Editing Jacob and Esau (section)

==Birthright==
[[File:Tissot The Mess of Pottage.jpg|thumb|The Mess of Pottage (watercolor circa 1896–1902 by [[James Tissot]])]]
In Genesis, Esau returned to his brother, Jacob, being famished from the fields. He begged his twin brother to give him some "red [[pottage]]" (paralleling his nickname, {{langx|he|אדום}}, ''adom'', meaning "red"). Jacob offered to give Esau a bowl of stew in exchange for his birthright (the right to be recognized as firstborn) and Esau agreed.{{sfn|Duffy|1909}}

The birthright (''bekorah'') has to do with both position and inheritance. By birthright, the [[Firstborn (Judaism)|firstborn]] son inherited the leadership of the family and the judicial authority of his father. Deuteronomy 21:17 states that he was also entitled to a [[double portion]] of the paternal inheritance.{{sfn|Easton|1893|p=100}}

In the interpretation of [[Daniel J. Elazar]], Esau acts impulsively: "Esau demonstrates that he does not deserve to be the one who continues Abraham's responsibilities and rewards under God's covenant, since he does not have the steady, thoughtful qualities which are required... Jacob shows his willingness as well as his greater intelligence and [[forethought]]... What he does is not quite honorable, though not illegal. The title that he gains is at least partially valid, although he is insecure enough about it to conspire later with his mother to deceive his father so as to gain the blessing for the first-born as well."{{sfn|Elazar|n.d.}}

Following Esau’s sale of his birthright<ref>{{Bibleverse|Genesis|25:29–34}}</ref>, the narrative notes a famine in the land<ref>{{Bibleverse|Genesis|26:1}}</ref>. Some theologians, such as John Calvin, view this as providential, suggesting the famine signals divine displeasure at Esau’s disregard for covenantal blessings.<ref>Calvin, John. ''Commentary on Genesis'', trans. John King. Eerdmans, 1948.</ref>

Later, Esau marries two wives, both [[Biblical Hittites|Hittite]] women, that is, locals, in violation of Abraham's (and God's) injunction not to take wives from among the Canaanite population. Again, one gets the sense of a headstrong person who acts impulsively, without sufficient thought.<ref>{{bibleverse||Genesis|26:34–35|HE}}</ref> His marriage is described as a vexation to both Rebekah and Isaac. Even his father, who has strong affection for him, is hurt by his act. According to [[Daniel J. Elazar]] this action alone forever rules out Esau as the bearer of patriarchal continuity. Esau could have overcome the sale of his birthright; Isaac was still prepared to give him the blessing due the firstborn. But acquiring foreign wives meant the detachment of his children from the Abrahamic line. Despite the deception on the part of Jacob and his mother to gain Isaac's patriarchal blessing, Jacob's vocation as Isaac's legitimate heir in the continued founding of the Jewish people is reaffirmed.

Elazar suggests the Bible indicates that a bright, calculating person, even if he is less than honest at times, is preferable as a founder over a bluff, impulsive one who cannot make discriminating choices.{{sfn|Elazar|n.d.}}