“They were a source of bitterness for Isaac and for Rebecca” (Genesis 26:35). “They were a source of bitterness” – why for Isaac first? Because Rebecca was the daughter of idolaters, she was not particular about the filth of idol worship. But this one, because he was the son of the holy, he was particular about the filth of idol worship.
That is why it was for Isaac first. Another matter, why for Isaac first? It is because the matter was attributable to her, as it is stated: “The Lord said to her: Two peoples are in your womb” (Genesis 25:23).3It was because of her lineage that one of the twins was wicked. That is why it was for Isaac first.
Another matter, why for Isaac first? It is because it is the way of women to sit inside the house, and the way of men to go out on the road and learn understanding from people. But this one, because his eyes dimmed, and he was sitting inside the house, that is why it was for Isaac first. Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi said: He [Esau] caused the Divine Spirit to depart from his parent.