Genesis 25:27: “The boys grew up, and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was content to stay at home among the tents.”
The week after Abraham’s funeral, his two sons Ishmael and Isaac decided to go hunting together. Isaac loved the open country and so did Ishmael. Soon they found a small herd of Fallow deer. Ishmael, being the expert archer that he was, pointed and shot one of the deer while the rest of the herd dashed away. Proudly they brought the booty home and Rebekah turned it into a sumptuous spit roast. “You’re the best cook”, Isaac praised his wife with his mouth full. Ishmael nodded approvingly and said, “Now there’s a spit roast, if ever there was one!” Over dinner Ishmael told them the story of his mother Hagar. She had been visited by an angel somewhere between Kadesh and Bered. To commemorate this sacred event she had named the place “Beer Lahai Roi” which means “You are the God who sees me”. Isaac got all excited and said, “Wow, what a story!” It was a great family reunion. Ishmael seemed to have a good time and Isaac thoroughly enjoyed getting to know his older brother.
To keep in touch with Ishmael, Isaac and Rebekah decided to move back to Beer Lahai Roi. Their teenage sons liked the change. Jacob and Esau were different characters. Jacob was the quiet type, much like his father. He worked the field and looked after their flocks and herds while Esau preferred to explore the outdoors. He had become a skillful hunter. His uncle Ishmael liked to take him and his father on occasional hunting trips.
Jacob never joined their hunting trips and Isaac said to his wife: “Maybe you should convince Jacob to come along.” Rebekah shook her head and said: “Jacob is old enough to speak for himself. If he doesn’t want to go with you, that’s his decision. Honestly, I’m glad he runs things in your absence.” Isaac’s face turned slightly red. “What are you getting at?” he asked. When he received no answer he sat down with her and said, “Rebekah, believe me – I used to be a Momma’s boy. No wonder I had a hard time moving on after my mother’s death. I think Jacob spends too much time at home with you. He should join us and get a little taste of the open country.”
Rebekah gazed at her husband tenderly and observed: “I believe you have been a good husband to me”, she said, “I can’t see why you think of yourself less a man just because you happened to adore your mother. As far as I am concerned you have treated me right. As far as Jacob is concerned, I wouldn’t worry about him either. He is just as much a man as Esau. I don’t like it that you prefer him over Jacob.” Her husband got up from his seat, shook his head and countered: “And you clearly prefer Jacob over Esau.”
As long as Jacob could remember, he had stood in Esau’s shadow. His father seemed disinterested in him and obviously favored his twin brother. Hearing about his grandfather Abraham’s history with God, Jacob felt passed over. In his mind he had to fight for his blessings and wrestle his twin brother to gain access to divine favors. And Esau had something that he desired more than anything.
Jacob was stirring his Red lentil stew one day when Esau came home from hunting. He had his lentil recipe down to a fine art and its aroma teased Esau’s nose. He plopped down at the fireplace where Jacob was cooking and demanded: “Gimme some of that red stuff.” Inwardly Jacob fumed. “What red stuff exactly are you talking about,” he asked without taking his eyes off the stew. Esau snorted. “Don’t be ridiculous. You know exactly what I mean – the red stuff in your pot that has been stewing for hours!” Jacob eyed his brother coldly. “So you want some of my stew?” – “Yes”, Esau snapped. “I’m famished, can you please hurry up and give me a bowlful.”
Jacob closed the lid of the kettle and reached for one of the wooden bowls he had set aside. A slow smile lightened up his face as an idea began to form in his head. He thought to himself: “Let’s test the waters and see how far he will go to have a bowl of my lentil soup.” Turning to Esau he said: “How about you sell me your birthright for a bowl of my delicious red lentil stew?” Esau’s face reddened with fury. “Stop it, Jacob! You have made your point, you’re a great cook, now give me something to eat!” Jacob cocked his head and calmly replied: “Only if you sell me your birthright. If you do, then …” Frustrated Esau interrupted him saying: “What good is a birthright when I die of hunger. Whatever, dude! Go ahead, you can have my birthright. Now give me something to eat or I will wipe your smug grin from your face.” Jacob was not intimidated. “Swear it”, he said. Exasperated, Esau said, “I swear” and demanded: “Can I have my meal now?!” Jacob dished him a generous portion of the stew and also served him some freshly baked bread.
After his meal, Esau left and thought nothing of what had just happened. In his mind he had bigger fish to fry. Among the locals he had spotted a beautiful girl that he liked. He planned to bring this up with his father. Just recently the twin brothers had turned forty – a good age to get married. As far as Esau was concerned, he had already made up his mind about the girl and he was sure that his father would support him. After all, he would always get his way.