The Bartered Birthright

Genesis 25:27-34

And the boys grew up, and Esau became a man skilled in hunting, a man of the field, while Jacob was a wholesome man, dwelling in tents. And Isaac loved Esau, for the game was in his mouth, but Rebecca loved Jacob. And Jacob was cooking a stew, and Esau came in from the field, and he was weary. And Esau said to Jacob: Let me gulp down, please, some of that red, red stuff, for I am weary. Therefore his name was called Edom. And Jacob said: Sell me, as of this day, your birthright. And Esau said: Behold, I am going to die, so of what use to me is a birthright? And Jacob said: Swear to me as of this day. And he swore to him, and he sold his birthright to Jacob. And Jacob gave Esau bread and a stew of lentils, and he ate and drank, and rose and went his way. So Esau despised the birthright.

Themes

Original Sources

  • Genesis 25:27-34.

Biblical References