Why Esau Despised His Birthright and the Blood That Pursued Him

(Genesis 25:32:) "And Esau said: Behold, I am going to die." Abraham had died, and the Holy Spirit says (Jeremiah 22:10): "Do not weep for the dead, weep bitterly for him who goes away." (Genesis 25:32, continued:) "And of what use is this birthright to me?" And the Holy Spirit says (Psalms 109:17): "He loved a curse, and it came upon him; he did not desire a blessing, and it was far from him." How did the firstborn offer sacrifices? Before the Tabernacle was set up, the service was performed by the firstborn, and everyone who offered was worthy to be blessed, as it is said (Exodus 20:24): "An altar of earth [you shall make for Me]... I will come to you and bless you." Esau said: That man wants neither to offer sacrifice nor to be blessed. The prophet said to him (Ezekiel 35:6): "Because you hated blood, blood shall pursue you." Rabbi Levi said in the name of Rabbi Hanina ben Hama: This is the blood of the sacrifices, which he hated to offer to the Holy One, blessed be He. But our Rabbis say: This is the blood of circumcision, for he drew a foreskin over himself, as it is said (Psalms 55:21): "He put forth his hand against those at peace with him; he profaned his covenant."