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Of such change of mind and purpose it may be meant that Esau found no place. In that manner. Not, lest. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. WebEsau, also called Edom, in the Old Testament (Genesis 25:1934; 27; 28:69; 32:321; 33:116; 36), son of Isaac and Rebekah, elder twin brother of Jacob, and in Hebrew His despondency, therefore, is not parallel to anything on this side the grave." A primary particle; opposite, i.e. My code is GPL licensed, can I issue a license to have my code be distributed in a specific MIT licensed project? "God is not a man that he should repent" (Numbers 23:19). This prompted all those present to give him the name Esau (Esav in Hebrew), Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. Isaac was the only legitimate son of Abraham, the father of the Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Weblest anyone be a fornicator, or a profane person, as Esau, who in exchange for one morsel of food sold his birthright, Majority Standard Bible See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright. And they wept (Genesis 33:4). When Esau returned home that evening, Esau walked passed Jacob's tent. 2. For he found no place of repentance, although with tears he had sought it. We observe, further, that nothing is implied one way or the other as to Esau's own salvation; it is only the privilege of being the patriarch of the chosen seed that he is said to have thus irrecoverably forfeited. Jacob also showed that he wasnt above taking advantage of situations to get ahead of his brother: one day, Esau came home hungry from hunting and asked Jacob for some stew he was cooking. Given Jacobs manipulative character, and the manner in which he treats Esau, what lesson are we to glean? WebThe so called 'Hebrew Israelites' and 'Esau'. This paints a pretty dark picture of him. After his party had crossed the Jabbok River, Jacob sent his family and possessions ahead and spent a night alone. After they reconciled, Esau returned to Seir while Jacob settled in Sukkoth (Genesis 33:16). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete). Betsy St. Amant, Heroes of Faith (Isaac, Jacob and Joseph), Week 1 This double portion conveyed that the eldest male child preserved the family lineage. Jacob made Esau swear togive up his birthright (the firstborn sons share of the estate), and then gave him the stew (Genesis 25:27-34). From the base of basis and belos; accessible, i.e. Hebrews 12:15-16 states that Esau was a godless man who fell short of God's grace. Strong Exegesis of Hebrews 12:15 "fail of the grace of God" in what sense? Failure to do so doesnt prove we arent born again. The Bible states that while Rebekah was still carrying her twin sons in her womb, they started fighting each other (Genesis 25:22). The story of Jacobs son Joseph, another younger son who dominated his siblings, takes up the rest of Genesis. the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1, etc. Jacob and Esau were the sons of Isaac and Rebekah, and the grandsons of Abraham and Sarah. One cannot be faulted for questioning what this biblical account may have to teach us. While it is Gods prerogative to fix our bad decisions, we dont have promises that God will supernaturally guard us from bad consequences (Col. 3:25). Both loveand hate here refer to Gods choice. RESPONSE: Even those who disbelieve in eternal security would have difficulty with this passage. Later in Genesis, we have every reason to believe that Esau continued to believe in and worship God. Esau became a man of the field and a hunter. Isaac asked Esau to hunt some wild game, make him his favorite food and bring it to him, then Isaac would bless Esau (Genesis 27:1-4). Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. Understanding ourselves as blessed by God means recognizing how our lives are continually lived within Gods redemptive work. Esau has gone down in history as one of the most notorious big brothers. We must be vigilant so that no one turns from the truth, becomes bitter, or follows the course of selfish Esau, who wanted Gods blessing desperatelybut not on Gods terms (cf. 16Lest there be any fornicator or profane person, as Esau who for one mess sold his first birthright. . The believing readers are warned not to be like Cain. Salem Media Group. When Rebekah asked God what was going on, he informed her: and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger. Like Abraham, Isaac lived in tentsa nomadic herder who moved around to wherever fields were available. As flawed as we might be, or as prone to wrong decisions as Jacob was, we can be confident in Gods loving regard, and Gods willingness to redeem. Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular. WebTraduzioni in contesto per "Esa, alzando gli occhi" in italiano-inglese da Reverso Context: 5 Poi Esa, alzando gli occhi, vide le donne e i bambini, e disse: Chi sono questi che hai con te? Kingdom, Covenants & Canon of the Old Testament, Your Kingdom Come: The Doctrine of Eschatology, He Gave Us Scripture: Foundations of Interpretation, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. But his example is adduced as a warning to Christians with regard to their still more precious inheritance, which does involve their own eternal prospects. Hungry, Esau told his brother, Quick, let me have some of that red stew! Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. King Solomon's Story in the BibleWho Was Lot's Wife in the Bible?Who Was Jezebel in the Bible?Who Was the Prodigal Son? And Esau said to Jacob, Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted! (Therefore his name was called Edom.) The same is true with Cain. How does the story of Jacob and Esau lead us into a deeper recognition of Gods place and activity in our lives? The text says definitively that Isaac, who had a taste for while game, loved Esau; but Rebekah loved Jacob (Genesis 25:28) The parents stoke the fires of rivalry between the two boys by placing one child over the other. Unfortunately, Jacob and Esau rarely work together. The fact that someone was carnally minded or failed to persevere in no way proves he wasnt born again. Believers are those who have come to faith in Jesus (or the coming Messiah for OT people) for everlasting life. 1, p. 162). WebEsau was at this time a man of mature age, being either fifty-seven or seventy-seven years old, and must have been acquainted with the heavenly oracle (Genesis 25:23) that assigned the precedence in the theocratic line to Jacob. Find out more about his work here. Contrary to how its often explained, forgiveness doesnt act like wrong things didnt happen. 44 The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Esau said, I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?. Did this satellite streak past the Hubble Space Telescope so close that it was out of focus? And that because he sold his birth right everyone of the white race is basically comdenned with no chance of repentance. We do not know from this selection whether either or both men were regenerate. He had no regard for the good, the truthful, the divine. In the Johannine epistles, to be of God is to act in a godly way and to be of the devil is to act in a devilish way. He had no regard for the good, the truthful, the divine. Later in Genesis, we have every reason to believe that Esau continued to believe in and worship Is the blessing of the father included in the birthright? At some point, these prophecies were fulfilled. WebEsau did some lapse with his faith for selling his birthright in exchange for a single meal, but until the final judgment will be happen no one can tell where he will be going whether Having been just declared the head of the family, he must now leave the family in fear of his life. This is a constant trend in scripture. They dont represent all believers. WebThis promise looks as high as heaven, of which Canaan was a type. After Rachel had her first son, Joseph, Jacob planned to return home, but Laban convinced him to stick around longer. Behold, your dwelling shall be of the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above. New Living Translation Make sure that no one is Bayless Conley, Jacob and Esau, Part 1 According to the Bible, Jacob was in the middle of a desolate area when he had a dream of a ladder, which connected heaven and earth, and angels climbing up and down on it. Like Esau, Jacob lives into the meaning behind his name. We still have a responsibility to follow God and live wisely. The blessings of God do not necessarily remove us from the difficulties of life. The birthright was precious to him, though he tried to procure it by devious means. rev2023.3.3.43278. The natural world would be made to respond to this man's status before the Lord. Ask this question among Hebrew Israelites, almost all will say no: Esau is doomed, can find no forgiveness. Web1 This is a divine revelation. WebJacobs response, seeing in Esau the face of God (v. 10), shows just how far he has come: As Jacob had seen the face of God in the struggle and reconciliation with the wrestler, Olson writes, so Jacob sees the face of God in the face of his reconciled enemy/brother who had sought to kill him. Esau sold his first born right to Jacob. The man replied that Jacob was wrestling with God himself (Genesis 32:24-32). When Esau sold Jacob his birthright to Jacob (Gen. 25), this referred to his stake in the Abrahamic Covenant. He had no ethics or faith, no scruples or reverence. Sorted by: 10. Ezrach Man Is Born At Passover Born Again Process Virgin of Israel Yehovahs Servants 144,000 in the Scriptures Creation Of Man Widows And Orphans Orphans Are Fatherless Children Widows Go To Family Divorces and Fatherless 4 Adultery 1 of 2 Polygyny Is Not Adultery Or Polygamy Seed / Sons Of Belial Divorcement Esau was enraged and Jacob had to run away to save his life. Early on, he had visions in his sleep, of a ladder leading to heaven (Genesis 28:10-22). Read the Biblical account of these two important Old Testament brothers in the Scripture below, followed by helpful commentary and video, audio Bible studies. He then moved Leah and her children to the front of his group, Rachel and Joseph to the back, and approached Esau in a humble pose (Genesis 33:1-3). and you will serve your brother. This combativeness cannot be solely ascribed to sibling rivalry. One of the unfortunate things we see in the narrative is the playing of favorites by both Isaac and Rebekah. The writer of Hebrews uses Esau as a negative example of godlessness: See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless See our earlier article Eternal Security.. By giving this blessing, Isaac was passing along something special. WebAt the time, he was on the run from his brother Esau following an incident in which Jacob had tricked him out of his inheritance. heathenish, wicked. This is by no means a forced construction of the sentence, and it is supported (as above intimated) by the fact that in Genesis it is the blessing itself that Esau is expressly said to have craved in his "great and exceeding bitter cry:" "Hast thou but one blessing, my father? Please contact the publisher to obtain copies of this resource. The hell he was entering into he found to be totally miserable, and he wanted out. We can easily assume that the life of blessing involves an easy and trouble-free existence. The embracing of Jacob and Esau is a wonderful testimony to Gods ability to redeem even the messiest of situations in our lives. the choicest parts of the earth. When Moses brought the Israelites back to Canaan, God singled out the Edomites as one Canaanite group they couldnt exterminate (Deuteronomy 2:2-6). Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular. 40You will live by the sword Scripture doesnt record what occurred in Esaus life over those years, but it is safe to say that God softened in his heart. Romans 9 seems to put them in the non-elect category. Why is the birthright so emphasized in the Bible? From prototokos; primogeniture. Jacob said Esau could have some stew, but only as part of a deal: the meal for Esaus birthright (Genesis 25:31). While their competition with each other is legendary, the fact that they forgave and reconciled is an equally powerful story. Isaac the father of Esau and Jacob was apparently not aware that Jacob had bought the firstborn right (Genesis 25:23). Thebirthright was a big deal: Esau and Jacob were twins, but Esau was the oldest son since he left the womb first. Jacob finally left when it became clear Labans sons resented him (Genesis 31:1-2). He had no ethics or faith, no scruples or reverence. It has no clear winners or losers; Jacob is never a perfect character. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. He is born grasping the heel of Esau, so is given the name Jacob. Jacob is the consummate manipulator and comes across us unyieldingly selfish. Why did Ukraine abstain from the UNHRC vote on China? He has 20 years of pastoral experience, and his ministry focuses on helping people overcome times of spiritual discouragement. One can only wonder what the two may have accomplished if they had allowed their strengths to work together. Since the UK is now no longer a member of the EU, you may be charged an import tax on this item by the customs authorities in your country of residence, which is beyond our control. Sometime later, after Esau was 40 years old (Genesis 26:34-35), Jacob pulled another trick on him. If you preorder a special airline meal (e.g. Let me give you a list of some people in the Bible who are commonly considered as unregenerate whom I believe most likely were born-again: King Nebuchadnezzar, King Saul, Balaam the prophet, King Agrippa, Simon Magus (Acts 8), all twelve sons of Jacob, Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10), Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5), Hymenaeus and Alexander (1 Tim 1:20). Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. According to this translation, there are good and bad items in Isaac's blessing. He gives every appearance of being someone who believes the doctrine of his father, Isaac. Believers are not always faithful, kind, and loving. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/hebrews/11-20.htm, 39 His father Isaac answered him, Because we dont want you to incur expenditure for which you are not prepared, could you please confirm whether you are willing to pay this charge, if necessary? from off your neck.. 4 Things You May Not Know About Abraham in the Bible 20 Facts You May Not Know About Moses from the Bible Who Was Mary Magdalene in the Bible? Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. Why Isnt James 2:14 Referring to Saving Faith, but to Some Other Kind of Special Faith? Esau is a Hebrew word that can mean hairy and refers to Esau being born with red skin and lots of hair. 2. He also maintains his own blogrevkylenorman.ca. Dr. Donald Grey Barnhouse, Jacob and Esau, Part 2 Esau had no interest in spiritual things so he agreed, saying: I am at the point (about) to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? WebAnd you think you'll ever see heaven? From pernemi; a prostitute, i.e. How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times. Difficulty on this ground is removed if, taking the clause, "for he found no place of repentance," as parenthetical, we refer to , preceding. It Is So Painful to Care: How Do I Conquer Apathy? He. Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. Jacob, Esaus brother, was not a model of ethics or integrity, but he genuinely valued the things of God. At birth, Esau was red and hairy, and he became a wandering hunter, while Jacob was a shepherd. Make no mistake about it. From apo and didomi; to give away, i.e. However, not all brothers were rivals before they were even born. For that is what I am. Seeking the Gospel in Malachi, the Last Book of the Old Testament. [2] Kidner writes, Evidence from Nuzi shows that among contemporary Hurrians it was transferable, and in one such contract a brother pays three sheep for part of an inheritance.[3]. Can Martian regolith be easily melted with microwaves? Further, Paul speaks of God's rejection of Esau as an example of the way God predestines the reprobate to hell (Rom. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. Richard Allen: Freedom Without Equality Is Not Freedom at All. And they wept (Genesis 33:4). It is remarkable to see how redemption comes to these alienated twins. God raised them up as enemies to Solomon (1 Kings 11:14), and on one occasion, the Edomites cheered as Jerusalem fell (Psalm 137:7). This seems to be the view of many modern interpreters, though not of Bengel, De Wette, Bleek, Hofmann, Delitzsch, Alford, or of Luther, Calvin, Grotius, or any of the Greek Fathers. Copyright 2011-2023, Third Millennium Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved. Jacob feared that his children would never be free of Esau's domination, but God assured him that at the End of Days, Edom too would come falling down. That there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. In https://biblehub.com/genesis/27-39.htm, 12 versions translate it as "away from" fatness of the land and 7 versions say Esau would dwell in the fatness of the land. change of mind, in Isaac that is meant, or rather in God, against whose will Isaac could not go; cf. Just as Esau was hated from the womb without doing any wrong, Jacob was also chosen from the womb without doing anything good. WebSee that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. Hebrews 12:15-16 states that Esau was a godless man who fell short of God's grace. Jesus said to Peter, a regenerate man, Get behind Me, Satan! (Matt 16:23). Genesis: Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Pentateuch by John Goldingay. The story of how Esau became such a big rival with his brother Jacob and what happened to him later creates one of the great stories of the Old Testament. Genesis 28-31 describes Jacobs adventures in Paddan Aram, including marrying two wives and amassing his own fortune as a herdsman. Concerning the expression in Rom 9:13, Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated, (Gods hatred, by the way, is a figure of speech here. WebEsau not only was immoral, but was godless. Instead, Esau forgave Jacob and they reconnected. 9:10ff. WebEsau focused more on earthly things than on the things of God. