Edom vs. Esau

Attribute	Edom	Esau
Descendants	Edomites	Edomites
Brother of	Jacob	Jacob
Region	Southern Jordan	Unknown
Character	Warlike	Impulsive
Relationship with Jacob	Strained	Strained

Background

Edom and Esau are two figures from the Bible who are often associated with each other due to their familial relationship. Esau was the eldest son of Isaac and Rebekah, making him the older brother of Jacob. Edom, on the other hand, refers to the descendants of Esau and the nation that emerged from his lineage. Both figures play significant roles in biblical narratives and are often used as symbols of certain attributes or characteristics.

Physical Attributes

Esau is described in the Bible as a rugged and hairy man, contrasting with his smooth-skinned and more refined brother Jacob. This physical description is often used to symbolize Esau's more primal and earthy nature compared to Jacob's cunning and strategic mindset. In contrast, Edom as a nation is often associated with the color red, which is believed to be a reference to Esau's red and hairy appearance at birth. This connection to the color red is seen in the name Edom itself, which means "red" in Hebrew.

Temperament

Esau is often portrayed as impulsive and driven by his immediate desires, as seen in the story where he sells his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew. This impulsive nature leads to Esau losing out on his inheritance and blessings, highlighting his lack of foresight and long-term thinking. In contrast, Edom as a nation is often depicted as proud and arrogant, refusing to allow the Israelites passage through their land despite being distant relatives. This stubbornness and pride are seen as defining characteristics of the Edomites.

Relationship with God

Esau's relationship with God is complex, as he is both favored and punished by God throughout the biblical narrative. Despite being the chosen son of Isaac, Esau's impulsive actions lead to him losing out on the blessings that were meant for him. This loss is seen as a consequence of Esau's lack of reverence for his birthright and blessings. Similarly, Edom as a nation is often portrayed as being in opposition to God's will, with the prophets condemning them for their pride and arrogance. This antagonistic relationship with God leads to Edom's eventual downfall and destruction.

Legacy

Esau's legacy is one of missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential, as he is often seen as a cautionary tale of what happens when one prioritizes immediate gratification over long-term goals. Despite being the eldest son of Isaac, Esau loses out on his birthright and blessings due to his impulsive nature. This legacy is carried on by the nation of Edom, which is often portrayed as a symbol of pride and arrogance in opposition to God's will. The downfall of Edom serves as a warning to those who prioritize worldly success over spiritual fulfillment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the attributes of Edom and Esau are intertwined in their shared history and familial relationship. Esau's impulsive nature and lack of foresight are reflected in the proud and arrogant nature of the Edomites as a nation. Both figures serve as cautionary tales of the consequences of prioritizing immediate desires over long-term goals and spiritual fulfillment. By examining the attributes of Edom and Esau, we can gain insight into the complexities of human nature and the importance of humility and reverence in our relationship with God.