firstborn. Esau, dismissing the value of his inheritance, agrees. Later, he deeply regrets his decision, but the transaction is irreversible. This story highlights the dangers of acting impulsively and underestimating the significance of God-given blessings.
3. Esau’s Marriages
In Genesis 26:34-35, Esau marries two Hittite women, Judith and Basemath, which causes great distress to his parents, Isaac and Rebekah. Their marriages were viewed as a rejection of the faith and customs of Abraham’s family. This story underscores Esau’s disregard for his heritage and faith, making his decisions contrary to the expectations of his family.
4. Esau Seeks His Father’s Blessing
When Isaac grows old and his sight fails, he plans to bless Esau as the firstborn. In Genesis 27:1-4, Isaac instructs Esau to hunt and prepare a meal for him before receiving his blessing. However, Rebekah overhears this and conspires with Jacob to deceive Isaac. She prepares a meal and helps Jacob disguise himself as Esau. Jacob receives the blessing intended for Esau, causing Esau to lose his inheritance. This moment marks the beginning of a deep conflict between the brothers.
5. Esau’s Rage and Plan for Revenge
In Genesis 27:41, Esau becomes furious upon discovering that Jacob has received both the birthright and the blessing. Esau vows to kill Jacob after their father’s death. His anger is so great that it forces Rebekah to send Jacob away to her brother Laban’s house in Haran, where he will be safe. This story reflects Esau’s bitterness and his deep desire for revenge against his brother.
6. Esau Forgives Jacob
After many years, Jacob returns home with his family. Fearing Esau’s wrath, he sends gifts ahead to appease him. In Genesis 33:1-4, Esau surprises Jacob by running to embrace him, showing mercy and forgiveness instead of the anger Jacob expected. Esau refuses the gifts Jacob offers, saying, “I have enough, my brother.” The reconciliation between the brothers highlights the power of forgiveness and God’s ability to bring peace after conflict.
7. Esau’s Descendants and the Edomites
In Genesis 36, Esau moves away from his brother Jacob and settles in the land of Seir, which becomes known as Edom. Esau’s descendants are known as the Edomites, and this chapter outlines his family tree, detailing his wives, children, and grandchildren. The Edomites later become a distinct nation, often in conflict with the Israelites. This story illustrates how Esau’s decision to separate from Jacob led to the establishment of a separate lineage, one that would interact with Israel for generations to come.
Esau In The Bible Meaning
The Danger of Impulsiveness
One of the central themes of Esau’s story is the danger of acting impulsively without considering long-term consequences. In Genesis 25:29-34, Esau makes a rash decision when he sells his birthright to Jacob for a mere bowl of stew. This impulsive act demonstrates how easy it is to make decisions based on immediate desires rather than thinking through the lasting implications. Esau’s actions serve as a warning about the consequences of prioritizing temporary satisfaction over lasting blessings. The birthright was not only a position of honor as the firstborn son but also a significant spiritual inheritance, which Esau failed to appreciate in his moment of hunger.
This theme of impulsiveness is further underscored in the way Esau responds to his brother’s deception. Esau’s anger and desire for revenge in Genesis 27:41 show how unchecked emotions can spiral into actions that cause further pain and regret. Esau’s tendency to act without reflecting deeply on the consequences illustrates a life lived in reaction rather than in reflection, which often leads to missed opportunities and strained relationships.
The Value of Spiritual Blessings
Esau’s disregard for his spiritual inheritance contrasts sharply with Jacob’s eagerness to acquire it. While Esau was focused on material concerns, Jacob recognized the profound significance of the birthright and the blessing. The spiritual importance of these blessings is reflected throughout the Bible, emphasizing that God’s plan for His people is often carried through the covenantal blessings passed down from generation to generation. Esau’s story highlights how spiritual blessings—often unseen and intangible—are of greater value than earthly, temporary rewards.
Through Esau’s loss of his birthright, the Bible underscores that the things of God cannot be taken lightly. His failure to understand the importance of God’s covenant with his family led to his downfall, while Jacob, despite his deceitful methods, ultimately becomes the father of the nation of Israel. This shift from Esau’s materialism to Jacob’s spiritual focus serves as a reminder to believers of the importance of placing eternal values above immediate pleasures.