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. The night before they met, God appeared to Jacob and named him Israel, an experience that humbled Jacob but confirmed God was still with him and would carry on the covenant through Jacob (Genesis 32:22-32). Just because he sought for it with tears does not indicate sincerity or true remorse. Rather than being continuously at odds, what if the two chose to bless each other instead? Then the Lord extends mercy to Cain and puts a sign on him so that no one would kill him. (12:1617). Can we find anything redeemable in the story of these two warring brothers? the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. Jacobs descendants become known as the Israelites, while Esaus descendants are termed EdomitesAlthough Esau is the older of the two, Gods redemptive activity follows Jacobs line. Abraham, a direct descendant of Noahs son Shem, lived in Harran (Genesis 11:27-32), but God commanded him to set out to new territory (Genesis 12:1-4). A survey of Old Testament introduction (3rd. Third Edition. Their skills and aptitudes are gifts of God. This article is also available and sold as a booklet. A moment later, Jacob came out with his hand around Esaus heel (Genesis 25:25-26). This is typically understood by commentators as indicating that Esau was not elect to eternal life, but that he was a reprobate who is now in hell. The blessing also served as a prophetic proclamation of how God would act on behalf of the individual, and the family. Who Were the 12 Disciples of Jesus? This article is part of our People from the Bible Series featuring the most well-known historical names and figures from Scripture. And Adah bore to Esau, Eliphaz; Basemath bore Reuel; and Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. But, unlike the blessings to Jacob, Esau's blessing had no Messianic implications and his descendents would be subordinate to those of Jacob. When God (the Reconciliation is never instantaneous. . vegan) just to try it, does this inconvenience the caterers and staff? WebOur Father in Heaven, who knew us all before we were born, answered: Two nations are in thy womb, Esau was born first, but in the womb Jacob took hold on Esaus heel (Gen 25:26). By his instructive example, Esau warns us to hold firm to what is truly valuable, even if it means rebuking the desires of the flesh. His son Isaac married Rebekah, one of Abrahams relatives in Harran (Genesis 24). Jacob put on Esaus clothes and goatskin on his hands, took some food his mother had made, and went to his father (Genesis 27:5-17). Hebrews12:17 speaks of Esau's repentance, but also says that it was not genuine. We must cast our vision upon Gods presence and activity. Esau grunted, as his stomach began to growl. When Jacob returns after two decades away, Esau embraces him and receives him lovingly. But this is not what we see with Jacob, nor in fact, is that what we see in any hero of faith. They wept, and Esau asked about the animals Jacob had sent, protesting that he didnt need a gift (33:4-9). Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. Esau was not chosen to be in the line of the Messiah. After the loss of his blessing, Esau breathes murderous threats upon his brother. Esau is the consummate hunter. Welcome to Grace in Focus radio. WebEsau [a] is the elder son of Isaac in the Hebrew Bible. Isaac told him that he could not bless him, and when Esau demanded something and wept, Isaac said the following: Your dwelling will be away from the earths richness, away from the dew of heaven above. Im famished! (Genesis 25:30). Zane had a different way of viewing the Scriptures and it thrilled me. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! Worried this was an army coming to kill him, Jacob sent out a gift of livestock to Esau and cautiously began moving toward a place where they could meet. The boys grew, each pursuing different occupations. All rights reserved. He selfishly wanted Gods blessings, but he did not want God. Esau chose hunting and agriculture, while Jacob preferred the breeding and tending of animals. till God thunders upon them out of heaven. Numbers 3:5-12); and to the line of the firstborn would seem to belong that "blessing of Abraham" (Genesis 28:4) which every one who shared Abraham's faith would earnestly desire to possess. WebEsau is a Hebrew word that can mean hairy and refers to Esau being born with red skin and lots of hair. Eastons Bible Dictionary observes that he was also called Edom, meaning God chose the younger Jacob to carry on the Abrahamic Covenant, while Esau was providentially excluded from the Messianic lineage (Romans 9:11-14). Genesis 25:30 says Esau gained the name Edom (red) because he sold his birthright for red stew. If Jacob believed in the coming Messiah for eternal life, wouldnt it be likely that his brother, Esau, would have as well? Importantly, this may take some time. WebAccording to Genesis 27:39-40, Isaac did extend to Esau the following blessing. This is because of the prophecies of Ovadyahu, more specifically, this verse: Obadiah 1:18 Just as we might wonder what it may have looked like if Jacob and Esau had worked together, we might also ponder what their relationship might have been if Isaac and Rebekah had loved their children equally. Genesis: An Introduction and Commentary (Vol. This article is part of our People of Christianity catalog that features the stories, meaning, and significance of well-known people from the Bible and history. He would enjoy abundance Plenty of corn and wine abundance of the bounty of the earth. 