The Failures of Esau

Genesis 25:29-34

INTRODUCTION: Certain brothers in the Bible confirm the proverb “a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). Consider Cain and Abel or Ishmael and Isaac or Esau and Jacob. In each case, the firstborn bears a strong resemblance to that which is fleshly. As such, Esau’s failures paint a simple, but important picture for the New Testament Christian regarding the exploits of the flesh.

I. THE FOUNDATIONAL PICTURE

A. The Background of Esau (Genesis 25:19-21)

1. Esau was the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham (Genesis 25:19).
2. Isaac was 40 years old when he married Rebekah (Genesis 25:20) and 60 years old when she had the boys (Genesis 25:26).
3. Rebekah was barren, but her husband intreated the Lord on her behalf (Genesis 25:21).

B. The Birth of Esau (Genesis 25:22-26)

1. The struggle within the womb (Genesis 25:22)
2. The distinctions presented (Genesis 25:23)
a. Two nations
b. Two manner of people
3. The order of birth (Genesis 25:25; 1 Corinthians 15:46)
4. The description of the child (Genesis 25:25; Genesis 27:11, 16)

C. The Brawn of Esau (Genesis 25:27-28)

1. He was a cunning hunter (Genesis 25:27).
2. He was a man of the field (Genesis 25:27).
3. He was loved because of his venison (Genesis 25:28).

D. The Badge of Esau

1. Esau struggled with Jacob in the womb (Genesis 25:22).
2. Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing (Genesis 27:41).
3. Edom refused passage to Israel on their journey from Egypt to the land of promise (Numbers 20:14-21; Judges 11:16-17).
4. Doeg, an Edomite, was an enemy of David and killed the Lord’s priests (1 Samuel 22:9-23).
5. Edom committed violence against the children of Judah in shedding innocent blood (Joel 3:19; see also Amos 1:6, 9, 11).

II. HIS FAILURE OF APATHY (Genesis 25:29-34)

A. His Premeditation (Genesis 25:32, 34)

1. There can be no doubt that it was both common knowledge and a point of common discussion that the birthright was an honourable distinction (i.e. spiritual headship and double portion).
2. At some point, Esau began to lessen the importance of the birthright in his heart.

B. His Exaggeration (Genesis 25:29-32)

1. He was faint (Genesis 25:29, 30).
2. He was at the point to die (Genesis 25:32).

C. His Folly (Genesis 25:31-34; Hebrews 12:16)

1. He came from the field (Genesis 25:29). One would think being the hunter he was that he killed something.
2. He came to be known by the desires of his flesh (Genesis 25:30).
3. He sold all the benefits of the birthright for one meal (Genesis 25:29-34; Hebrews 12:16).

D. His Rebellion (Genesis 26:34-35)

1. Esau took wives of the Hittites (Genesis 26:34).
2. They were a grief of mind unto Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 26:35).

III. HIS FAILURE OF ARROGANCE (Genesis 27:1-40)

A. His Strength (Genesis 27:1-5)

1. The use of weapons (Genesis 27:3)
2. The venture to the field (Genesis 27:3)
3. The hunt for venison (Genesis 27:3, 5)

B. His Failure (Genesis 27:6-29)

C. His Emptiness (Genesis 27:30-40)

1. His best was insufficient (Genesis 27:30-33).
2. He had no blessing to receive (Genesis 27:34-40).

D. His Rebellion (Genesis 28:8-9)

1. He saw an opportunity to displease his father (Genesis 28:8).
2. He took a wife of the daughters of Canaan (Genesis 28:8-9).

CONCLUSION: Esau or Edom sold his birthright because of apathy, but lost his blessing because he failed at his own strengths.