The Power of Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Esau’s story is not just about loss and regret—it is also a story of reconciliation and forgiveness. After years of estrangement and conflict, Esau surprises Jacob by welcoming him with open arms in Genesis 33:1-4. This moment of reconciliation is profound because it reflects Esau’s ability to let go of bitterness and to offer forgiveness, despite the deep wrongs done to him by Jacob. This theme of forgiveness highlights God’s desire for healing and restoration in broken relationships.
Esau’s forgiveness of Jacob also exemplifies the power of grace. Though Jacob had wronged him, Esau chooses to embrace him, showing that peace is more valuable than the pursuit of revenge. This act of grace is reminiscent of God’s call to His people to forgive others as He has forgiven them. Esau’s ability to forgive teaches believers about the importance of humility, grace, and the strength to move beyond past hurts in order to experience healing.
God’s Sovereign Plan
One of the most significant aspects of Esau’s story is the realization that God’s sovereign plan transcends human actions and choices. Though Esau was the firstborn, God’s plan was for Jacob to receive the blessing, as foretold in Genesis 25:23. This fulfillment of prophecy teaches that God’s purposes will prevail, even when human decisions and actions may seem to thwart them.
God’s sovereignty is evident throughout the story of Esau, particularly in his relationship with Jacob. While Esau’s decisions, like selling his birthright and marrying outside of the faith, reflect his personal flaws and lack of spiritual insight, God uses these choices to carry out His larger plan for the nation of Israel. Even in his rejection, Esau is part of God’s redemptive narrative, illustrating that God’s will is not dependent on human understanding or efforts but on His divine wisdom.
Legacy and Impact
Esau’s legacy is one of both blessing and conflict. Although he lost his birthright, Esau became the father of the Edomites, a nation that played a significant role in the Bible’s larger narrative. The Edomites frequently found themselves in conflict with Israel, symbolizing the tension between fleshly desires and the spiritual blessings that belong to God’s chosen people.
Through Esau’s descendants, we see how the actions of one generation can ripple through history, affecting the future of nations. Esau’s story, then, serves as a reminder that our decisions not only impact our own lives but can have far-reaching consequences for future generations. His legacy challenges us to consider the long-term effects of our choices, especially when it comes to our spiritual walk with God.
FAQs About Esau
1. What is Esau in the Bible known for?
Esau is primarily known in the Bible for his impulsive decision to sell his birthright to his younger brother Jacob for a bowl of stew. This act led to the loss of his inheritance as the firstborn. Esau is also known for his rivalry with Jacob, his eventual reconciliation with him, and his role as the father of the Edomites.
2. What was God’s promise to Esau?
Though Jacob received the primary blessing, God also made a promise to Esau. In Genesis 27:39-40, Isaac blesses Esau with the promise of living by the sword and serving his brother but also becoming a nation. Esau’s descendants, the Edomites, would eventually grow into a powerful people, although they would remain in conflict with Israel.
3. Did Esau forgive Jacob?
Yes, Esau did forgive Jacob. Despite the years of estrangement and Jacob’s deception in stealing Esau’s blessing, Esau embraced Jacob with open arms when they finally reunited in Genesis 33. He chose to forgive Jacob, demonstrating the power of grace and reconciliation.
4. How long did Esau live?
Esau lived to be 140 years old. He is recorded in Genesis 35:28-29 as having lived a full life, with many descendants. His long life was part of God’s blessing to him, even though his inheritance was not as substantial as that of Jacob’s.
5. Why couldn’t Isaac bless Esau?
Isaac could not bless Esau as the firstborn due to the fulfillment of God’s plan. Although Esau was the elder son, God had already chosen Jacob to receive the blessing (Genesis 25:23). Isaac was initially unaware that Jacob had deceived him, but once he realized, he confirmed that the blessing intended for Esau would remain with Jacob, in accordance with God’s will.