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Who is Esau, or Edom, for God has declared "every one of the Mount (or House) of Esau may, or shall, be cut off by slaughter," (see Obadiah. 9) and that "there shall not be any remaining of the House of Esau,* for the Lord has spoken it." (Verse 18)
God confirms this and says
"Amalek was first of the nations , (Amalek was son of Eliphaz, and grandson to Edom or Esau, but his latter end shall be that he perish forever," and this corresponds with Obadiah and all the rest of the Prophets.
Esau, or Edom, See Gen. 27:30 and 36. Gen. 36:9 and 12 Num. 24:20
According to biblical chronology, Esau and Jacob—sons of Isaac and Rebekah—were born in the early 19th century BCE (around 1873 or 1836 BCE), placing them in the Middle Bronze Age.
During the Early Bronze Age (c. 3000–1550 BCE), the Levant was home to organized farming communities with developed agriculture, including olive and wine production, along with the use of pottery and stone tools.
While some alternative archaeological models suggest earlier timelines, the 19th-century BCE framework remains standard in biblical chronology. Esau is said to have married around age 40 (c. 1833 or 1796 BCE), during the patriarchal period before the Israelites’ later presence in Egypt.
Esau is traditionally regarded as the ancestor of the Edomites.
A major famine during Jacob’s lifetime, dated roughly to 1874–1867 BCE in traditional chronology, affected the entire Levant.
Around 1872 BCE, during its second year, Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to obtain grain, as described in Genesis. This famine is often associated with Egypt’s 12th Dynasty, when Joseph was about 37–39 years old.
As the famine continued, Jacob eventually moved his entire household to Egypt for survival, with five years of famine still remaining. This migration is presented in the biblical narrative as a response to crisis rather than an exile.
Similarities between the biblical account of Esau and various narratives in Greek mythology
Themes of sibling rivalry, divine fate, and the hunter archetype.
The Mythological Twin Conflict: Similar to the Greek myth of Castor and Pollux or Apollo and Artemis, Esau and Jacob are twins characterized by sharp contrasts in personality and function.
The Wild Hunter vs. The Sophisticated Brother: Esau is portrayed as a skilled hunter, a man of the field. This aligns with Greek figures like Artemis (goddess of the hunt) or the mortal hunter Actaeon, contrasting with Jacob, who is portrayed as more sedentary or cunning, similar to the intellectual Apollo.
Destiny and Pre-ordained Conflict: Before their birth, it was prophesied that Esau would serve his younger brother, Jacob.
This resonates with the pervasive Greek theme of Moira (fate) or Pronoia (foreknowledge), where destinies are fixed by divine will regardless of personal effort, similar to the prophecies surrounding Oedipus or the twins in various myths.
Esau as a "Foreign" or "Hellenic" Ancestor: Some traditions, such as those found in the Book of Jasher and Rabbinic thought, suggest that descendants of Esau (like his grandson Zepho) traveled to the land of Kittim (Italy/Greece) and became kings there, associating Edom with future Greek/Roman power.
"Red" Symbolism: Esau is called Edom ("red") because he sold his birthright for red stew. In mythology, red is often associated with raw life force, blood, and earthy passion, differentiating him from the "cooler" or more spiritualized, favored brother (Jacob/Israel).
Physical Vulnerability (Esau/Achilles): The story of Esau’s birth, where Jacob holds Esau’s heel, has been compared to the myth of Achilles, who was dipped in the River Styx but held by the heel, leaving a single spot of vulnerability. Both stories highlight that even strong figures have inherent weaknesses
In Jewish tradition and rabbinic literature, Esau—the brother of Jacob—is frequently identified as the ancestor of Rome (Edom) and a symbolic precursor to the Roman worldview.
The comparisons often focus on the conflict between spiritual ideals and worldly power, with Esau representing the "way of the flesh" and brute force, mirroring Rome's character.
It is also linked to elements of Edom becoming the Herodian Dynasty then their involvement with the Roman Flavian Dynasty linking, Idumeans and Rome while helping to spread Christianity- and use it as Imperial power.
Goddess Asherah Queen of Heaven- Mother of Creation, YHWY
Similarities between Esau and Roman mythology/history
Progenitor of Rome (Edom = Rome): Rabbis in the Talmud and Midrash commonly refer to Rome as "Edom," identifying Esau as the ancestor of the Roman Empire. Some legends even connect Roman origins to Zepho, a grandson of Esau.
The "Hairy/Red" Twins & Conflict: Esau was born red and hairy and fought with his twin, Jacob, while in the womb. This mirrors the tale of Romulus and Remus, the twins who founded Rome, which was marked by intense sibling rivalry and bloodshed.
A "Man of the Sword": Esau is depicted as a skilled hunter, violent, and closely associated with the sword. This aligns with Rome’s depiction in Jewish tradition as a violent, blood-thirsty nation—the epitome of military power (hands of Esau) rather than spiritual power (voice of Jacob).
Founders of Worldly Power/Empire: Esau is considered the ancestor of a powerful, worldly nation (the Edomites) that established kingdoms before Israel did. Rome similarly focused on earthly power, prosperity, and imperial expansion.
Disdain for Covenantal Inheritance: Esau despised his birthright, trading it for immediate physical gratification (a bowl of stew). This is interpreted as a preference for the material world, often viewed in Jewish thought as a "pagan" Roman mindset that rejected the spiritual commitment of the Torah.
Reconciliation and Underlying Aggression: Although Esau seemingly makes peace with Jacob (Gen 33:4), rabbinic commentary suggests this embrace was fraught with hidden hostility. This mirrors the ambivalent, often treacherous, political relationship between Rome and the Jewish people, often marked by violent subjection.
