After Esau, the first twin of Isaac and the Father of the Edom- אֱדוֹם, was born, he was described with just few words, as written:

What can we learn about Isaac’s firstborn?

The meaning of his name is covered, probably with a lot of hair, as we know that he was hairy. In Genesis Rabbah it’s written that he was one of a kind, due to his respect for his father, Isaac, who loved him because he was a hunter (maybe Esau fulfilled his father’s wishes!). That’s it my friends; there’s no more information given to us in this story. We know that the relationship between the people of Edom and the people of Israel was really hostile, but this is another topic for another time (see for example Malachi 1:2-3)

In the book of Jubilees, which was written in the 2^nd Century B.C., there’s more information about the character of Esau. Esau was in the field all his life as a result of the decision not to learn the way his younger brother Jacob did. Esau was interested only in wars, he was arrogant and aggressive (see Jubiless 19:13-14).

It seems to be that in order to prefer one character, you need, unfortunately, to negate the other. However, dear friends, don’t forget what happened at the end of the sotry for these twins – they hugged and kissed. This should be a suitable ending for every disagreement!

Have a blessed week, Eli

English-Transliteration-Hebrew

The first-hāri’šōn – הָרִאשׁוֹן

Field- śādeh – שָׂדֶה

Esau-’ēśāv – עֵשָׂו

Arrogant-ga’avtān – גַּאַוְתָן

Edom-’ĕdôm – אֱדוֹם

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