6. Changing Theological Landscapes (Heb 13:8). One day he had made some of his delicious stew that everyone liked. Have We Turned Our Favorite Preachers and Teachers into Idols? Jacobs life is rarely devoid of struggle or hardship. How to use Slater Type Orbitals as a basis functions in matrix method correctly? ed., p. 179). On Jacobs insistence, he took the gift and returned home (Genesis 33:10-12). That made him the primary inheritor of Isaacs estate. WebOnce when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted. Please be aware that these items are sent out from our office in the UK. Many passages teach that God will accept anyone who is repentant toward him. A fornicator, man who prostitutes himself. AC Op-amp integrator with DC Gain Control in LTspice, Linear Algebra - Linear transformation question. It is also the essential division that the Lord affirmed at the beginning of this book, when he said, Yet I have loved Jacob but Esau I have hated (1:23). ; Luke 13:24, etc.). Hypothetically Jacob, the chosen one, might have been unregenerate and Esau, the one not chosen, might have been regenerate. . Commentary on Genesis 28:6-9 (Read Genesis 28:6-9) Good examples impress even the profane and malicious. Esau swore to give Jacob his birthright, and he got his meal. serve your brother; And it shall come to pass, when you become However, this does not mean we should not repent of our wrongdoing, forgive our wrongdoers, and work toward reconciling. As famous siblings go in the Bible, Jacob and Esau rate up there with Cain and Abel. 45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; 46 on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. In the New Testament, Esaus decision to sell his birthright is utilized as an illustration of ungodlinessa godless person who will put worldly attractions over spiritual blessings (Hebrews 12:15-17). As recently as 2021, archeologists are struggling to find evidence that the Edomites existed. Why was a fathers blessing so highly valued in the Old Testament? Could there be a blessing coming from an unexpected place in our life? WebThe gist of the prophecy is actually a curse, predicting that Esau's descendants would dwell away from fertile lands and plentiful rainfall, live in near-constant conflict, and serve [3] Kidner, D. (1967). We have compiled these articles to help you study those whom God chose to set before us as examples in His Word. Esau, also called Edom, in the Old Testament (Genesis 25:1934; 27; 28:69; 32:321; 33:116; 36), son of Isaac and Rebekah, elder twin brother of Jacob, and in Hebrew tradition the ancestor of the Edomites. Here at Grace to You Europe we take our data protection responsibilities very seriously and, as you would expect, have undertaken a significant programme of work to ensure that we are ready for this important legislative change. ncdu: What's going on with this second size column? The more positive events of his life, such as his vision of the angelic ladder, his marrying of Rachel, and his wrestling with the angel of the Lord, all occur against the backdrop of his constant deceit. Esau, by giving away his birthright, gave away cows, sheep, goats, land, servants, money, and his family blessing for one bowl of stew that probably made his stomach hurt all night. While not very strategically minded (he did after all trade his birthright for a bowl of stew), he is resourceful and skilled. As he prepares to meet Esau, Jacob prays I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown to your servant I am afraid that Esau will attack me, and also the mothers with their children (Genesis 32: 10-12). 2, p. 24, italics added). [1] How Is Harry Potter a Literary Christ Figure? Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. As Jacob and Esau grew, they became very different individuals. As Jacob journeys to be reunited with Esau (Genesis 33), we see a shift in his personality. In Hebrew culture, grasping the heel was a figurative way to express deception.