Esau - Edom - Adom - Red
While the name is commonly spelled and pronounced Edom, it is intrinsically linked to the Hebrew word adom (red)
Children of Abraham
Abraham had eight sons through three different women:
Through Hagar (Sarah's servant): Ishmael: The firstborn, considered the patriarch of the Arab people. He had 12 sons who became tribal leaders.
Through Sarah (his wife): Isaac: The "son of promise" and primary heir to the covenant. He was the father of twins Esau and Jacob.
Through Keturah (his second wife): Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. These sons are often linked to various North Arabian tribes.
The biblical lineage through Isaac leads to King David and Jesus
Isaac: Married Rebekah; they had two sons:
Esau head of the Edomites, and Jacob later known as Israel.
According to tradition and biblical analysis, Jacob was making lentil stew (or pottage) as a meal of mourning following the death of his grandfather, Abraham. Lentils, due to their round shape, symbolize the cycle of life and were customary for mourners. While cooking, his famished brother Esau arrived, leading to the infamous trade of the stew for Esau’s birthright.
Mourning Ritual: The stew was likely part of a traditional meal prepared for his father, Isaac, following Abraham's death.
The "Red" Dish: The stew was likely red lentils, which are hearty and were likely easy to cook.
Symbolism: Lentils are said to symbolize the cycle of life/death, as well as mourning, because of their round, tear-like shape.
The Trade: The meal was so desirable (or Esau so desperate) that Esau agreed to sell his birthright (inheritance rights) for a bowl of it
Isaac reveals to a distraught Esau that Jacob deceitfully stole his blessing. Esau bitterly notes that Jacob (meaning "supplanter" or "heel-grasper") has cheated Esau twice:
. -Isaac to Esau- Genesis 27:35–36
“Your brother came deceitfully and has taken away your blessing.” Then Esau said to his father Isaac
“Is he not rightly named Jacob, for he has supplanted me these two times? He took away my birthright, and behold, now he has taken away my blessing. Have you not reserved a blessing for me?
This passage highlights the culmination of Jacob's deception (orchestrated with his mother Rebekah) to obtain the covenant blessing meant for the firstborn, setting the stage for deep animosity between the brothers and all of Jewish history.
Genesis 27:37, Isaac tells Esau that he cannot revoke the blessing mistakenly given to Jacob.
Isaac making Jacob master over first born Esau, granted Jacob all of Esau's servants, and guaranteed him abundance, leaving no blessing left to give.
Divine Plan: Though Isaac meant to bless Esau, God had chosen Jacob to receive the promise.
Irrevocable Blessing: Isaac tells Esau the blessing given to Jacob cannot be revoked—Jacob is now Esau's master. Jacob receives authority over his brothers and abundance of “grain and new wine.”
Esau weeps bitterly, pleading for another blessing from his father.
Deception: Rebekah and Jacob deceive the blind Isaac to steal Esau’s blessing.
Aftermath: Esau receives a lesser blessing—he will serve Jacob, live by the sword, and later gain freedom.
Genesis 27:38:
Esau returns from hunting and realizes Jacob has already received the patriarchal blessing from their blind father, Isaac.
Esau is devastated, crying out with a "loud and bitter cry," and asks if Isaac has any blessing left for him Esau "lifted up his voice and wept," displaying intense emotion over the loss of his birthright blessing
While Isaac cannot take back the blessing given to Jacob, this verse highlights the emotional fallout of the deception and leads to Isaac giving Esau a different, non-farming prophecy.
In Genesis 27:39 (NIV), Isaac tells Esau, "Your dwelling will be away from the earth’s richness, away from the dew of heaven above." This prophecy signifies a life for Esau and his descendants (Edom) in a less fertile, arid land, separated from the agricultural abundance promised to Jacob.
Congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma (CIE), a form of Autosomal Recessive Congenital Ichthyosis (ARCI), does not show a strict racial predisposition, as it affects all ethnic groups and both sexes equally. However, certain populations have a higher incidence due to founder mutations or increased rates of consanguinity
Rabbeinu Bahya, Bereshit 27:40
(1) ועל חרבך תחיה, “and you will live (survive) by means of your sword.”
The phrase “you will live by your sword” reflects Isaac recognizing Esau’s nature as a hunter living in dangerous, wild lands. The “sword” symbolizes survival, warfare, and strength—qualities later associated with Esau’s descendants, who were seen as skilled in battle. This idea is also linked to the influence of Mars, representing violence and power.
Edomite skill in metalwork, especially copper, may have seemed mysterious or even like sorcery in early times. In contrast, the Torah emphasizes a different path for Jacob (Israel). The Israelite altar and Temple were to be built without iron tools, since iron symbolized war and destruction, while the Temple represented peace and endurance. Although gold, silver, and copper were used, iron was deliberately excluded, and no iron tools were heard during the Temple’s construction.
The relationship between Esau and Jacob is also conditional. Esau is told he will serve his brother, but only as long as Jacob is worthy. If Jacob fails to uphold his responsibilities, Esau will break free from his control. This interpretation aligns with the traditional translation that Esau’s freedom comes when Jacob’s descendants abandon the commandments.
According to Jewish tradition and midrashic literature (such as Targum Yonatan and Talmudic commentary), Esau was killed by Hushim, the son of Dan and grandson of Jacob.
The death occurred during the funeral of Isaac, when Esau attempted to block the burial of his father in the Cave of Machpelah, arguing he had the right to the burial plot.
The Action: Hushim, who was hard of hearing, did not understand the delay and, upon learning Esau was preventing the burial, killed him with a club.
Alternative Accounts: The Book of Jubilees (38:2) offers a different account, suggesting Jacob killed Esau with a bow and arrow during a battle between their families.
Note: The Bible (Genesis) does not explicitly record the death of Esau, only that he departed for Seir and later had descendants.
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